Imagine an Italian summer brimming with emotion, where every day brings its own share of artistic discoveries, traditional celebrations and magical moments. That is exactly what Umbria has in store for you in 2024, with a cultural calendar of extraordinary variety. And if you're looking for the perfect base to experience these unique moments, Villa Allegria in Foligno welcomes you in an exceptional setting that combines charm, comfort and proximity to all the must-see highlights.
Music lovers, rejoice! Umbria offers two major unmissable events. From 12 to 21 July, Umbria Jazz sets Perugia and Terni alight with an eclectic programme spanning traditional jazz to the very latest sounds. Among the artists expected to perform: Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington and Norah Jones.
From 28 June to 14 July, the Festival of the Two Worlds transforms Spoleto into an open-air stage. Opera, concerts, ballet, theatre... this multidisciplinary festival promises evenings rich in emotion. In 2024, it explores the theme of "Metamorphoses" through original creations and reinvented classics.
Good to know: Make the most of your stay to discover other prestigious musical events, such as the Festival of Nations in Città di Castello (chamber music), the Trasimeno Music Festival in Magione (concerts on the shores of Lake Trasimeno), and the Orvieto Sound Festival (electronic music in a historic setting).
In Umbria, the past is never far away. Every summer it comes back to life through spectacular historical celebrations. In Foligno, the Giostra della Quintana plunges you into the electric atmosphere of medieval equestrian jousting. For an entire week, the town pulses with costumed processions, traditional banquets and fierce competition between its 10 districts.
Bevagna, meanwhile, invites you on a journey back in time from 19 to 30 June. Its Mercato delle Gaite recreates a vibrant medieval market with astonishing authenticity, as craftsmen and traders bring age-old trades back to life. An immersive experience in the genuine atmosphere of medieval Umbria.
A case in point: If you are staying at Villa Allegria in late June, don't miss the Palio dei quartieri in Nocera Umbra. This friendly competition between the town's districts features colourful sporting and artistic contests — a wonderful opportunity to share a convivial moment with the locals and sample regional specialities.
The summer of 2024 will also be defined by contemporary art. The retrospective dedicated to Gae Aulenti, a towering figure in Italian architecture and design, is set to be one of the highlights in Perugia. Visitors will be able to discover previously unseen works and reconstructions of her most iconic creations.
The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria also has some wonderful surprises in store, with an exceptional exhibition centred on Klimt's "Three Ages." A fascinating dialogue between ancient and modern art — not to be missed! Other major names in contemporary art will be taking over cultural venues across the region: Mark di Suvero in Todi, Alberto Burri in Città di Castello, and Carlos Garaicoa with his poetic installations in Assisi.
Worth noting: Umbria has been the birthplace of many artists who have shaped the history of art, including the poets Propertius and Jacopone da Todi, and the painter Perugino. Take advantage of your stay to follow in their footsteps and discover the places that inspired them.
To fully enjoy this cultural buzz, a little planning goes a long way. Don't wait to book your tickets for the flagship festivals and exhibitions, or your accommodation — you'll avoid any last-minute disappointments.
And why not kill two birds with one stone by choosing a charming villa such as Villa Allegria in Foligno? You'll combine easy access to events with a true immersion in the Umbrian art of living. From here, you can easily venture out to Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto or Bevagna.
Good to know: Umbria attracts a great many visitors every summer, with tourist numbers rising by 15% during festival periods. Be sure to book your accommodation and travel arrangements — flights, car hire and so on — well in advance to enjoy a stress-free trip.
With its exceptionally rich cultural calendar, Umbria stands out as THE destination of summer 2024. Music, history, art... there is something for everyone. Don't wait any longer to plan your stay and live an unforgettable Italian summer!
Villa Allegria, your peaceful haven in the heart of Umbria. Our stunning property in Foligno is the perfect setting in which to savour the dolce vita between cultural events. Heated pool, landscaped terraces, refined rooms... everything is designed with your well-being in mind. Looking to organise a tailor-made stay or a private reception? Our team is on hand to cater to your every wish. Contact us now for a summer spent in the true spirit of the Italian art of living!