Perugia is not only considered the largest, but also the most beautiful city in Umbria. The old town, located on a 450-metre-high hill, offers a view all the way to the mountain ranges of the Apennines. The city of 150,000 inhabitants is rich in history and presents itself as multifaceted, cosmopolitan and full of charm and character.

History at your fingertips

The history of Perugia dates back to the Paleolithic Age. A first settlement existed in today’s city area as early as the 11th century BC. The roots of the city can be traced back to the 6th century BC. At that time, the Etruscans founded the first larger settlement.

Perugia developed into one of the most important cities of the Etruscans thanks to its strategic position. On a tour of the city, visitors can still convince themselves of the former heyday. The historical sights are concentrated along the Piazza Grande.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can do so at Perugia’s Archaeological Museum. In the monastery of San Domenico you can admire ceramics and tombstones from the Etruscan period.

Defiant walls and babbling fountains

The city center is surrounded by two rings of walls. The fortifications built by the Etruscans date back to the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, there was a medieval fortification ring with five city gates, which extended over more than six kilometers.

The Porta Marzia is a preserved city gate from Etruscan times. In the 15th century, another Etruscan city gate, Porta Trasimena, was renovated. At the highest point of the city is the Porta Sole, one of the oldest city gates, which today is also characterized by medieval architecture.

The part of the city wall built by the Etruscans is called Arco Etrusco. In the immediate vicinity of the historic walls, the Fontana Maggiore rises on Piazza IV Novembre, probably the most beautiful fountain in the city of Perugia.

Proud buildings

One of the most important religious buildings in the city is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The foundation stone for the church was laid in the middle of the century 14th century. The interior decoration dates mainly from the end of the 15th century. The construction work was completed in 1587 without really having come to an end. One of the most important pieces of decoration is, in addition to the pulpit, a statue of Pope Julius III.

The church of Sant’ Angelo dates back to the 5th century. It is a rotunda. The city’s cathedral was completed in 1490 and is considered a prime example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral also includes an extensive seminar and chapter complex. In 12. and In the 13th century, Perugia hosted five conclaves.

Perugia for art connoisseurs

Art lovers can visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria, the most important art gallery in the region. In 2018, the institution celebrated its 100th anniversary. The museum is housed in a Gothic-style mansion.

Visitors enter the exhibition through a richly decorated portal. The interior is dominated by works by Umbrian and Central Italian artists. The treasury houses works by Gentile da Fabbriano or Piero della Francesca. The collection is complemented by Umbrian masterpieces by Pinturicchio and Perugino.

In the adjoining building, the tour continues to the Collegio del Cambio. The medieval exchange office is decorated with numerous frescoes.

City of contrasts

It is not only the numerous students who give the city its very own colour. Perugia can also be explored underground. The path system leads through the foundation of an old fortress and is often the scene of events and exhibitions.

In a city where time seems to have stood still, escalators are less suspected, and yet they also shape the cityscape. Escalators provide the connection between the upper town and the old town. Past a historic backdrop, the path leads up to the historic city center.

In Goethe’s footsteps

At the gates of the city lies Lake Trasimeno, a popular local recreation area. Historically, the water gained importance when Hannibal inflicted heavy losses on the Romans here in 217 BC. The German prince of poets also seemed taken with the water. Goethe is said to have highly praised Lake Trasimeno on his trip to Italy in 1786.

Today, people are drawn to the lake in summer to swim. In winter, the nearby Monte Vettone with its 2,500-metre-high summit is considered a much-visited ski area.

Attention those with a sweet tooth – Perugia in a festive mood

Not to be missed is the tasting of Baci Perugina. The hazelnut pralines produced by the traditional company, which was founded in 1907, are known far beyond the borders of Perugia.

There is even a festival dedicated to sweet seduction. If you travel to Umbria in October, you can attend the Eurochocolate, the festival of chocolate. Those with a sweet tooth will find a wide range of chocolate specialties that can be tasted and serve as popular souvenirs.

Music lovers visit the annual Umbria Jazz festival. National and international artists who have dedicated themselves to jazz or blues perform there.

The surrounding area of Perugia is the scene of the sagre between August and the end of October. The weekly events resemble a harvest festival. The celebrations are usually held in the open air. Regional dishes are served with mushroom dishes, risotto or truffles

Emilia-Romagna stretches between the Po, Veneto, Lombardy and the Adriatic Sea. The northern Italian region not only presents itself as an attractive destination with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, but also enchants with its rich cultural heritage. Vibrant cities meet authentic, small villages, traditions are maintained and historical sights characterize the historic region, which looks back on an eventful history and at the same time has made a name for itself as the home of the major Italian sports car brands and motorcycle manufacturers.

