Villa Bastiola

Bevagna, Mercato delle Gaite 19th - 18th June 2009

2009-04-08T00:54:00.000-07:00

Bevagna is quite simply a tiny, beautiful medieval village in the heart of the Vale of Umbria. Not far from Assisi, Foligno and Montefalco, Bevagna has retained its central piazza almost as it was in the 1100s and has a timeless atmosphere.

Every year the clock turns back to medieval times and the cobbled streets are filled with stalls selling and making ancient traditional goods, pottery, toys etc. The locals dress up in medieval costumes and the taverns sell food based on fare of many centuries ago.

It is a real treat to visit and immerse yourself in this culture and enjoy the enthusiasm of the locals taking part.

An easy day trip away from Villa Bastiola, the apartment offers a great base for your holiday in Umbria.

Rates are from £350 during June - please email us for details at info@villabastiola.com .

Infiorata at Spello, Umbria, 13 June 2009

2009-03-04T05:21:00.001-08:00

Spello is one of Umbria's most magical and historical hilltop towns. Roman walls and a watch tower can still be seen today and the beautiful medieval centre is fabulously preserved.

Every year the tiny town is host to the annual Infiorata (The Flowering). Artists draw pictures on the narrow cobbled streets which are then filled in with brightly coloured flower petals creating amazing images. A prize is awarded to the best design.

To see the designs at their best it is good to get there early on the Sunday morning (14th June) before the local procession to the church.

Spello is an easy drive away from the self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola and is well worth visiting especially for such an occassion.

The week starting Saturday 13th June is currently still available at only 400 Euro so please contact us at info@villabastiola.com to make a booking!

Truffle Hunting in Umbria

2009-02-11T04:25:00.000-08:00

This weekend there was an interesting article in the Times about truffle hunting in Umbria!

Saverio is a good friend of ours and is delighted to offer guests at the apartment at Villa Bastiola the chance to hunt for truffles, a tour of the truffle farm and a delicious 7 course meal based on truffles.

Take advantage of the great rates for the apartment this year and make time to visit the truffle farm! It will be something you will talk about for ages afterwards...

In case you missed the article, click on this link to learn more:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/italy/article5670579.ece

For bookings at the apartment, please email info@villabastiola.com

Umbria in May

2009-02-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful and interesting events taking place in Umbria in May that it makes a perfect month to consider taking your holiday.

The historic town of Assisi is host to the Calendimaggio from 7th to 9th May when the town comes alive with medieval processions, music and much more...

Gubbio, the beautiful medieval town on the slopes of the Monte Ingino holds the Festa dei Ceri on the 15th May and the Palio della Balestra on the 31st May. Both events are not to be missed and draw huge crowds! The atmosphere is fantastic and the costumes are amazing.

The apartment at Villa Bastiola is within easy driving distance of Assisi and Gubbio so it makes a perfect base for your holiday. Please contact us for availability at info@villabastiola.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Umbria Jazz 2009, 10-19 July

2009-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Umbria jazz 2009 promises to be more exciting and with more fantastic events than ever before!

From the 10th - 19th July, the streets of the historic capital of Umbria, Perugia, will be packed with jazz lovers from all over the world.

The line up this year includes Paolo Conte, James Taylor, Burt Bacharach, Steely Dan and Simply Red!

It's a great time to visit this beautiful region of Italy, soak up the sun, enjoy the great food and wine and hear some amazing live music, not only in the theatres and marquees but also in the many restaurants, wine bars and trattorias in the city.

The apartment at Villa Bastiola provides a great base and is available for these weeks in July at the special offer rate of 450 Euro per week self catering.

Email us now on info@villabastiola.com for more details.

Beat the recession blues...

2008-12-10T06:39:00.000-08:00

Tired of wondering how you are going to afford Christmas and what awaits in the New Year? Do summer holidays seem like a distant and unaffordable dream?

Don't despair! Our luxury self catering apartment in sunny Umbria makes a perfect holiday home for two or four guests.

Owing to the deepening global recession, we have decided to revise our rates for 2009 and are pleased to offer the apartment at 2006 rates!

From only 400 Euro per week self catering, you can have the summer holiday you are dreaming of, with loads of sunshine, stunning views, delicious food and wine, historic tourist attractions and a comfortable and welcoming place to stay.

Email us now for availability and details at info@villabastiola.com .

Special Offer on Villa Caterina for rent, Umbria

2008-06-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

10% discount on Villa Caterina (sleeps 6 + 2) during the summer!

Special offer for late summer bookings!

The beautiful Villa Caterina is available at a special 10% discount tariff during July and August.

