The Art of Slow Living in Umbria, Italy
Discover the Art of Slow Living in Umbria, Italy.
In Umbria, life moves with the rhythm of the seasons and the rolling hills that stretch across the horizon. The region of Umbria, rich in history and tradition, offers a unique approach to life where every day is an opportunity to embrace simplicity and authenticity. At our Estate, we embody this philosophy, offering you a chance to experience the genuine slow living of rural Italy.
Umbria teaches the art of patience and appreciation through its traditional practices. Here, families still tend to their “orto” (vegetable garden) year-round, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce for loved ones. Many still raise their own livestock and cure the meats in-house. If you ask a local family roughly how many chickens they eat per year, they’ll know the answer. The communal activities of grape harvesting and olive picking are not just agricultural tasks but are the lifeblood of local culture, promoting community bonding and the transfer of generational knowledge. Each family owns a plot of olive trees and often a few rows of vines. They produce all these things to sustain their families year-round. This was once the way of life all across Italy, but as time went on traditions were lost and modernity took over, however here, in Umbria, it’s very much still the way things are done.
The daily rhythm of life here is still dictated by nature and tradition. Shops in the small towns surrounding us close from 1pm to 4pm for a 'pausa', encouraging a break that allows everyone to go home, have lunch, relax and recharge—something increasingly rare in the fast-paced modern world. This forced pause can be frustrating for some used to everything at their fingertips, but we see it as a beautiful daily reminder to slow down and savour the moment.
Our Estate, Poggio Belvedere, is perfectly positioned to offer you a glimpse into the slow life of Umbria, Italy. With stunning views that stretch across vineyards and olive groves, and multiple walking paths that invite you to explore at a leisurely pace, you can truly connect with the environment. The act of walking through these landscapes, breathing in the fresh air, is a meditation in itself, helping to ground you in the present. Don’t forget the panoramic pool area, often described as our Green Sanctuary, where birds sing and the sun shines all day long.
Whether you're looking to book an individual luxurious apartment or have the ultimate experience of luxury by renting the entire estate, our accommodations are designed to ensure you enjoy every moment of your stay in this beautiful region.
Vero proudly collaborates with a new generation of local producers, from artisans crafting painted ceramics in Deruta to vintners practicing organic wine production.
By choosing to stay with us, you support these dedicated individuals who are breathing new life into age-old practices, ensuring that the traditions which define this region continue to thrive. Experience the art of slow travel. Stay present, support local, and give back to the places you visit. At Poggio Belvedere, discover how the slow, simple life in Umbria can rejuvenate the spirit and inspire a deeper appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, we recommend visiting these artisans and producers during your stay:
Tassi: This husband and wife team is known for their exquisite ceramics hand-painted in Deruta, Tassi's workshop offers a glimpse into the detailed craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Ask Marco for a behind-the-scenes glimpse, which he’ll lovingly show you.
I Potti Dei Frattini: This family-run olive mill (frantoio) produces some of the finest olive oil in the region. A tour here provides insight into the traditional methods still used today. Make sure to send some oil home - you won’t find better quality than this!
Cantina Cenci: Dive into the organic wine movement with a visit to Cantina Cenci, where the farm-to-table experience is cherished and every bottle tells the story of the mineral-rich soils. Book a tasting to get the full experience.
Cantina Lumiluna: Curious about Natural Wine? Start with Luca and Giulio: friends turned winemakers who are dedicating their lives to saving abandoned vineyards, breathing new life into these lands one vineyard at a time. Visits and tastings available upon request.
Maca Muta Restaurant: Experience dining with no menu at Macamuta, where the dishes are dictated by the market's offerings each day, accompanied by a thoughtfully curated hyper-local wine list.
La Carneria Spina: Don't miss a stop at this renowned butcher shop where you can buy traditional cured meats, artisanal cheeses, legumes, and local wine - add a walk through Spina’s castle walls and that’s a perfect slow afternoon outing.
Pochini Paola: Mingle with the local crowd just 3 minutes down the road from our Estate. Paola will make you gourmet charcuterie boards, pasta, salad, and more - make sure to order a bottle of local wine, she has it all (even pantry essentials next door).
Whatever you choose, Umbria, Italy will charm you. Visit our website or contact us directly to book your stay and begin your journey into the Green Heart of Italy.
