Valentine's Day in Umbria

Ever wondered about the origins of Valentine's Day? Incredibly, the original San Valentino (Saint Valentine) came from Terni in Umbria!Saint Valentine was born in Terni and become the first Bishop of Terni in 197 AC.

Saint Valentine gained the name of Patron Saint of Lovers when he celebrated the wedding between a Roman legionaire, Sabino and a beautiful young Christian girl called Serapia.

Saint Valentine was put to death on the orders of the Roman Prefect, Placido Furio on the 14th February 273 AC during the persecutions ordered by the emperor Aurelius.

But why the roses? A legend grew up from the fact that San Valentino used to make a present of a rose from his own garden to his young visitors. Two of these young people fell in love; and this love risulted in a union so happy that many other couples followed their example, to such a point that the Saint decided to dedicate one day of the year to a general benediction of the state of matrimony!

So what better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than Umbria, the heart of romance!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Now that the Christmas and New Year festvities are behind us, and spring is still a few months away, it's time to start thinking about warmth, sunshine and holidays...

The two-bedroomed apartment in Villa Bastiola offers luxury self catering accommodation in beautiful, mystical Umbria in Italy. The villa is in the north of Umbria, just on the border with Tuscany, so perfectly located to see some of both these beautiful regions of Italy.

Città di Castello (see the photo above taken at twilight on 3rd January 2007) is a lovely medieval town and has Roman origins. Only 15 minutes drive from the apartment, it has a wealth of restaurants and shops, and winding cobbled streets just waiting to be explored.

Cortona is half an hour by car and Lake Trasimeno, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi, Montone and Preggio are all within easy reach. There are many medieval hilltop towns and breathtaking panoramas to discover either by car or on foot and guided hiking or mountain biking can be arranged for guests at the apartment.

We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Bastiola, so please email for availability!