What and where is Il Nido?
This map shows the regions of Itay with Umbria as the region in dark red. It is in the heart of Italy. Tuscany is the region to the north west. Lazio (the region surrounding Rome) is to the south west. The main road and rail links connecting Rome with Florence, Bologna and Venice pass through Umbria.
A map of the region of Umbria showing Fabro and Castel di Fiori on the western edge. The map shows the capital, Perugia, and the other principle cities such as Orvieto, Todi, Montefalco etc. Chiusi is just across the border in Tuscany to the north.
A view from the forest. The tower of Castel di Fiori in the centre.
Il Nido is part of our Podere (small farm) just outside the small borgo of Castel di Fiori. It has been designed to serve as a self contained cottage just right for two but big enough for four. (More details....) It is ideal as a base for travellers who want somewhere safe and quiet and yet central enough to make daily expeditions to centres of art, food and wine easy and relaxing. There are excellent walking trails in the surrounding forest and countryside, local festivals abound most of the year, markets are held weekly in many villages and towns, and short courses of olive oil appreciation and cooking lessons based on local produce are available.
Umbria is known as the green heart of Italy. It is heavily wooded with oak forests. Farms are small and farming families are often almost selfsufficient in food. Umbrian wine has undergone a recent renaissance. Young winemakers are making excellent varietals and are always on hand to talk about their wine and pass a glass to interested winelovers. The famous sagrantino wines of Umbria are made at Montefalco - an hour by road from Castel di Fiori. The olive oil of Castel di Fiori is one of the most sought after mountain oils.
Handcrafts - fabrics, ceramics, wrought iron and terracotta - are valued in Umbria and many workshops and small factories are open to visitors.
This is the heart of Perugino country - his paintings are in many towns and villages and the National Gallery in Perugia is famous for its collection of Renaissance art - including a large Perugino presence. He was born in the Umbrian village of Fontignano and his father was mayor of Citta della Pieve where he lived for many years.
Castel di Fiori is in the north west of Umbria - just below Lake Trasimeno and just above Lake Corbara.
The Autostrada del Sole that runs from top to toe of Italy has an exit at Fabro. This is 25 minutes from Castel di Fiori.
Local trains that run from Florence to Rome and back again stop at Fabro.
Express and intercity trains that run between Rome and Northern Italy and on to Northern Europe stop at Orvieto (45 minutes South of Castel di Fiori) and Chiusi (45 minutes north of Castel di Fiori).
Branch lines to Siena, Perugia and Assisi run from these major lines.