properties umbria

Experienced team of builders available

2009-06-02T03:05:00.000-07:00

Upper Tiber Valley, Mercatale, Sansepulcro, Citta' di Castello, Trestina, Montone, Umbertide etc.

Experienced team of builders available for reconstructions, redevelopments, alterations and additions, internal and external work, garden construction, drainage, swimming pools, car ports and garages.

10 years of working in the area on old, established and traditional buildings.

Portfolio of "then" and "now" photos.

Clear simple, concise and precise estimates and quotations available for all types of work.

References available since 1999.

Good relationship with local carpenters, electricians, plumbers and surveyors.

email info@lifeinumbria.com

2009-05-23T12:40:00.001-07:00

Words by Michelle Fabio

One of the most beloved Italian saints is St. Rita of Cascia, a native of Umbria who died in Cascia in 1456. Santa Rita is widely celebrated not only in the Green Heart of Italy but also throughout the country on her feast day, 22 May, with Mass, processions, and other festivities. St. Rita has a most interesting tale for a saint as she was married and had children.

Although St. Rita had always wanted to be a nun, she obeyed her elderly parents’ wishes to marry a harsh, immoral man when she was just 12 years old. She was a loyal wife and mother of twin sons for 18 years, but family life went sour when her husband was murdered and her sons sought revenge.

St. Rita tried to persuade them to change their minds, but when she realized nothing could stop them, she prayed they would be taken from Earth so they couldn’t commit murder themselves; they died of natural causes a year later. Alone in the world, St. Rita sought admission to the Augustinian convent in Cascia, but was refused because she was a widow. Eventually she was admitted, though--her entrance itself a miracle as she claimed to have been transported inside by her own patron saints, John the Baptist, Augustine, and Nicholas of Tolentino.

St. Rita is often portrayed holding roses and/or figs and sometimes with an injury to her head because when she had asked to suffer as Jesus had, a thorn from the Crown of Thorns on a figure of the crucifixion fell on her forehead and cut her. She is the patron saint of hopeless causes, abused women, and parenthood.

W Santa Rita!
http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy-featured/cascia/celebrating-st-rita-cascia

Festival Umbria Jazz - 2009

2009-05-08T03:23:00.001-07:00

The wonderful frame of Umbria is the location of many special events in July 2009.

Festival Umbria Jazz, one of the most important appointments in Europe, will take place in Perugia from 10th to 19th July 2009, with no stop shows of different kind of music.The event, very famous all around the world from its first edition in 1973, includes artists such as Simply Red, Donna Summer, Gino Paoli and Paolo Conte.

Perugia is the marvellous city in Umbria full of monuments and things to do.

A luxury guest house in Umbria, La Preghiera, originally a 12th Century monastery, is an historic house which has been restored to an elegant country house estate offering bed and breakfast accommodation near Perugia is glad to offer 15% discount for a stay of three night or more in selected rooms

For availability email: info@lapreghiera.com, www.lapreghiera.com

May's Programme of Events

2009-05-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

May truly sees the start of the festa season, with the Umbrian town of Gubbio staging two of the big events of the year. Both the Festa dei Ceri (the candle race) and Palio della Balestra (crossbow competition) are unmisable occassions in the Upper Tiber Valley calendar.

Until 7th Citta di Castello, Piazza Vitelli, Exhibition covering a range of furniture, arts and crafts
1st - 3rd Citerna “Citerna Fotografia” exhibition of photos by Vasco Ascolini
1st – 3rd Pistrino 19th annual “festa dei fiori” agricultural and flower show.
4th – 13th Cdi C Stadio Bernicchi holds the “Trofeo Cartoedit” junior football tournament.
6th – 8th Cdi C Cathedral, 11th E. Zangarelli musical competition for school children.
7th – 9th Assisi Medieval festival in period costume, archery, processions, flag waving and jousting.
10th S. Giustino Antiques market.
10th Lisciano Niccone “Lo Scambivendolo, agricultural, biological and antiques market.
14th – 17th Cdi C Zoccolanti, the popular religious festival for St Pasquale.
15th Gubbio Festa dei Ceri, the ancient race through the streets of Gubbio
17th Cdi C Piazza Metteotti, Antiques market.
17th Montone 6th Umbertide Endurance motorbike race.
24th Gubbio Replica of the Ceri race in miniture
24th – 2nd Cerbara 24th annual Countryside Cherry festival.
24th Monte S. M Tiberina Ascension Day, featuring a historical procession.
30th -2nd Cdi C Piazza Matteotti, Moto in an open air concert.
30th – 31st Cdi C Communal Pool, 22nd International Swimming competition.
31st Umbertide,Scula Media Mavarelli, 44th annual “Fotografia Umbria” exhibition of photographic equipment.
31st Gubbio The famous medieval Crossbow competition.
31st Cdi C Stadio Comunale, “Matty & Co” football tournament.

Seeking to buy a farmhouse in Umbria (3)

2009-04-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

In answer to your questions:

Budget - € 600,000 for a habitable property
Useage - living full time
Land - large enough for self sufficiency, vegetables/ olives/ grapes/ fruit etc.
Outbuildings - to be turned into holiday accommodation for guests, not to run a B&B.
Distance to village – within 10km

............thanks for this and the list of "possibles"

A check list for the properties you have listed matched against your requirements above

	Budget / Price	Restoration Budget	Land Required	Outbuildings	High Position
	550 000	0	1000 sqmt?
1204 Due Campane,	550 000			yes	yes
008 Villa Colle,	450 000			yes	yes
019 Lugelle,	275 000			no	no
020 Lugande,	375 000			yes	no
029 Casa Giulia,	450 000			yes	yes
556b Ruffignano	600 000			no	yes
890 Cipressi,	600 000			yes	yes

Properties in a ruined condition in this area of Italy cost in the region of € 750 / 1000 per square meter. Rebuilding costs are some € 1000 sqmt. So with rebuilding and or restoration most of these properties are out of budget, and the others are situated in a low position.

