Italy is known for its fascinating history, thanks to countless eras and influences which have shaped the country. Perhaps its most famous era is that of the Romans, whose empire stretched from Britain to the eastern Mediterranean. Leaving behind an unrivalled architectural legacy, many of their greatest creations are still standing today; a testament to their craftmanship and skill. Although the Colosseum in Rome immediately springs to mind, on a cycling holiday in Umbria you’ll find some of the finest Roman ruins in Italy.
Lying in the very heart of the peninsula, the region has long been a crossroads between the north and south, with many of the most important trade routes and roads passing through here. Ancient roads like the Via Flaminia and grand amphitheatres like the one in Gubbio showcase just a few of the amazing pieces of history found here. Read on to discover the best Roman ruins in Umbria.
Via Flaminia
Connecting the capital of Rome to the Po Delta in the northeast, the Via Flaminia was the lifeblood of the old empire. The Po Delta was the breadbasket of Italy, meaning it was crucial in feeding the vast population of ancient Rome. A large section of this road lies in Umbria, where it is still used as a country path alongside a busier road that follows the same course; the fact it is still in use today highlights the importance of the route.
Whilst cycling on the Via Flaminia, you’ll be treated to some original brickwork or maybe even a masterfully constructed bridge – echoes of its Roman past; you’re effectively cycling through history on the Via Flaminia. This experience is not just wonderful for lovers of the ancient past as everywhere you look you’ll find the beautiful countryside, filled with olive orchards and rows of cypress trees.
Pedal your way gently along quiet side roads and tracks and feast on wondrous Italian fayre and delicious Italian wines on your Umbrian E-bike self guided cycling holiday.
Gubbio Amphitheatre
The Romans were nothing if not lovers of entertainment in all its forms, from riveting plays to infamous gladiator matches. As a result, they left behind beautifully constructed amphitheatres and colosseums, still standing proud today. Not many know that the second largest amphitheatre in the empire was built in Gubbio, in the Umbrian valleys. Sitting beneath hills laced with vineyards, this is one of the most photo-worthy spots on our tours.
The amphitheatre was built in the first century BC and is remarkably well preserved considering its age. When you visit, you’ll notice how sound seems to travel perfectly around the structure, owing to the incredible architecture which amplified voices in a time long before microphones. As it’s open to the public, you’re even able to just relax here for a few moments of peace – perhaps grab a sandwich and a coffee from town and make your way to the ruins for a picnic surrounded by history.
An indulgent escape to Umbria, this leisurely self-guided cycling holiday is filled with delicious food and romantic scenery.
Assisi Forum
Beneath the charming streets of Assisi lies the remains of ancient Assisium, a small but thriving Roman town. The forum of this town is actually quite well preserved and is referred to as the ‘Assisi Underground’, due to it being completely buried beneath the city. The ‘Underground’ is also the town’s archaeological museum, easily accessed through the church of San Nicolo by heading down its crypt, and we highly recommend you visit.
Walk through the streets of the ancient forum on a glass walkway which allows you to see the ancient remains below. You’ll pass by shops, magistrate podiums, a temple to Minerva as well as what’s left of the old forum fountain. The temple is an attraction in its own right, with a classic Roman design and an enigmatic atmosphere. These remains paint a picture of what life was like thousands of years ago in Assisi and bring the past to life in such a fantastic way. As a result, it’s definitely one of Umbria’s best Roman ruins.
Cortona Archaeological Park
The city of Cortona, lying on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, is filled with exciting and well-preserved Roman ruins – enough to fill an archaeological park. The old town is surrounded by imposing Etruscan walls, built even before the Romans arrived. Scattered throughout the city you’ll stumble across ancient structures such as vaulted arches and Roman aqueducts. Learn all about how the genius architectural knowledge of the ancients led to clean drinking water supplied to the thriving settlement.
Cortona has existed as a centre of commerce and trade for thousands of years and is likely one of the oldest cities or towns in Italy. Walking through its streets, you can just feel the ancient past, with buildings and structures dating back to all different periods of history. Just outside of Cortona lies the Roman villa of Ossai, which was a large and particularly luxurious ’villa rustica’ which belonged to the imperial Augustus family. Decorated with gorgeous mosaics and rivalling the splendour of the palaces seen in Rome, the villa was actually built over an even more ancient Etruscan sanctuary. In Italy, you’ll find history under history under history, making it a fabulous place to visit.
For more information on the best Roman ruins in Umbria, call our cycle experts today on 020 7471 7760.