Umbria proves to be a treasure chest full of works of art inspired by the beauty and nature of its landscape. Also, as a result of its position, halfway between the north and south of the peninsula, between the shores of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas, Umbria has integrated the most diverse influences and cultures (Etruscans, Romans, Lombards). The turn of the 11th century witnesses a strong artistic reawakening throughout the region in the fields of architecture, painting, sculpture, literature and music: a number of complex abbeys are born, a sign of the strong reorganisation of the ecclesiastical system and of the deep religious ferment that was sweeping the region, developing great civil building activity, also an expression of the new political power, whilst also, linguistically, the first testimonies in vulgar appear.
Some of the most explicit examples are represented by the Fontana Maggiore (1277-1278) and Palazzo dei Priori (erected between the 13th and 14th centuries) in Perugia, the Basilica di SanFrancesco (1228-1234) in Assisi, the Duomo and Palazzo dei Consoli (both 13th century) in Gubbio, the impressive façade of the Duomo (1198) in Spoleto, the beautiful ‘basilichetta’ of Sant’Eufemia (second half of the 12th century), the church of San Fortunato (1292-1462) and the Piazza del Popolo in Todi, and the Duomo of Orvieto, among the biggest and most beautiful in Italy.Worth noting too, for their monuments dating from the same period, are Spello, Bevagna, Norcia, Montefalco, Corciano, Montone and other small medieval centres in which it is possible to discover and admire many artistic testimonies of immense value and fascination.