An average family house, see 012 Moscatelli, is some 175 sqmt, holiday accommodation for a family of four needs to be some 80 sqmt.
Land for self sufficiency, obviously depending on crops, would be some 1000 sqmt

You will quickly see that on a budget of € 550,000 you have to work backwards and more or less divide this sum by 2000 which is the probable cost of a rebuilt building, taking into account fees, taxes, etc etc., so we come down to some 275sqmt of affordable building.
So, from your list:
1204 has 590 sqmt, so probably too large,
008, has 1000 sqmt "
019, has 240 sqmt, ideal, but low position
020, has 300 sqmt, a bit larger, but with an annex for guests, also a low position
029, 1220 sqmt, and a ruin
556b, part of a complex to be rebuilt, but no land for cultivation
890, 600 sqmt, highish with views, with sufficient land, with four structures which could be rebuilt over time. But as the cost exceeds your budget and as there is no provision for restoration costs, also out of the possibilities.

So we now need to look for something in your budget serving most of your requirements:
Reconsider the position of 019 Lugelle, as size, land and condition are adequate
002 Terra Nuova Marte, lowish
Part of 004 Casetta, good position
103 Ruscello, low, but with a stream
379 Petriolo, which can be enlarged by 100 sqmt, high with a spring
502 Rovina, low, with a stream
Part of 889 Meotti, excellent high position
936 Palazetto Nuovo, total expenditure within budget, with exceptional views, 2km from Montone, and bearing in mind that the additional cost of guest space of some 80 sqmt for occasional use would far exceed the cost of renting an adjacent property for the times when guests are in the area.
1044 Rosa Spina, ugly, habitable, all services connected, outbuildings, views and land. Superficial cosmetics on the main structure would transform the property.
1130 Santa Lucia, not sufficient land but adjacent farmers would probably be willing to rent a field or two.
1142 Casa Rocca is also a distinct possibility as the price, position, land and condition seem to match your requirements

Plenty to think about

Look forward to meeting up with you to discuss the possibilities further.

Seeking to buy a farmhouse in Umbria (2)

2009-04-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

Properties with a high position, in reasonable/good condition with outbuildings also include:

Maybe 028 Lorca, 890 Cipressi, 1081 Calcinaro, all on www.propertiesumbria.com and 1044 Rosa Spina, details attached.

See you next month.

Seeking to buy a farmhouse in Umbria

2009-04-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

I am seeking to buy a farmhouse in Umbria suitable for restoration and would be interested to see if you have anything suitable.

.................the majority of our properties are to be seen on the site www.propertiesumbria.com.

The property would be situated in a high position, would have outbuildings, access to water/well and a fair amount of land and should be mainly habitable Some restoration could be undertaken.

.............all the properties have a water source. How much land do you require, what size of house or what is your budget?

We will be in Italy soon and would be interested in viewing some properties, would it be possible to set up an appointment to do so?

...........yes, of course. Let me know if you find anything on our site, perhaps 026 Tenuta could be a start. Let me have an idea of the size you require and your budget.

Best wishes

John Tunstill

Events over Easter in Umbria

2009-04-02T10:53:00.001-07:00

Yes Spring is finally in the air, the days are getting longer and warmer and the first hints of green are appearing. This is reflected in the range of activities that continue to grow as the heat of Summer arrives. This month we have a wide range of entertainment to appeal to all tastes, plays, sporting events and fairs, especially with Easter around the corner.

Photo by Umbriart

5th April Palm Sunday

5th “Trofeo Alta Valle del Tevere” cycling competition around Citta di Castello and its surrounding countryside. www.unioneciclistica.it

8th April – Cantori di Assisi – From 9pm in the Basilica of St Clara the Assisi Choir will be holding their Easter recital.

10th April – Procession by the citizens of Montone in medieval costume.

10th April - Good Friday procession – Statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary will be paraded through the streets of the old centre of Citta di Castello. 8pm.

10th April – The procession of Christ in Gubbio, a tradition which dates back to the 13th Century will start at 7pm and be led by the Brothers of the Church of St Croce della Foce, accompanied by two choirs; the procession makes its way through the torch-lit streets.

Until 11th April - Umbertide - April Exhibition of the Great War in the Upper Tiber Valley, in the Fabbrica Moderna, Piazza Marx

12th April – Pietralunga holds its traditional egg festival “Tocciata” in the main piazza from 11am.

12th April - Piazza Garibaldi, Assisi, Giant Easter Egg exhibition, showing the talents of the local school children.

18th – 26th April – Settimana Della Cultura/ Seven Days of Culture – Perugia. A week of events, guided tours, activities and exhibitions throughout Perugia. Celebrating its cultural heritage and encouraging the public to participate in discovering their own talents. For more information: www.beniculturali.it

19th April – Antiques Market – Citta di Castello

25th April – Descending the Tiber 2009, now celebrates the 30th anniversary of this event where canoeists row from Citta di Castello to Rome. www.discesadeltevere.org

25th April – Flag Waving and Bell Ringing Festival – Gubbio, Piazza Grande, 11.30am

26th April – Walk in the Woods – an organised ramble through the lovely Montone countryside to the Castle Carpini. Starts at 12.30 in the Piazza Fortebraccio, Montone.

Italians to snub ST Valentine's day

2009-02-14T01:02:00.001-08:00

More than half of Italians expecting a gift from their lovers on Valentine's Day this weekend are in for a disappointment, the Coldiretti farmers' group said Thursday.
Some 52% of people in a poll by the union said they had no intention of digging into their pockets for a romantic present this year - an increase of 7% on Valentine rubbishers in 2008.

The economic crisis will also take its toll on lovers planning to shell out this year, with more people opting for cheaper gifts like flowers (25%) and clothes (11%), Coldiretti said.Around 9% of Italians said they would buy chocolates or sweets - a 5% drop on 2008 figures, while just 3% were planning to buy jewellery - down 6% on last year.
But the group said florists expected to sell 20 million flowers this year, including 14 million roses, at a cost of 75 million euros.Another farmers' group, CIA, said around 50% of under-18s would not buy presents this year, but 35% of these would say 'I love you' by SMS or email.

