Here’ll you find insights into Umbria, culled from living in Spello for two years, as detailed in my memoir Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, which you can download right here or at your preferred marketplace here or you can find it on Amazon here. Buy it now to read about how our family of five abandoned life in the United States to clink glasses with local communists and join the village all-nighter decorating cobblestone streets with flower petals. You’ll also read about embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office. Ultimately, though, Il Bel Centro is the story of how travel can change you if you let it.
I’m thrilled another post in my Local Guide series, about a delightful aspect of Umbria—ceramics! You might have heard of Deruta, it’s famous the world over for its contributions to the ceramic arts, but here is a chance to hear about the craft, and the history, from one of the families that made Deruta great.
Read MoreFestivals are Italy distilled. Here is your guide to celebrations in Umbria throughout the seasons.
Read MoreGubbio is…different. See what makes this evocative town stand out from other cities in Umbria.
Read MoreTrevi, Umbria: A little village with big atmosphere.
Read MoreNot all buffets involve endless sneeze-guards and noodles congealing in cornstarch baths. Discover this gem tucked away in the hills above Bevagna, Umbria.
Read MoreA restaurant recommendation in Bettona, Umbria given with my whole heart.
Read MoreWebsite for Michelle Damiani, author of Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, the funny and heartfelt memoir of an American family living in Spello, as well as Santa Lucia, a page-turner set on the Umbria border.
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A trip to Italy is better with language basics! Here’s my recommended course to learn Italian and make your trip fantastico!
Festival participant, speaking about “Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center”
Featured speaker on panel discussing Romance for “Santa Lucia”
