Italy in the Winter

Entrance to the property of Terme Fontecchio. Photo by Rita Radici, 2012.

Yes, it snows in Italy, and not just in the north or in the mountains. Right here in Umbria, in central Italy, it snows. Usually it's a wet snow, causing people to pop up their umbrellas to ward off the gigantic slushy flakes. Within 12 hours, it usually melts.

I thought it might be fun this month to take a pictorial walk through Umbria's winter wonderland.  In some cases you'll get to see the difference between the same scene in winter and in summer. Enjoy! No boots required!

Corral in winter.

Corral in summer.

There are eight churches inside the walls of Citta di Castello. This is the main church, also known as the cathedral which literally means "seat of the bishop."

The fountain at the right is on the property of Terme di Fontecchio, a spa not far from the ancient walls of the city. Its park-like atmosphere during the warm-weather months make it a destination spot for meeting friends for a cappuccino.

In two future blogs, there will be more about the Terme: one about a nice hike up to it, and the other about a sanctioned card tournament that was hosted there.

Let's continue our sight-seeing.

This is the washed-out bike/walking path next to the Tiber River. Each spring workers repair it.

Winter photo of fountain by Rita Radici.

The Terme in winter. Photo by Rita Radici.

Overlooking the valley from the second floor of a restored farmhouse in winter.

The path from town to the longer Tiber River path in winter and summer.

The Terme in summer.

Overlooking the same valley from the second floor of a restored farmhouse in summer.

A former sunflower field in winter.

And most incredible, the diehard bicyclists, one of the most popular sports in Italy after soccer. Photo by Giordano Castagnoli.

Hope you are enjoying your winter wherever you are!


Grazie a miei amiche Rita Radici e Giordano Castagnoli per le bellissime fotografie.