January 2010 Newsletter
New Green Heart Italy website launched
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new-look Green Heart Italy website, which includes a much extended gallery where you can see lots of pictures of Umbria (we'll keep adding to this, so come back and have a look) and where you can even download wallpapers for your PC.
If you have any ideas or comments, please contact us and let us know.
Saint Valentine
There is some speculation regarding who the 'real' Saint Valentine was as the name Valentinus was very popular at the time, however certainly one of the possibilities was that he was the bishop of Interamna, which is now known as Terni in the southern part of Umbria. He became the patron saint of the town and his relics are interred in the Basilica di San Valentino in Terni. His body is buried on the Via Flaminia, one of the first roads in Italy.
It was not until the 14th Century that Saint Valentine’s Day was associated with lovers and gifts exchanged. Many believe that it was Chaucer who first made a connection to romantic love in writing in his poem Parlement of Foules. The poem was written on the occasion of the engagement of Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia.
Terni - "the Manchester of Italy"
Terni is in the south of Umbria and lies on the River Nera which joins into the River Tiber. During Roman times, the town was an important city (municipium) and was called Interamna which literally means ‘between two rivers’. Due to its importance, the Romans built many important structures in the town including aqueducts, amphitheatres and bridges.
During the following centuries, the town declined and lost some of its importance in the region and in the 17th Century was badly affected by plague and famine. However, during the Industrial Revolution the city was able to make use of the water in the area to build important steelworks and wool factories amongst other things. Unfortunately this made it a prime target for bombing during World War II and the city was hit no fewer than 108 times.
Just outside of the city is the famous Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls) which is the tallest waterfall in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the World. The falls are in three sections, built by the ancient Romans they are an amazing 165m high. The waters flow from the Velino River into the River Nera and can be turned on or off at the flick of a switch. There is a schedule which tourists should consult to make sure they get the full effect of this impressive sight.
Recommended Hotel - Le Rocce
Country Hotel Le Rocce, is ideally placed for golfers near to all of the golf courses in the region. Nestled in the Umbrian hills, the hotel has some fantastic views across the panoramic scenery of the region. The rooms are large and comfortable and all come with air conditioning, TV and phones and are decorated in typical Umbrian style. It is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, many of which are owned by the hotel management, which is used to produce typical products which can be enjoyed in the restaurant.
As well as the hotel there are also several small villas and apartments on the resort, where guests can relax in a more secluded spot. Many of the accommodations have private pools and some have fireplaces and even private gyms.