The president of consumer rights group Codacons, Carlo Rienzi, meanwhile started an official campaign to ''cancel St Valentine's from the calendar as a form of protest, not against those in love, but against a pointless recurrence of unrestrained consumerism''.''Let's be honest, St Valentine's Day gets on everyone's nerves - both for singles, who feel alone and a bit sad, and for those in couples, who feel obliged to give something because of social convention,'' Rienzi said on his website, www.carlorienzi.it.''

People who are really in love should not feel pressured by this symbol of consumerism but should celebrate their love every day,'' he added.Consumer rights association Adoc confirmed that lovers will also be saving their pennies on Valentine's meals, with 65% deciding to stay home and cook rather than go to a restaurant.
Among the most popular dishes people planned to prepare on Saturday were polenta with creamed cheese, 'trofie' pasta with flowers and pesto and buffalo mozzarella with tomato mousse, followed up by chili-pepper-flavoured chocolate, strawberries or spumante.Not everyone was shying away from grand romantic gestures, however.

A Genoa bus driver has forked out 400 euros for advertising space on three city buses, one of which he drives, and which now bear the message ''Federica, I live for you only'' as a Valentine's present to his wife.''It was simply a way of showing my love and affection for my wife. We've been married for 12 years and I love her to distraction,'' the doting driver said.

Consumer moans are also unlikely to stop lovers from turning out in droves at St Valentine's birthplace at Terni in Umbria. Each year couples swear undying passion in the cathedral that houses the saint's head.Couples also flock each year to the small Sardinian town of Sadali near Nuoro to ask the saint to look kindly on them and bless engagements.

The ritual has been going on for centuries in the town's 15th-century church, only the second in Italy to be devoted to St Valentine.In local dialect the saint is affectionately known as Su Coiadori (''he who betrothes'') and many of the couples expect their pilgrimage to bless their marriage (''coias'' in dialect).As well as saintly enterprises, Italy boasts other romantic rites for St Valentine's Day.The small southern town of Vico del Gargano, for instance, has a 300-year-old tradition of garlanding a lovers' lane.

http://www.italymag.co.uk
Published on Fri, 02/13/2009 - 08:56 Life & Style

Novel Ideas for Selling Houses

2009-01-25T03:49:00.000-08:00

With the ever deepening credit crunch biting more and more into our pockets, a house is the most expensive purchase we ever make. So during this difficult time, people are finding it ever more difficult to sell their properties and turning to novel methods of selling and marketing their houses.

While some of these appear ridiculous and others bound to fail, the need for perhaps a different approach is important and the need to make your sale stand out from the many other unsold properties in the Estate Agents window.

There are many quirky attempts people have come up with to entice potential buyers. At present a homeowner trying to sell her converted country farmhouse is offering interested parties the chance to stay the night, visit the local pub and investigate the house. There was the instance of a man including his £150,000 Lamborghini to anyone who bought his £1.1m mansion and a lady who gave away a free two bedroom terrace house when you purchased her parrot for £120,000.

Even on the continent unusual offers have been appearing to whet the appetite. A Spanish developer has been offering to throw in a one bedroom apartment worth £90,000 when you completed on one of his £1m villas.

Other strange sales techniques have included selling by lottery, for a £25 ticket you get the change to own a £150,000 house but you have to make sure you do not fall foul of the gaming laws here. Ebay and Craig’s list websites have also had their share of houses auctioned on them, again you have to be careful. One individual along with his house tried to his Bentley, a lordship title as part of the deal but pulled out when bids reached £3m believing people didn’t have the inclination or funds to meet their offers.

While “open houses” are a popular concept in both USA and Australia , they are still treated with circumspection by the conservative British buyer. Even celebrities have resorted to this method and in 2005 the Osbournes, Sharon and Ozzy opened their now famous Los Angeles mansion for viewing.

For the religiously inclined you could employ the assistance of Saint Joseph , who apart from his many other roles is the patron saint of Real Estate and carpentry. A company called Luckymojo offer for $2.99 a small plastic statue of St Joseph, with instructions for you to bury him in your back garden to ensure a quick and profitable sale.

Who knows maybe during the current recession this may just be the trick you need to make that move.

Two Pints of Larger and a packet of crisps please!

2009-01-20T01:52:00.001-08:00

We are all aware of cheap flights to the continent. Deals are always to be found for accommodation but what about the day to day cost of your holiday. How much are you likely to rack up buying the kids ice cream, having a few lunchtime beers or taking your other half out for a meal. These are where you can really make a saving when you stay in Italy ’s, Upper Tiber Valley.

We compared the prices for similar activities in the U.K. and Umbria , these included a pizza meal, round of drinks, day trip out on public transport and visiting a tourist attraction.

AND NOW THAT THE POUND HAS DROPPED SO FAR, THE FOLLOWING PRICES ARE IN WHICHEVER CURRENCY YOU PREFER

	UK	Italy
Pizza, chips and a drink (Pizza Hut)	13	6.5
3 Course Meal (for 2)	40 (minimum)	33(max, with wine)
Train journey ( Cardiff – Bristol )	12.40	3.30 (same distance)
5 mile taxi trip	20	18
Ice Cream	3	1.80
Museum entry (V&A/ Pinacoteca)	9	3.70
Chinese Take Away (for 4)	35	28
Cappuccino	2.50	0.90
Sticky bun	2.50	1
Theme Park ( Alton Towers / Mirabillandia)	99	45
Car Hire (VW Golf - Avis for 4 days)	158	165

So you can still get more for your pound when you come to Umbria on holiday. With lots of attractions, activities and historical sites to visit, gorgeous food to sample and delicious ice cream and cakes to eat you are guaranteed to have a lovely time.

