| Let's face it, when people say they've been to | | | | with goose, homemade tortellini, etc. My mouth |
| Italy they've been to Rome, Venice and usually | | | | just waters at the thought! Another excellent |
| Florence. While they are all beautiful cities and | | | | restaurant is the Taverna del Lupo. This |
| each one quite unique, they are overcrowded and | | | | restaurant has been written up in many travel |
| usually not very relaxing to visit. You might feel | | | | articles and merits a mention here. For those |
| you need a vacation from your vacation! | | | | interested in learning how to prepare delicious |
| Visiting Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is sitting | | | | Italian food, they also offer cooking classes. If |
| back and enjoying the Italian lifestyle, its history, | | | | pizza is more to your tastes, the Arcobaleno |
| food and tradition. Located in the center of the | | | | offers pizza cooked in a wood burning oven. Take |
| country Umbria is the only region not located on | | | | note though, pizza is served only in the evenings |
| any sea coast. There are mountains in the | | | | because of the oven. |
| northern area and rolling green hills the farther | | | | Walking around town is the best way to get to |
| south you go. In many ways, it reminds one a bit | | | | know the town and immerse yourself in the local |
| of Tuscany, but far less commercial. Umbria is | | | | traditions. There are many small shops where the |
| filled with charming hill towns and is often referred | | | | local artisans sell their creations. There is a long |
| to as the land of St. Francis of Assisi. | | | | history of ceramics, woodworking, embroidery, |
| One of the most beautiful little hill town to visit is | | | | handmade gold jewelry, wrought iron works and |
| Gubbio, a town steeped in tradition but with an | | | | leather bound books and journals here. All these |
| eye towards the future. Located in the | | | | can be seen at the Exhibition Center of Traditional |
| northeastern part of the region, it was once an | | | | Art and Trade of the Artisan in downtown |
| important Roman outpost. The Roman Theatre, | | | | Gubbio. This initiative is sponsored by the local |
| built in the 1st century b.c. and located just | | | | government and local artisan associations to |
| outside the ancient walls, is still used for theatre | | | | showcase and promote local products. It is |
| performances during the summer months. After | | | | refreshing to see the many varied products under |
| the fall of the Roman Empire, Gubbio was | | | | one roof. |
| destroyed by barbarian invasions. The citizens | | | | Ceramic production has been a major staple in |
| took refuge on the slopes of Monte Igino thus | | | | the life of Gubbio. Production has been |
| building a town and fortress with which to protect | | | | documented since the 12th century and greatly |
| themselves. The medieval down town area has | | | | developed during the 15th and 16th centuries. |
| retained its original flavor at every corner. Church | | | | Many of the patterns and colors are taken from |
| bells still toll on the hour, the market place sells | | | | this era but the more innovative artisans |
| vegetables and flowers, and everyone greets one | | | | incorporate modern motifs into age old designs, |
| another as they go about their business. | | | | thus giving plates and vases a more modern |
| The impressive Palazzo di Consoli, built in the 14th | | | | twist. Some of the more popular pieces come |
| century, stands out with its pink limestone and | | | | from the family run factories of Mastro Giorgio, |
| suspended piazza (the largest suspended piazza in | | | | Rampini, Aldo Fumanti and C.A.F.F. (all of which |
| Europe) and overlooks all the other buildings in | | | | export into the United States and other countries |
| town. This was once the government building and | | | | abroad). |
| it now houses the Pinacoteca and Archeological | | | | There are other products that must be seen to |
| Museum. In an area that is prone to seismic | | | | be appreciated. Medio Evo, with its swords, |
| activity, it looks strong enough to stand for | | | | armors and other medieval weaponry, is sure to |
| another 1000 years. While walking around town, | | | | please everyone of all ages. If you are in the |
| you come across enclosed gardens and alleys | | | | market for a suit of armor to wear at your next |
| that are perfect picture postcards! San Martino is | | | | joust, you are sure to find one there. |
| the oldest neighborhood of the medieval town and | | | | How can one forget the gentle art of |
| dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Walking | | | | embroidery? This is not the Chinese, mass |
| through this residential area is almost like walking | | | | produced type, this is the real "Made in Italy!" |
| into the past. There are few cars and the streets | | | | Transparent organza to set the table with, silken |
| are alive with the smells of cooking and the | | | | sheets with such lovely embroidery that you'll feel |
| voices of those who live there. | | | | like royalty are only a few of the items offered. |
| The food is a delight and available in all price | | | | The local people are such a pleasure as well. |
| ranges. Look for the traditional Umbrian fare of | | | | Friendliness seems to be a major pastime. Can't |
| squab, brustengo (a type of bread made with | | | | speak the language? That's not a problem...many |
| flour, water and salt and fried in olive oil then | | | | speak English or know someone who does. |
| served with prosciutto), truffles on pasta, fricco' | | | | There's so much to see in and around Gubbio. |
| (a stew like creation of pieces of chicken, lamb, | | | | This is only the tip of the iceberg! One really |
| pork with a rosemary/white wine or tomato | | | | needs to spend a few days in the city to take in |
| sauce served with crescia (an unleavened flat | | | | all of its delights. There are hotels, inns and B |
| bread). Just outside of Gubbio is a small restaurant | | | | & B's in all price ranges. The Hotel dei |
| called the Vecchia Locanda. They pride | | | | Cappuccini is top of the line (5 star quality) as is |
| themselves on keeping the tradition of cooking | | | | the Relais Ducale and the Bosone. |
| local fare such as fricco', homemade fettuccine | | | | |