Umbria is one of my favourite regions in Italy and it’s one of those areas that still lies off the regular tourist track of the Rome-Florence-Venice trifecta making it even more of a special place to visit. I wrote about some of the towns that are the easiest to reach on the train line in this post. But until meeting Ellen of “Umbria Above” I hadn’t heard of the town of Ficulle. North of Orvieto, it’s a little town of tower houses, one of which became our luxury oasis for a few days in June (2021).
Ellen had been working in tourism and coming to Italy for summer after summer when finally she decided to go “Under the Umbrian sun” and buy a medieval tower house in the middle of the little town of Ficulle. After an extensive restoration, the result is an incredible rustic-luxury townhouse. Three bedroom, four bathroom, full kitchen, a rooftop terrace with a view over the Umbrian countryside and even an ancient Etruscan tomb in the basement… this is a really one of a kind place.
The attention to detail is what made this location even more special. Ellen has preserved the history and the character of this historic location but decorated it with only the best. From chandeliers to silken sheets and feather pillows, staying at Umbria Above is truly a luxurious experience yet one that doesn’t take you out of your surroundings.
Umbria Above is for:
- Those looking for all modern comforts in a historical location
- Couples or friends traveling together
- Families
- Those with a car
- Those who want to get off the beaten track and explore Umbria
What to do in the Area
If you are staying with Ellen, she is full of helpful, tailored advice on where to eat, what to see and how to enjoy this part of Umbria. For now, you can read Ellen’s personal recommendations for what to do in Umbria in her piece for The Italy Edit: click here. Or see my photo diary post about Umbria towns: Orvieto, Spoleto, Foligno, Assisi, Perugia, and Spello. Click here.
Last but not least, a stroll around the town of Ficulle will lead you to the ceramics studio of Fattorini where we couldn’t resist picking up some of the blue speckled ceramics that we’d seen in the tower. They also have a restaurant attached though we didn’t have a chance to stop there on our last trip.
Until next time Ficulle and thanks again to Ellen and Umbria Above for a wonderful stay!
*Note on reviews: I am always on the look out for more places that I can recommend to Unlock Italy guests that might be booking a tour with me or Luca or working with me to plan their Italy trips. If you know a great place you think I’d like, send me an email! If you own a place in Italy that you’d like me to review, feel free to contact me. I only review places I truly love and that I think will be a good fit for Unlock Italy guests.