Pilgrimage to Assisi

One of the smaller towns in the Umbrian region, Assisi nevertheless receives plenty of visitors because of its deeply spiritual history. The town is said to be the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan order of monks which, today, is one the oldest and Catholic orders. Like Perugia, Assisi is set high on the hills, with the arched cathedral – and its adjoining monastery – spread out over the lowest part of the town.

The primary reason to visit Assisi is to take in the spectacular beauty of the town’s churches. Even if you’re not religious or don’t identify as Catholic, each of these churches is a marvel to behold, standing tall and proud many centuries after they were first built. Make sure to visit the Basilica of Saint Clare who, alongside Saint Francis is Assisi’s most famous resident.

Try porchetta

Vegetarians and vegans, look away now – while you’re in Umbria you have to try porchetta. The region prides itself on being one of the birthplaces of the fragrant, salty pork roast, heavy with fennel and herbs, and most frequently served between two wedges of focaccia and eaten on the go. (The other birthplace being Ariccia in the Lazio region just outside Rome.)

There’s great porchetta to be found across Umbria. In Perugia porchetta fans flock to Antica Salumeria Granieri Amato, a little deli in the centre of town where the sandwiches are served quick and hot. In Assisi make a beeline to La Bottega dei Sapori. This tiny little store doesn’t look like much from the outside and, situated in a busy square, seems surrounded by shops selling tourist tat. But go inside and ask for a porchetta sandwich and you’ll be treated to one of the best sandwiches of your life, full of thick, salty pork balanced out with artichokes and a light scraping of truffle.

Truffles are another specialty of the region, alongside olive oil, and as well as making fantastic sandwiches La Bottega dei Sapori sells plenty of local delicacies, from trays of truffle salt to jars of unctuous sauce, to take home as souvenirs. If you don’t eat them before you get back, of course.

Weekend in Umbria: Our guide to the best things to do