Emilia-Romagna – the underrated natural paradise

As one of the greenest regions in Italy, the region inspires with a fascinating variety of landscapes. From the forests of the Apennines to the pine forests on the coast, the region is home to two national parks, numerous nature reserves and 15 ski resorts. Emilia-Romagna invites you to outdoor activities all year round with its numerous hiking trails, bridle paths, mountain bike trails, ski resorts, snow parks and adventure parks.

The Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park is a cross-regional national park that has already been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. With 22,000 hectares of natural landscapes, a fascinatingly diverse flora and fauna, unspoilt beech and chestnut forests, glacial lakes and impressive waterfalls, the national park makes the hearts of nature lovers beat faster.

But also the National Park Forest Castentinesi, as well as the cross-regional nature park Sasso Simone e Simoncello, the 14 regional parks and the 17 state nature reserves as well as the regional park of the Po Delta invite you to extensive exploration tours and inspire with their biodiversity.

Historic cities with flair

When it comes to the most beautiful cities in Emilia-Romagna, it is difficult to rank, because each city has its own charm. From the romantic small town to the capital Bologna , all the cities in the region inspire with their rich historical heritage and so history often seems to be within reach in the alleys of the old towns. But the comforts of our time are not neglected either.

Bologna – the proud capital and university city

In the Middle Ages, Bologna was one of the most important cities in Italy and this is still reflected in the cityscape today. Magnificent medieval buildings are lined up along cobblestone alleys. The impressive buildings can be found in the centrally located Piazza Maggiore, including the Basilica di San Petronio with its art treasures. The Palazzo del Podestá with its colonnade is also one of the attractions of the city. Likewise, the Archiginnasio is located right next to the cathedral and is considered the most important and impressive sight of the city, because it was the rooms of the oldest university in Europe. The lively city has a lot to offer and so architecture enthusiasts, history buffs and shop-hungry visitors alike get their money’s worth here.

Ravenna – the historic World Heritage City

Ravenna is also one of the cities that everyone should visit at least once. Located in the east of the province, the city shines with huge mosaics that brought the small town world fame. These art treasures have long since been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List , because the mosaics decorated with precious stones and gold leaf are unique. But the basilicas of the city also impress with numerous art treasures and a visit to the Museo Arcivescovile e Cappella di Sant’Andrea should not be missed. Art lovers can also follow in Dante’s footsteps and visit, among other things, the Dante Museum and the tomb of the important Italian poet and philosopher.

Rimini – the underrated jewel

When you think of Rimini, you often think only of sun, beach and sea, parties and celebrities. But away from the beach line, Rimini has fascinating sights to offer. Rimini’s old town surprises with numerous sights from Roman times, including the Tiberius Bridge, which has crossed the Marecchia River for over 2,000 years. An absolute highlight is also the former fish district Borgo San Giuliano. Here you will not only find lovingly renovated houses, but also for street art and film fans, the district is an absolute must. But a walk along the promenade is also worthwhile, because at its end there is the Arch of Augustus, one of the oldest preserved arches of honour in Italy.

Ferrara – the authentic World Heritage City

With the iconic Castello Estense, which rises majestically above the city and offers a fantastic view of the city, Ferrara is one of the most beautiful cities in the region. With an architectural mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture, the charming little town inspires at first sight. If you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you can discover a lot. Highlights such as the largely car-free former Jewish quarter or the city’s cathedral leave lasting impressions.

Tips – from handicrafts to culinary delights

Traditions are maintained in the province of Emilia-Romagna and ancient knowledge and crafts are passed on to the next generation. Accordingly, it is worthwhile to walk off the beaten track and, for example, visit the Stamperia Artigiana Marchi in Santarcangelo di Romagna. Historical fabric presses and handmade wooden stamps and traditional tools are still used here. But also in other cities and villages you can visit workshops of artisans who maintain old crafts to this day. Traditional festivals are also still celebrated in the region and so it is always worth taking a look at the calendar of events. Gourmets, on the other hand, should not miss out on shopping at the regional weekly markets as well as a visit to a restaurant or two, because the specialties of the province of Emilia-Romagna literally melt in your mouth and make every gourmet go into raptures.

