The name Umbria comes from the Umbris, a group of ancient people who lived in the area. The land of Umbria is predominantly hilly and mountainous, and it is cut by many rivers, including the Tevere and the Nero. It is bordered to the north and east by the Marches; to the south by Latium; and to the west by Latium and Tuscany. The most populated areas of Umbria are the Umbra Valley and the Basin of Terni. It is one of the only regions of Italy without a coastline, making it an agricultural center also known as the "Green Heart of Italy."

Lately, however, Umbria has been called "the new Tuscany" because it has the art, churches and cuisine of Tuscany without the barrage of tourists. Assisi is second to Rome for religious pilgrimages in Italy, but aside from Assisi, the towns of Umbria are quiet and charming.

Umbria has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Rain and snow are common, especially in the Apennines. The best time to visit Umbria is in the spring or summer with Spoleto's Festival of Two Worlds and Perugia's Umbria Jazz Festival. The culinary delights are at their best during the winter, and though the region can be very cold, winter is the best time to get to know the unassuming Umbria and its people.

Links: http://www.regione.umbria.it

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