Umbria has been described as the green heart of Italy, a particularly lush region of mountains, forests and rivers. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the region are the fortified medieval hill towns, rich in art, history and architecture.

Perugia, the capital, is one of Italy's best-preserved towns, with a strong artistic and cultural tradition. The frescoes of Pietro Vannucci, Perugia's most important Renaissance painter, can be seen on the walls of the Collegio del Cambio, built in 1450. The Etruscans, who built the city walls, founded Perugia and the imposing arched main gate of the city. It is also the site of the annual Umbria Jazz Festival, and home to the famous Perugina chocolates and Buitoni pasta.

Umbria is also known as gastronomic delight famed for its Umbrian olive oil, considered by many to be Italy's best, and the wines of Orvieto are legendary. Outside of Piemonte, Umbria is the only region where truffles are found in abundance: five varieties grow wild in the woods.