With only a few weeks left to fill including the week from 5th July and from 19th July, this luxury villa with ecofriendly swimming pool, landscaped gardens and gorgeous views, sleeping 6 in the main villa and 2 in the cottage, is the perfect place for a dream holiday in Umbria, Italy.

Soak in the Umbrian sunshine, lazing by the pool, or visit some of the spectacular sights of Umbria including Assisi, Perugia, Gubbio and Lake Trasimeno. A championship golf course is only 10 minutes drive away from the villa!

To book or enquire about availability, please email info@wheretostayinumbria.com .

Review from recent guests at Villa Bastiola...

2008-05-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay with you in the apartment at Villa Bastiola. You have created a lovely holiday flat with everything anyone could need. The little extras like the DVD, internet connection and a very well equipped kitchen were all highly appreciated!

Last minute offer for August in Umbria, Italy!

2008-05-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

The beautiful self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola still has some weeks available in August for last minute bookings!

At a special discounted tariff of only 450 Euro per week you can come and discover Umbria or simply relax in the gardens at the villa looking at the stunning panorama...

The luxury apartment has two bedrooms both ensuite, a large living room with Sky Tv, high speed internet connection, stereo, DVD player, video and library of books and games and there is a fully equipped kitchen.

Please email info@villabastiola.com to check for availability and to make a booking...

Festival of 2 Worlds, Spoleto, Umbria

2008-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

From the 27th June to the 13th July, the beautiful medieval town of Spoleto in southern Umbria plays host to the annual Festival of 2 Worlds.

An international event, it was first started 50 years ago, with the first edition in 1958, inaugurated by GianCarlo Menotti. The programme this year is extremely interesting with much variety ending with a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra in the Piazza infront of the duomo in Spoleto.

Visit www.festivaldispoleto.com for more details.

Special Last Minute Offer!

2008-04-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

7th to 14th June 2008 - only 450 Euro!

There is one week left in June to rent the luxury self catering apartment at Villa Bastiola!

The apartment has been beautifully restored and has two ensuite bedrooms, a large living room and fully fitted kitchen, plus use of the outside veranda and extensive gardens with olive grove. Stunning panoramas from the sun terrace in the garden, perfect for relaxing at the end of a days sightseeing...

Flights are direct to Perugia from London Stansted on Saturdays throughout the summer and the airport is only half an hour from the apartment, so getting here couldn't be easier.

Email us at info@villabastiola.com to enquire or make a booking.

Umbria Jazz, Perugia 11th to 20th July 2008

2008-04-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Confermed for Umbria Jazz 2008:

Sonny Rollins, exclusive in Italy for 2008!

Alicia Keys, REM, Enrico Rava, Mario Biondi, Carla Bley, Paolo Fresu, STefano Bollani, Cassandra Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Gary Burton, Pat Metheney...

It's a fantastic line up this year! Tickets are already available on line and the full programme for Umbria Jazz 2008 will be on line by 8th May.

Book your accommodation at www.wheretostayinumbria.com for July and enjoy the atmosphere and music of Umbria Jazz for yourselves.

www.umbriajazz.com

Umbria Jazz, Perugia, Italy

2008-04-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

Summer in Umbria, Italy

Fields full of sunflowers, vines slowly ripening in the summer sun, balconies draped in bright red geraniums and roses blooming. Temperatures can reach 35 degrees or more. Days are long and each tiny village holds its summer “Sagra” or celebration of life, which usually involves plenty of traditional Umbrian food, lots of good wine and an Italian band playing Ballo Liscio with an accordion and double bass!

Perugia - Umbria Jazz (First two weeks of July)

The capital of Umbria resounds with the music of Umbria Jazz. This international music festival brings together artists like Keith Jarret, Santana and Elton John. All the wine bars, restaurants and pubs have a live band and musicians get together for jamming sessions into the tiny hours!

Infiorata Spello, Umbria 24th and 25th May

2008-03-17T03:35:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous and perfectly restored medieval hilltop town is host to the annual Infiorata (The Flowering). Artists draw pictures on the cobbled streets, which are then filled in with brightly coloured flower petals. A prize is awarded to the best design!

Palio della Balestra, Gubbio, Umbria

2008-03-10T03:22:00.000-07:00

Dating back to medieval times, the town of Gubbio has always been in competition with the town of Sansepolcro, just over the border in Tuscany, to see who has the best crossbow archer. This “Palio” or competition is held between the two teams and a challenge match is held in Sansepolcro in September.