There are many excellent family run restaurants and the market town of Citta di Castello boasts establishments providing Chinese and Mexican cuisine. Public transport is a fraction of the cost with the journey between Umbertide and Perugia costing only £3.30 and bus fares into Citta di Castello from its outlying regions a snip at only £1.10.

If as part of your holiday you would like to visit a theme park, “Mirabillandi” is good value for money. If you buy a pass for one day, the second day is free. For the culture vultures amongst you the entrance fee for Pinacoteca in Citta di Castello also gives you access to the Burri and Cathedral Museums for free.

The main consideration for a holiday has to be the weather and in Umbria you can, usually, be sure of clear blue skies and warm sunny days between Mid June to September. What price could you put on not having rain to contend with?

Why not leave behind the dreary, grey skies and rain and visit us in the heart of Italy ? You could pop to Florence for the day on a train and visit other wonderful sites in the nearby Tuscany region.

Five Stories of Italian Cakes

2008-12-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

Italy has an excellent collection of sumptuous cakes that come onto the shelves in the local shops around Christmas but where did they originate from and what do their names mean.

Cavallucci
Since the 16th Century, the people around Siena have been making small sticky, chewy scones containing walnuts, honey, candied fruit and aniseed. Originally these Tuscan doughy cookies were made for the stable boys hence their name cavallucci, which means "little horses"

Panforte
Panforte is another Tuscan cake made with almonds, spices, honey and candied fruit. There are two stories about its discovery, an orphan who visited the baby Jesus had nothing to offer the infant, save a dried crust of bread from his pocket. Joseph gave a crumb to one of the birds nesting in the roof and returned the rest to the boy , thanking him. The orphan left feeling upset that his gift was to poor an offering but on his return home he found his mother dressed in elegant clothes and his father in a bright shiny suit of armour. On the kitchen table was a feast, the centre piece being a cake made with almonds, honey and spices.

The second tale from the 13th century is that a nun called Sister Leta found that rodents had eaten through the bags that the sugar, spice and almonds were kept in. The ingredients had all been mixed up in the cupboard and moving a black cat out of the way she suddenly thought "why not just mix them all together in a pan" so not wishing to waste them decided to create something from the mixture.

Once it was ready the cat purring, turned to her and said "go on then, try it". Well Sister Leta realising that cats can’t talk so this must be the devil throw the contents of the saucepan over the cat and promptly banished the demon back to hell. Upon hearing all the commotion Sister Berta mother Superior came running into the kitchen and listened to the tale, curious as to what heavenly concoction could overcome the Devil she tasted it and that is how panforte came into being.

Torrone
Another Christmas cake, containing honey, almonds, eggs with an interesting story is the Torrone. It was first created on October 25th 1441 for the wedding of Bianca Maria Visconti and Francesco Sfroza in Cremona. It was made by the cites pastry chefs for the wedding and was in the shape of the city’s tower the "Torione" which at that time dominated the skyline. As guests for this occasion came from all over Europe this sweet soon became popular throughout the continent.

Panettone
This Milanese cake famous throughout Italy at Christmas was first made, legend has it back in the 15th century. A nobleman, falconer Ughetto Atellani who fell in love with the daughter of a poor baker called Toni. He decided to disguise himself as a baker and made a rich, sweet cake containing nuts, candied peel, raisins in order to win her hand. The Duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro Sforza agreed to the mariage and at which Leonardo da Vinci was present the cake Panettoni ( Toni’s bread) was introduced.

Pandoro
Pandoro or Golden Bread has a long history, its existence documented as far back as the first century, and Pliny the Elder is known to have liked it. Popular with rich aristocrats in the middle ages due to the expensive ingredients of spices, nuts and honey or sugar and served in palaces throughout the land. The modern version is credited with being perfected in Verona where it was near to the spice markets of Venice.

Caravaggio Created Firefly ''Photos''

2008-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Caravaggio's reputation for revolutionary artistic genius has received a further boost following the discovery he may have used fireflies to create primitive ''photographs''.

Roberta Lapucci, conservation chief at the Florence-based SACI institute, believes the baroque artist created a firefly powder as an essential tool after converting his entire studio into a kind of camera obscura.

Writing in the monthly art journal Stile Arte, Lapucci reports Caravaggio filtered light through a purpose-made hole in his ceiling, using a biconvex lens and a concave mirror to reflect the image he planned to paint directly onto the canvas.

The use of a camera obscura to sketch the subject was not a new technique among artists, having gained prominence thanks to Leonardo da Vinci's writings.

The device works by projecting reverse images of outside objects onto the flat wall of a closed box through a lens in an aperture. By attaching a mirror to the apparatus, artists were able to trace the exact dimensions of the image onto a piece of paper.

Caravaggio spent months refining his technique, adjusting the light and the size of the models. However, by turning his entire room into a camera obscura, Caravaggio found himself working in the dark.

Lapucci believes this led him to create his own version of a distilled and dried firefly powder, first written about by the natural philosopher Giovan Battista della Porta in his 1558 work Magiae Naturalis.

Analysing the content of Caravaggio's paintings, Lapucci discovered traces of photosensitive substances that react to light.

She believes the master used a compound of white lead and firefly powder that allowed him to work in the dark, producing an outline on the canvas of the camera obscura image.

This produced a short-lived, fluorescent image, similar to a photograph, which he was then able to convert into a permanent sketch that formed the basis of the eventual painting.

The many techniques pioneered by Caravaggio (1573-1610) have confirmed his reputation as one of the most revolutionary artist of his time, although he is probably best known for his mastery of chiaroscuro lighting.

He abandoned the Renaissance focus on the human body and spiritual experiences for more realistic and dramatic atmospheres, mixing street characters with religious subjects.

http://www.italymag.co.uk

Donatello's David returns to public gaze

2008-11-25T01:14:00.000-08:00

The first major work of Renaissance sculpture, Donatello's bronze of David, is nearing the end of a complex restoration process.

