The Borgo Martano, nestled among 32 rolling hectares of meadows and woodlands, is an extraordinary compound of 13th-century medieval buildings offering extraordinary views of the verdant hills and sapphire skies of Umbria, a land of castles, fortified towns, ancient Roman thoroughfares, and exquisite cuisine in the heart of central Italy.

Within short distances of the borgo's pristine surrounds are the stuff on which Umbrian dreams are made: among the best restaurants and spas in Italy, natural wonders like the country's highest waterfall, the source of the legendary Sanfaustino spring (where the exquisite 'calcium water' is born), and places and towns of deep cultural and historical significance like Assisi and Todi.

Events which appeal to all tastes abound throughout the year. Here are just a few:

La Festa dei Ceri (Festival of Candles). An ancient rite of spring filled with archetypes and symbolism as processionals retrace ancient steps in honor of St Ubaldo, protector of masons, in yellow-gold; St Giorgio, protector of merchants and artisans, in azure, and St Antonio, protector of farm workers, in ebony. The crowds are full of the colors of these three candles, mixed with red kerchiefs and white pants.

Umbria Jazz. Thrice-yearly concerti bringing together the best and brightest stars of the contemporary jazz scene.

Todiarte Festival. In neighboring Todi, this wonderful, uniquely Umbrian experience brings theater, music, ballet, and innumerable cultural events with many foreign guest artists, to courtyards and venues throughout the medieval city.

Eurochocolate. Behold the city of Perugia transformed into an animated patisserie with courses, exhibits and other events, bringing together the makers and connoisseurs of the finest sweets in Italy and abroad. Past examples of its flavorful art have included enormous chocolate sculptures in the city center and a reconstruction of the Berlin Wall with semisweet chocolate bricks.

Click here for a national map, and click here for a regional map.