Riva del Garda is a popular holiday resort on the northern shore of Lake Garda in Italy. This is largely due to the unique location of the village: located directly on the lake, surrounded by impressive high mountains. In addition, there is the engaging mentality of the locals, which is a mixture of Italian lightness and Austrian down-to-earthness.

Although Riva has only about 16,000 inhabitants, the town is the second largest town on Lake Garda. Holidaymakers will find numerous sports and excursion opportunities, interesting cultural offers and various events throughout the year.

Interesting facts from the history of Riva

Riva del Garda has only been part of Italy since 1919, until then Riva was part of the Austro-Hungarian Kingdom. During this time, the city was considered the fortress of the kingdom. Accordingly, it was fiercely fought over and destroyed in the 1st World War.
In 1888, the Austrian physician Christoph von Hartungen founded a sanatorium in Riva on the basis of homeopathy, which quickly became extremely popular with celebrities such as the Manns, Franz Kafka, Sigmund Freud and Rudolf Steiner.

How to reach Riva del Garda

By car, take the A222 Brennero motorway south to the “Rovereto Sud – Lago di Garda Nord” exit. From the toll booth, take the SS240 state road and follow it to the town of Nago. There you will find a roundabout where you take the Torbole exit. In Torbole you will find another roundabout, which you leave by taking the exit to Riva. After about 2 km on this road, you will pass through a road tunnel that will take you directly to the entrance to Riva.

It is easier to travel by train, even if Riva itself no longer has an active train station. Take the train to Rovereto, 20 km away. From there, a regular bus runs to Riva.

The nearest international airport is in Verona. There you can take the bus to the train station or take a rental car.

Find suitable accommodation in Riva del Garda

Although the town is relatively small, you have a large selection of hotels of all price ranges, both directly in the town centre and just outside Riva and therefore quietly located.

If you prefer a holiday apartment or holiday home, you also have a wide choice in Riva del Garda. The offer ranges from luxurious accommodation in old villas to functionally furnished apartments. In many of these accommodations, your pets are also welcome, but please inquire beforehand. You will also find barrier-free holiday homes or apartments in Riva.

Beaches in Riva del Garda

You will look in vain for sandy beaches here. However, there are two beautiful pebble beaches, Spiaggia dei Pini and Spiaggia Sabbioni, with very good infrastructure – sunbathing lawn, supervised bathing facilities, toilets and showers as well as a beach bar. These beaches stretch along the northern shore of the lake, parallel to a shore cycle path. They can be reached on foot from the old town in 5 minutes. A sailing school rents boats, canoes and SUPs. However, dogs are not allowed there.

Attractions in Riva

The landmark of the city is the 34 m high Torre Apponale, which dates back to the 13th century.

Originally built in the 12th century, the city fortress of La Rocca was built directly on the lakeshore. In the 19th century, the Austrians rebuilt it and used it as barracks. Today it is home to the Alto Garda Museum. This museum houses the three permanent exhibitions: Landscape Painting on Lake Garda, Archaeology and Rooms of History of Riva del Garda and the Lower Sarca Valley.

From the outside, the 17th-century church dell’ Inviolata looks rather inconspicuous. It was built by an unknown Portuguese architect. Inside, it is lavishly decorated with frescoes, stucco, gilding and marble.

A walk along the lakeside promenade with its numerous shops, restaurants and café should definitely be part of your holiday programme.

Probably the most beautiful square in the old town, Piazza III. It is surrounded by arcades, directly on the lake. Around the square are three historic palazzi from the 14. or 15th century.

Attractions around Riva del Garda

North of Riva is the 100 m high Varone waterfall. There, in an imposing erosion gorge, the water plunges to the ground at breathtaking speed.

The Sentiero della Pace leads to Monte Brione, a curiously shaped rock that separates Riva from the neighboring town of Torbole. On this mountain plateau lies an old fortress from Austrian times. In addition, you have a fantastic view over Lake Garda from there. There is both a very nice, well-marked hiking trail and a paved bike path to get there.

About 200 m above Riva, on Monte Rocchetta, the remains of the Venetian fortress Bastione are enthroned. Since 2020, you can reach it with a panoramic elevator.
The Ponale Road is a beautiful cycling and hiking trail on the northern shore of Lake Garda. The road connection between Riva and the Ledro Valley, built in the middle of the 19th century, was carved into the rock of the cliffs above Riva. Today, it may only be used by bicycles and pedestrians. The route from Riva to Lake Ledro takes about 1.5 hours by bike.