The statue will be unveiled to the public during an inauguration ceremony on November 28 in Florence at the Bargello Museum.
The final phase of the 18-month restoration has seen the famed statue entirely closed off to visitors because of the sensitive tools being used.
Technological innovations have been used throughout the process, such as laser combs invented specially to swipe clean the delicate gold leaf that decorates parts of the work.

The 200,000-euro project followed a major check-up on the state of the work, carried out early in 2007. The David was subjected to X-rays and a range of other more sophisticated diagnostic tests.
Most experts believe Donatello (1386-1466) sculpted the sensuous work in the 1440s.

It depicts David standing with one foot on Goliath's severed head. Apart from a hat and a pair of boots, David is naked.

At the time of its creation, it was probably the first free standing bronze nude since ancient times and it caused a sensation.

The almost feminine physique contrasts with Michelangelo's powerful, masculine depiction of the biblical figure, sculpted between 1500 and 1504.

It is also very different from Donatello's earlier marble version - created around 1412 - in which David is clothed.

Donatello, whose full name was Donato di Niccolo' di Betto Bardi, was the son of a Florentine woolcomber.

As a teenager, he worked in the studio of noted sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Later, he travelled to Rome with the great architect Filippo Brunelleschi to study the monuments of antiquity.

Donatello's dramatic departure from stylised Gothic art is credited with kick-starting the Renaissance.

The Florentine sculptor even anticipated the use of perspective that is often thought a painterly invention - as can be seen in his early bas relief of St George and the Dragon on Florence's Orsanmichele church.

Other major Donatello works include a grim prophet called Habbakuk - or popularly, Zuccone (big head) - on Florence's Duomo and an equestrian warlord in Padua called the Gattamelata.

www.italymag.co.uk

PROPERTY PRICES STILL GROWING

2008-11-15T03:35:00.000-08:00

Recent property reports locally for Knight Frank and Scenari Immobiliari indicate that the news is still good for the Tuscan and Umbrian markets. While sales experienced a slight dip, prices were generally up and expectations are that this will continue on into 2009.

Italian property prices increased by an average 3.8% per annum in 2008, the same as last year. This steady growth has been continuous over the last 8 years, in comparison with other European countries which have either seen a vast boom or as in the UK and Germany a sharp decline in property values this year.

The greatest price change has been within the provincial capitals, but rural locations also look set to post a rise in the values. There was an overall increase in the average selling time for houses of between 6 to 12 months, leading to the inevitable flexibility on price and negotiations more likely. Prices also varied depending on housing locations, with a slowing down in suburban and semi rural settings, while city centre sites and certain rural positions recording an increase.

Scenari Immobiliari’s survey states “the provincial capitals alone account for 39% of all residential sales in 2008 and while Tuscany has about 1800 villages with unique architecture set against an exceptional landscape, these places depend on the bigger towns for many functions. As a result, towns have a great power of attraction, which keeps growing—60% of Tuscany’s inhabitants live in the 38 most populated comuni, which count more than 28,000 people.”

Trends also exist between the requirements of native Italians and foreign buyers. Local residents were found to be looking for apartments and flats with balconies, in city centre locations. While foreign investors tending to favour a remote, rural villa in the countryside, only 25% of Italians preferred this type of location.

Overall these surveys indicate that investment in the Italian property market should continue, with a rise in tourism and prices remaining stable throughout 2009. Offering excellent opportunities and returns in both Umbria and Tuscany.

Taken from an article in Italy Magazine - http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy-featured/tuscany/tuscan-property-market-remains-stable

Upper Tiber Valley - the 90th anniversary of the ending of the Great War.

2008-11-06T01:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening saw the launch of the exhibition in the Upper Tiber Valley of the exhibition to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the ending of the Great War. Historical enthusiasts were amazed by the wealth of detail assembled by Alvarro Tachini, during the four years of preparation for this event, from personal sources in the local Upper Tiber Valley, not just the fighters, but also their families.

The Mayors of Citta' di Castello (Umbria) and San Sepolcro (Tuscany) gave short addresses and read a letter from the President of the Italian Republic complimenting the organiser, Mr Tachini, because, probably, for the first time, two compeditive adjoining Italian regions had combined in complete harmony in order to support this wonderful effort.

The total content of the exhibition has been photographed and reproduced in a most attractive format, and is now produced as a good quality book available to the public. ( price publisher details sponsor)

For students of this period, collectors, social historians and archivists, this work is an important and deeply moving account of the sufferings endured by all classes of the population, and which was repeated in different lands and different languages for most of the peoples of of a once divided Europe.

The terrible military casualties incurred during the war were overshadowed by the effects of the Spanish 'flu', a plague that struck down millions in the war torn countries, and then, to add to the misery, an earthquake. All of these grim details are recorded in the exhibition, and the book, and serve to remind us all that this valley in central Italy was not always the green and pleasant land that we find today.

The Upper Tiber Valley, Umbria, in the Great War

2008-10-30T08:45:00.000-07:00

"The Upper Tiber Valley, Umbria, in the Great War", the First World War, 1914-1918. An exhibition which opens in a few days time in Citta' di Castello, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the ending of this conflict, "The War to End all Wars", November 11th, at 11am 1918, and will be transferred later to San Sepulcro, the Tuscan town at the head of the valley near where the Tiber starts.

In the First War the Italians were on the side of the Allies, fighting desperately to throw off the domination of the Austrians, The Oest Reich, The Eastern Empire, and every small town and village lost brothers, fathers, sons and lovers in this conflict, many of whom are commemorated on memorials in the area.

This display is a unique opportunity to view a collection of local personal records of these times, uniforms, weapons, books, magazines, soldiers and momentos assembled from private sources in the area.

Never mind the chocolate festivals, the spaghetti and wild boar sauces, the wines and the beauty of the countryside, this is the real and deeply moving account of our valley, at war.