Race of the Ceri, Gubbio, Umbria

2008-03-03T02:35:00.000-08:00

The Festa dei Ceri is held annually in one of Umbria’s most interesting medieval towns, Gubbio, where you can watch the race of the ancient “Ceri” (Candles) through the tiny cobbled streets and up the mountainside to the church at the top. There is a fabulous atmosphere and it’s wonderful to see all generations join in the celebrations.

Gubbio is divided into three "Rione" or quarters and each Rione has its Saintly protector. The ceri are huge wooden candles which have to be carried by many men as they are so heavy. On the top of each candle is a statue of each Saint. There is Saint Ubaldo, the patron saint of Gubbio and protector of workmen. Then there is Saint Giorgio, protector of businessmen and finally Saint Antonio, protector of "Contadini" or peasants.

The race starts at the bottom of the town and works its way up the narrow, steep streets of Gubbio to the main square, which has to be circled three times before the ceri can continue up through the town and up the mountain to the Church of Saint Ubaldo at the top.

It is an honour to be part of the team that carries each Ceri and positions are handed down through the generations of families of Gubbio. Brightly coloured banners are hung out all over the town each representing the colour of its Rione!

www.ceri.it

Pintoricchio

2008-02-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

2nd February - 29th June 2008

Exhibition of Pintoricchio at the Umbrian National Gallery in Perugia

This event has been planned to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the birth of Pintoricchio - one of the most fascinating protagonists of the Italian Renaissance and a symbol of the city of Perugia.

The exhibition will be held in Perugia at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, which has recently completed work to recuperate and enlarge its exhibition spaces. There will also be a second section in Spello, in the Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore. The Capella Baglioni, better known as the Capella Bella, is the location of one of Pintoricchio’s most impressive masterpieces.

The events in the life of Pintoricchio are closely linked to the political landscape of Perugia, he was a familiar and loyal servant to Cesare Borgia and he was also connected to the Baglioni family, from whom he received the commission to decorate the walls of the Capella Bella in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore in Spello, where - between the autumn of 1500 and the spring of 1501 - he created paintings of such magnificent beauty and skill that his fame and eminence in artistic circles in Umbria was ensured for many years to come.

His frescoes are incredibly beautiful and having the chance to see more of the work of this medieval painter is an opportunity not to be missed!

http://www.mostrapintoricchio.it/ENG/pintoricchio/pintoricchio.htm

Ryanair flights to Perugia on Saturday!

2008-02-18T00:57:00.000-08:00

Ryanair direct from London Stansted to Perugia

Great news! Ryanair are introducing flights to Perugia, Umbria on Saturdays from 5th April thoughout the summer.

This is perfect as most villas, apartments and holiday homes let from a Saturday to Saturday avoiding the need to find accommodation for the Friday night or missing out one day of your holiday, arriving on the Sunday instead.

Flights are currently available from 1p so get booking!!!

There are still a couple of weeks available in April at the apartment at Villa Bastiola at a special 10% discount, so why not take an early break and come and enjoy spring in Umbria!

Calendimaggio in Assisi

2008-02-02T04:49:00.000-08:00

Beginning of May

This festival celebrates popular, ancient traditions. It spectacularly evokes medieval and Renaissance costumes and life. The two ancient medieval districts, the "Parte di Sopra" and the "Parte di Sotto", engage in a challenge which takes the form of theatre shows, concerts, songs and choruses, dances, processions, archery, crossbow and flag-waving displays. The districts compete in a singing contest amidst the spectacular floral decorations, flags, torches and candles.

www.calendimaggioassisi.it

Woodland and Truffle Fair, Città di Castello

2007-12-07T08:14:00.001-08:00

The first weekend in November sees the arrival of huge marquees in the ancient centre of Città di Castello. These are filled with stalls selling the highly prized truffle, a speciality of this region of Italy, Porcini mushrooms, salamis, cheeses and liqueurs and sweets.

It really is an event not to be missed. As you enter the marquee, the strong scent of the truffle is overwhelming and really gets the taste buds working. Some of the best salamis in Italy come from the tiny town of Norcia in the South East of Umbria and there are several stalls selling wild boar salami in many shapes and forms. Pecorino truffle cheese is another culinary delight that you should really taste! Pastes and sauces made with truffle and Porcini mushrooms are a great store cupboard favourite and are fabulous tossed with pasta or added to a a salad or as a topping for crostini

Each stall will let you sample the goods before you buy! Take time to wander around as many of the stalls sell similar products and you can get the best price. Dried Porcini mushrooms on sale here are some of the best you can get in the world!

So, get booking for 2008! It really is a great time of year to visit this part of Umbria!