Sports facilities in Riva del Garda and surroundings

Due to the reliable winds, Lake Garda offers ideal conditions for sailors and surfers. The imposing mountain landscape around the lake attracts climbers and mountain bikers in summer and skiers in winter.

Santa Margherita Ligure is a small town in northern Italy with just under 10,000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, Santa Margherita Ligure is a true pearl. The city, which is only 35 kilometres from the metropolis of Genoa , has such picturesque architecture that Italian feature films and series have been filmed here again and again since the 1960s. Santa Margherita Ligure is nestled in a beautiful bay. In the typical Italian city centre, villas and palazzi are lined up next to each other. In between, there are numerous bars, cafés and restaurants serving up genuine Ligurian specialties. For example, you can taste fresh seafood and fish, torta di riso or the Ligurian flatbread farinata, made with chickpea flour. Here you can live Dolce Vita in its purest form.

A tour of the centre of Santa Margherita Ligure

The best way to start your visit to Santa Margherita Ligure is with a walking tour through the idyllic and historic centre of the old town. Santa Margherita Ligure is so small that you can do without public transport here – everything can be reached on foot without any problems. Near the town’s marina, you can first visit the Santa Margherita Ligure statue, which represents Saint Margherita, after whom the small town was named. Right next door you pass the city beaches of Santa Margherita Ligure, Bagni Vicini and Bagni Pagana, where you can relax wonderfully. Right behind it is the Chiesa di Santa Margherita, the Catholic basilica of the city.

This church was built in the 17th century in the Baroque style. The foundation stone for the current church was laid in 1658, but on the same ground on which the Chiesa di Santa Margherita can be found today, a church had stood since the 13th century, which was later replaced by the new Baroque building. The interior of the Chiesa di Santa Margherita is richly furnished with sacred art treasures. Especially the choir vault, which dates from the 19th century, is well worth seeing. After visiting the basilica, you will stroll for a while through the narrow and winding streets of the city and witness pure Italian everyday life before continuing to Villa Durazzo, which is only a short walk away. Villa Durazzo was built in 1678.

Visitors can now visit the magnificently landscaped botanical garden of Villa Durazzo, as well as the interiors richly decorated with antique furniture and objets d’art. It is also worth visiting the Museo V. G. Rossi. From the park of the museum, dedicated to the writer Vittorio Giovanni Rossi, there are wonderful panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. In the Museo V. G. Rossi itself, there are mainly paintings and memorabilia of the namesake. Finally, you can stop at one of the numerous bars around Piazza Martiri della Libertà, from where you can take in the colourful life around you. In addition, you can also take a close look at the traditional Ligurian cobblestones of Liguria, called Risseu. It is worth taking a look at the ground, because Risseu was only used in the small towns of the region to pave the paths.

The Castle of Santa Margherita Ligure

Furthermore, it is worth taking a detour to the castle of Santa Margherita Ligure, which is located quite centrally in the middle of the city. The castle of Santa Margherita Ligure was built around 1550. Originally, it was intended to protect the city from pirates who might invade from the sea. Over the years, it has unfortunately fallen into disrepair and was trapped in a kind of Sleeping Beauty slumber for some time. At the turn of the millennium, however, the city invested a lot of money in the restoration of the castle of Santa Margherita Ligure. Now it shines in a whole new splendour and often serves as an event and exhibition venue.

A trip to nearby Portofino

The beautiful town of Portofino is just a few kilometres from Santa Margherita Ligure. The best way to reach it is by boat. Excursions and private trips are offered in large numbers from Santa Margherita Ligure. The village of Portofino became famous for its striking architecture. Here, the houses shine in many bright colors, pastel colors predominate on the facades of the houses. During a walk through the city, you can take in this sea of colour to take effect on you. In the center of the city is Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta. Under shady arcades, you can relax and drink a coffee or eat an ice cream.

In any case, you should also visit the Brown Castle, which was built in the 12th century. The Brown Castle also served to protect the city from pirates at the time. As the building is elevated on a hill, which in turn is positioned on a headland directly by the sea, the easy climb to the castle offers a magnificent panoramic view over the city, the coast and out to the Ligurian Sea. From there, a path surrounded by trees and shrubs leads to the Punta del Capo lighthouse, located on the southernmost tip of the Portofino headland. The view over the turquoise-blue sea from here is simply breathtaking and is enchantingly romantic, especially in the evening hours, when the sun sets over the Ligurian Sea.