Eurochoc Festival

2008-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Well it was the last day of the Eurochoc Festival in Perugia yesterday and if you weren't able to enjoy the clear blue skies, uncommonly 24 degrees and the oodles of chocolate stalls, you will have to now wait until next year. The streets were packed with festa goers, everyone sampling their favourite morsel, people lounging on the steps of the Duomo, slumped on the pavements and sidewalks or relaxing in the Giardini Carducci.

There was something for all tastes. If your mantra is "a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips" there was diet chocolate, those with speciality dietry needs like vegetarians or diabetics were catered for and even the family pet could get a treat from the "Doggie Chocolate" seller. You could play chocolate chess, drink it and have fruit covered in it. This was a cocoa lovers paradise.

Mars Bar to Queen's Rook (picture by UmbriaArt)

With all the major producers present, Bacci, Perugina, Toblerone, Novi, it was nice to also see the smaller local producers demonstrating their Chocolatiers skils. The bus company laid on the Chocoline service and regular Chocotrains were running from Ponte San Giovanie so you didn't have any transport headaches getting into the old town.

So we now have to wait another 358 days until nest year. If you are planning 2009's tour, along with the truffles, chestnuts, fruits of the forest and beer festa's, Perugia's chocolate extravaganza is a must.

Even the statues need a break (picture by UmbriaArt)

Food, Glorious Food

2008-10-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

As the Autumn Harvests are bought in much of the regions festivals turn to the subject of food. Here are the local morsels you can sample, and a few oter festival as well.

1-2 Nov - Montone - Festival of the Forest, truffles and other produce from the woodlands about.

7-9 Nov - C. di Castello - "Il Tartufo Bianco" the ultimate in truffle appreciation.

9 Nov - C. di Castello - Piazza Gabriotti lets itself open to the joys of the classic "Vespa" scooters

9 Nov - San Guistino - Market of antique and used object D'arte.

11 Nov - Trestina - Festival of Santa Martino, roast chestnuts and the latest wines, what more do you need.

11 Nov - Calzolaro - 90th anniversary of the ending of WW1. Model soldiers, original magazines, militaria, memorabilia, post cards, newspapers, maps, certificates. 0039 075 930 2428 for appointment. For two weeks.

13 Nov - C. di Castello - Festa del Pane, a homage to the delights of bread and its patron Santa Florido.

14 -16 Nov - C. di Castello - Fayre of Santa Florido

21 Nov - C. di Castello - Teatro Comunale, "I Pelagraccio" mystery and splendor of this notorious family

23 Nov - C. di Castello - Antique Market, for all those Christmas goodies.

30 Nov - Umbertide - "Photography in Umbria" exhibition of photographs and cameras from the past.

Prime prices remain steady in cooling Tuscany and Umbria

2008-10-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Published on the 14-10-2008 by www.Italymag.co.uk

Words by Carla Passino

Top end property prices in Tuscany and Umbria are holding their values.
Few areas of Italy are more popular with foreign buyers than Tuscany and Umbria. Silvery olive groves, vineyard-encrusted hills and ancient stone-built hamlets have a perennial charm that never fails to entice prospective second homers. So how are the markets in these two areas faring in these turbulent times?According to the research office of Italian estate agents Gabetti, Florence has seen a small decline in property prices—but not at the top end and nearly a third of Florentine buyers are now prepared to spend more than €500,000 on their home (up from 25.6% in January 2008).

As for the countryside, Chianti villages remain expensive. Quality homes in Greve cost in the region of €4000 per sqmtPrime properties in particular are faring better than the rest, especially in the historic city centre, where renovated homes in ancient palazzos cost €5,000-6,000 per square metre, in Piazza del Campo, the sky is the limit.

At the same time, buyers are snubbing the modern new builds on the outskirts of town, despite average discounts of 15% on the asking price. “The town has seen too much building activity, particularly developments of 3-4 level buildings in modern style with small-sized homes, whereas Lucca residents tend to prefer bigger rooms and a rustic Tuscan style,” the Gabetti report explains.

So do the foreigners. Even though overseas demand is reducing, states Gabetti, affluent Dutch, British and American buyers continue to flock to Tuscany.

Over the border in Umbria, prices went down by 1.7% in Perugia—but the slowdown is chiefly linked to small-size investment properties, where a good flat costs an average of €3,500 per square metre.

Elsewhere in the region, places that draw plenty of foreign buyers, like Gubbio, are seeing prices in the range of €2400 to €3,000 per square metre for good quality homes that are either new or ready to move in.

These statistics, however, need to be taken with a pinch of salt, warns Roger Coombes of Cluttons Italy, “There are really two distinct market sectors in this part of Italy. The first consists of town and suburban apartments and terrace houses which, at the risk of oversimplifying, we can call the local market. This is the market covered by the available sources of statistical data on property sales,” he says. “The other or ‘foreigners’ market is fuelled by the demand for traditional farmhouses or historic town houses, restored or for restoration, mainly from foreign buyers who are driven by the wish to buy into a somewhat romantically perceived idea of the Italian way of life, over and above just wanting to make a sound long term investment.”

The latter market, he explains, only started in the 1980s “when it was possible to acquire run down or ruined properties in picturesque locations at very attractive prices.

“That phase has run its course: Italian farmers now have a very shrewd idea of the value foreign buyers perceive in a ruin, and the supply of such ruins has run relatively dry,” he says. “The market has matured, some properties restored to a high standard 10 to 20 years ago are coming up for sale as their owners adapt to changing personal circumstances, and buyers generally are very well informed about the types and quality of properties to be found in the various regions of Italy.”

While the number of transactions in the ‘foreigners’ market is too small to draw some meaningful statistical conclusions, empirical observation suggests that “Typical UK buyers in the price bracket up to €500,000 would be a middle-aged couple who re-mortgage their UK home to buy a holiday home abroad. With the current decline in the UK housing market, many such people are now hesitating before making a buying decision.” Coombes “can say with some certainty that buyers who have decided in principle that they wish to acquire property in Tuscany or Umbria remain strongly aware of the underlying value of property in this unique region of Europe.”