Eurochocolate Perugia 2007

2007-12-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Eurochocolate is one of the most important international events hosted in Perugia, the capital of Umbria.

The historic centre is lined with stands selling chocolate made by suppliers from all over Europe including super names like Perugino and Lindt, down to individual makers of chocolate.

The Corso Vannucci down to the Carducci Gardens is packed with visitors from all over the world who come to sample the chocolate delights and take home bags full of chocolates for Christmas and the New Year!

There are many interesting events, exhibitions, competitions, cooking classes etc taking place all week. The final weekend is a real buzz with the main streets and piazzas alive with the sights, sounds and smells of delicious chocolate!

Montone, Umbria

2007-10-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

Donazione della Santa Spina

In 1473, Carlo Fortebraccio, a general of the Venetian militia, brought a thorn from Christ’s crown as a gift to the people of Montone.

“The year of grace, 1473, the Count Carlo de Fortebracci, fought in the service of the Serene Republic of Venice, recapturing the Mori from the confines of the Venetians and was in recompense given a thorn from the crown of Jesus Christ. He returned to Montone, where he donated this to the people for the devotion of all and placed it in the church of San Francesco….”

This event is celebrated yearly, with locals dressing in the costume of their Terziere, celebrations continue for a week, with scenes from medieval times, finishing with an archery contest, the palio and election of the true Castellana.

To conclude the celebrations there is a procession of the Sacred Thorn.

May in Umbria

2007-04-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are just a couple of the wonderful cultural events that are happening in Umbria in May...

Assisi - Calendimaggio

3rd to 5th May

A commemoration of medieval and Renaissance life with processions, music, archery, flag wavers and crossbowmen!

Gubbio - Festa dei Ceri

20th May

Gubbio's "candle race" is an uninterrupted centuries-old tradition to celebrate the town's patron saint. The "candles" are three enormous woden structures each weighing about 400 kilos, which are carried on the shoudlers of the "ceraioli" and raced through the streets of the town to the top of Mount Ingino.

Montone - One of the prettiest medieval villages in Umbria!

2007-02-26T04:52:00.000-08:00

Once an ancient Umbrian fortified village, Montone passed under Roman dominion (proved by local finds) and today can still be seen in its medieval form. The first mention of Montone on record dates back to the year 1000, when the castle previously destroyed by Barbarossa was rebuilt. A document from 1121 confirms the presence of a fortified Borgo with a castle under the control of Perugia.

In the 15C, Montone had its most splendid moment, thanks to Andrea Braccio Fortebraccio. One of the greatest leaders and captains of the time, he was responsible for the birth of a single state of Umbria with Perugia as its capital. He became Lord of Perugia, Prince of Capua, Governor of the Abruzzi, allied with Florence and enemy of Pope Martin V. He died during the siege of Aquila in 1424.

In 1473, Carlo Fortebraccio, a general of the Venetian militia, brought a thorn from Christ’s crownas a gift to the people of Montone.

“The year of grace, 1473, the Count Carlo de Fortebracci, fought in the service of the Serene Republic of Venice, recapturing the Mori from the confines of the Venetians and was in recompense given a thorn from the crown of Jesus Christ. He returned to Montone, where he donated this to the people for the devotion of all and placed it in the church of San Francesco….”

This event is celebrated yearly, with locals dressing in the costume of their Terziere, celebrations continue for a week, with scenes from medieval times, finishing with an archery contest, the palio and election of the true Castellana.

To conclude the celebrations there is a procession of the Sacred Thorn.

In 1518, the countship of Montone passed to the Vitelli family and so came under the dominion of Citta’ di Castello.

In 1640, it passed to the Church and papal states and after the Risorgimento was united to the kingdom of Italy in 1865.

The medieval villages is divided into 3 terziere, Porta del Vecchio Borgo, Porta del Monte and Porta del Verziere.

Restoring the apartment in Umbria!

2007-02-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

Part Three

Camera Gregorio

Much of the old plasterwork was chipped off and a new dividing wall built to make an ensuite bathroom in the second bedroom. The floor was pulled up and new heating system and plumbing laid down, then the floor was relaid with new terracotta tiles on top.

All the old original doors were striped of their paint, treated and varnished giving a traditional Umbrian farmhouse look. New doors for the bathrooms were made out of age-old wood to retain the traditional feel.

The windows too were taken out, striped, treated and reworked with wax, then put back in place. Finally the shutters were restored and painted deep green as is the Umbrian way...

The kitchen had been built on at a later date, so a contemporary kitchen with traditional lines was chosen to stay in keeping with the rest of the apartment.Eventually, the walls were replastered throughout and painted a welcoming and cosy creamy colour.