Eurochocolate 2008

2008-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Eurochocolate is preparing to inaugurate its fourteenth edition with ChocolAge, the Chocolate Era, that will take place from the 18th to the 26th October in Perugia. (www.eurochocolate.com).

The Food of the Gods becomes today's protagonist, influencing the habits daily life. Though it means, for example, communicating through a chocolate bar instead of a mobile phone, as it appears on the Italian communication campaign: “Cioccolato, senti quanto è buono” -“Chocolate, feel how good it is ”.

The images of the campaign actually portray many ordinary people using a chocolate bar as a cellphone for chatting, texting, taking pictures, listening to the music…Chocolate succeeds in catching modern technology in a funny and tempting trap. It turns in sweet batteries – The Chocopower – that bucks your day up and belongs to wellness and health after the entry of Chocopirin-A, already rebaptized “Chocolate Aspirin”. In Eurochocolate, then, insatiable lovers of chocolate, adults and children, will experience the Chocolate Era plunging in a present and futuristic dimension of over glowing delicacy.

Eurochocolate means also going through the culture of a fascinating town like Perugia, plenty of history, art and traditions that in nine days time becomes a huge chocolaterie en plein air to discover, also thanks to the successful Chococard offering sweet advantages for a funny experience in the name of leisure and goodness of chocolate. Advantages that will be immediately tangible among the stands of the Chocolate Show and those of the Rocca Pralina, two suggestive areas with more then 150 chocolate brands coming from each angle of the world.

Eurochocolate is also the instrument for promoting protection of important values as solidarity, biodiversity, traceability and sustainability of the production process of cocoa, aiming to guarantee a sustainable future based on the decrease of the differences between developed and developing countries.

With that mission, Eurochocolate World was born three years ago: a really appreciated vessel that promotes joint activities sponsored by international organization as ICCO (International Cocoa Organization) and Fairtrade TransFair Italia, one of the main organization for the certification of fair-trade products. Since then, Eurochocolate World confirms the success of the event in Perugia on this field as well, through concrete actions for economy development and awareness campaigns, beginning with the lessons of Equoscuola focused on fair-trade chocolate culture and addressed to the youngest generations.

Eurochocolate World hosts the second edition of the C8 (Thursday 18th October), the International Summit of the first eight countries world producers of Cocoa, that following the debate of last year on quality in cocoa production, will meet again in order to deal with the theme of Sustainability in the cocoa production process.

Another important vessel will be Equochocolate, the area dedicated to chocolate produced pursuing fair trade criteria, realized in collaboration with Fairtrade TransFair Italia.

www.umbriaonline.com

www.eurochocolate.com

10 Italian Coffee’s to get you started

2008-09-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

For the tourist it is essential to understand the different types of coffee available in Italy. In between the simple British cup of coffee and the American Grande, “double half caf decaf, skinny and hold the foam“, there is a logical order of caffe. So when you are asked “Mi dica”, "tell me", here are your options to probably ensure you get the drink you desire.

1) Espresso or just caffe’ - Small, strong, black coffee in a little cup.
2) Caffe' lungo - As above but with more hot water.
3) Cappuccino - Espresso shot with milk and a foamy top to keep the heat in, coated in cocoa or cinnamon and served in a large cup. Normally a breakfast drink. The name comes from the Franciscan order called the Capuchin, who wore a beige pointed hooded cloak, a "cappuccio".
4) Caffelatte - Large milky coffee, normally delivered in a tall glass. Although it is common within the UK and America to refer to this drink as a Latte, in Italy this will get you a glass of milk.
5) Caffe Doppio - A double or long espressso shot.
6) Americano - Espresso, hot water and milk, meant to emulate peculated coffee for the American soldiers in the Second World War.
7) Caffe macchiato - Espresso shot with a dash of milk in, a "stained" coffee.
8) Ristretto - A very strong, small black coffee, a half-sized, double strength espresso.
9) Caffe’ Freddo - Espresso poured over ice to chill, ideal for a hot summer's day.
10) Caffe’ Corretto - Coffee with a shot of liqueur, but not for breakfast!

La Lollobrigida revisits stardom with sculpture show

2008-09-07T09:57:00.001-07:00

Italian movie icon Gina Lollobrigida will be flashing her artistic talents in this Tuscan town, with an exhibition devoted to her sculpture.
Pietrasanta, a coastal town north of Lucca, is to showcase 30 bronze, marble and plastic sculptures by the actress.
The pieces will go on display later this month in the 14th-century Sant'Agostino Church, now an exhibition space, as well as outdoors in the central Piazza del Duomo.
The collection, the result of over ten years' work, is clearly inspired by the 81-year-old star's cinema career.
Many of the sculptures are portraits of her most famous screen characters.
A five-metre-high bronze statue, completed in 2002, will hold pride of place in Piazza Del Duomo. This depicts La Lollo as the gypsy Esmeralda opposite Anthony Quinn's Quasimodo in the 1957 film The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
A marble statue recalls the role that first won her international acclaim, the headstrong ''La Bersagliera'' in Pane Amore e Fantasia (1953).
Another marble piece 'La Amica' pays tribute to Lollobrigida's friendship with Marilyn Monroe while living in Hollywood.
But the exhibit also highlights the Italian's concern with the wider world, with a piece entitled Il Mondo per i Bambini (The World for the Children), recalling her years of work with UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders.
This is not the first exhibit of sculpture by La Lollo, who is an honorary citizen of Pietrasanta where she has had an artist's studio for the last ten years.
A travelling collection of her work wrapped up with an exhibition in Moscow's Pushkin Museum in 2003.
But while her sculpting talents have only come to public light in recent decades, La Lollo has had a lifelong passion for art.
As a young woman, she set her heart on an artistic career, winning a valuable scholarship to study sculpture and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, before turning to acting.
In April 2000 she told Parade magazine that she ''studied painting and sculpture at school and became an actress by mistake''.
In 1992 she represented Italy at the Seville Expo with a sculpture entitled Living Together, showing a child on an eagle, intended to represent harmony between humankind and nature.
Then French president, Francois Mitterrand, complimented her on the piece, later awarding her the Legion of Honour for artistic merit.
Gina Lollobrigida was born in 1927 in Subiaco, a town near Rome. She first came to the attention of Italian film directors as a beauty queen, after coming third in the 1947 Miss Italy competition.
Her Hollywood breakout film was the 1953 John Houston movie Beat the Devil although today she is still best known for the ''Pane, Amore...'' series
She rose to fame on the back of her prototype Latin beauty and her short ''tossed salad'' hairstyle. A kind of curly lettuce was even named ''Lollo'' in her honour.
In the 1970s she drifted away from acting but became a highly successful photographer and photojournalist, once scooping an exclusive interview with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
The exhibition runs in Pietrasanta from September 20 until November 16, after which it will tour the US.
www.italymag.co.uk

Etruscan tomb unearthed in Perugia

2008-08-12T02:27:00.000-07:00

An ancient Etruscan tomb has resurfaced after centuries underground during the course of building work in the central Italian city of Perugia.
The tomb, which has been preserved in excellent condition, contains seven funerary urns, the municipal archaeology department said.
It is in the shape of a square and was covered by a sheet of travertine marble, which had apparently remained untouched since being laid centuries ago.
The tomb is split into two halves by a pillar and there are two benches running along each side.
The funerary urns, which were placed on the benches, were marked with brightly coloured mythological and religious motifs.
A preliminary study suggests that writing on the side of the urns probably refers to a family that was called the Aneis.
In addition to the urns, the tomb also housed the remains of a bronze bed and various pottery shards.
The site was discovered during digging work for a new roundabout in the Strassacapponi neighbourhood on the outskirts of the Umbrian town.
The Etruscans are believed to have formed the first advanced civilisation in Italy, based in an area called Etruria, corresponding largely to present-day Tuscany, Umbria and northern Lazio.
By the sixth century BC they had become the dominant force in central Italy, but repeated attacks from Gauls and Syracusans later forced them into an alliance with the embryonic Roman state, which gradually absorbed Etruscan civilization.
Although the Etruscans had the upper hand in the early days and supplied Rome with the last three of its first seven kings including the famous Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud), the archaeological record of their once sweeping presence in central Italy is scanty compared with that of other civilisations.
Some historians have posited that the Romans actively tried to wipe out the traces of their predecessors, whose sensual and fun-loving approach to life contrasted with the spartan, austere and rigidly patriarchal life of the early Roman republic.
Most of what we know about their civilisation is based largely on archaeological finds, since much of their language has yet to be deciphered.

http://www.italymag.co.uk/italy/umbria/etruscan-tomb-unearthed-perugia

Festival del Sole

2008-07-27T02:01:00.000-07:00

It is a triumph of all that is best about Italy. Music, art, wine, food and literature take centre stage among the narrow streets and vineyard-strewn slopes of Cortona during the Festival del Sole from August 2 to 10.

Now in its sixth season, the Festival is the brainchild of Barrett Wissman, head of arts management corporation IMG Artists, who first launched it in 2001 to celebrate “the art of life.”
This year, stars of the Bolshoi Ballet will open the event with an outdoor performance against the ancient tower and elegant palazzos of Piazza Signorelli, one of Cortona’s most scenic squares. Alexander Volchkov, Maria Allash and other soloists will dance old favourites from the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Cinderella and Don Quixote. It is the first time that ballet is included in the festival’s programming and, in the words of Wissman himself, “what better way to do that than to start with the renowned Bolshoi.”

Music on the other hand has long been the mainstay of the event, and this year’s packed calendar hardly disappoints. Tenor José Cura and soprano Ana Maria Martinez will sing some of Puccini’s most yearning arias—the heart breaking E lucean le stelle, from Tosca, Un bel dì vedremo from Madama Butterfly and Che gelida manina from La Boheme. Soprano Danielle de Niese and the Venice Baroque Orchestra will perform a selection of Handel’s concertos and arias, and violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Natasha Paremski will play Mozart, Bach and Vivaldi.
Wissman has also drafted in actors Gabriele Lavia and Robert Redford to read poems by Giacomo Leopardi and Robert Frost, marked by the mellow notes of Nicola Luisotti on the piano. And at lunchtime, Piazza della Repubblica will turn into an open-air theatre staging free concerts by the UBS Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra. Pianist Piotr Anderszewski, together with Joshua Bell and the Verbier orchestra, will close the Festival with pieces by Mozart, Wagner and Mendelsshon.

“The Tuscan Sun Festival is a unique annual celebration of the arts set against the backdrop of the beautiful landscape of Tuscany,” says Wissman. “We are honoured to present this international festival every year and to once again welcome such a stellar list of artists to Cortona.”

But the Festival del Sole titillates the eye and the palate as much as the ears. Behind the sober façade of the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, artist Sybille Szaggars will bring The Shape of Colour to life with her abstract paintings. The convent next door will be home to the Espontaneas exhibition of photographs by tenor José Cura, which focus on friendship, human dignity, poverty, old age, loneliness. It will also be the backdrop to cooking demonstrations by local chef Donatella Balducci, who will tease the tastebuds with nettle ravioli, lamb fricassee and almond brittle.
Art will also meet wine at the 13th century Palazzo Casali, where twenty-one artists, including Mimmo Rotella and Mark Kostabi, will display their works exploring music in art, while the Wine Consortium of Cortona, restaurateur Tonino and local shop Delizie Toscane will hold tastings of velvety wines, creamy cheeses and flavoursome cold cuts. And should this not suffice, there will also be wellness sessions, literary lectures and tai-chi every day around town.

To buy tickets to Festival del Sole performances,
+44 (0)20 8133 5571 (UK),
+1 646 797 2915 (US)
+39 0575 606 887 (Italy).

For further information visit the festival’s website, www.festivaldelsole.com.