Flavors of Tuscany and Umbria

This is the story of a little local butcher's shop that has become celebrated the world over. Run by the Falorni family since 1806, the shop sells products made from Cinta Senese pigs, which roam freely across the beautiful landscapes of Chianti. Their cured ham, sausages, and bacon are absolutely sublime, with hints of Chianti, sage, fennel, or rosemary from the region.

Behind its austere facade, the gothic Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo houses in its small Cappella Bacci one of the most magnificent paintings of the Renaissance, the Legend of the True Cross frescoes by Piero della Francesca. In his ten frescoes, the painter presents a new experience of perspective and the use of light in painting. A masterpiece that revolutionized pictorial art.

The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio, a superb example of Renaissance architecture from the 15th century, would alone make a visit to Cortona worthwhile. It was built by the shoemakers' guild, whose members tanned leather in the vicinity. The impressive structure houses some exquisite treasures, as well as three paintings by Tommaso Barnabei.

Tucked inside the former stables of the Palace della Corgna, Perugia's most famous bakery opened its doors in 1860. The decor and aromas of this establishment will take you back in time. The coffee is wood-roasted on the premises and all the pastries are homemade. Try the “Torcolo di San Costanzo”, a traditional cake served on January 29, the feast day of the city's patron saint. A true institution, where the clientele varies depending on the time of day. Corso Vannucci 32, Perugia

The small town of Norcia is considered the capital of Italian cured meats and cold cuts. Here, everything they make is crafted as a work of art. Whether it's sausages (Corallina, Coglioni di mulo, etc.), hams (Prosciutto di Norcia IGP), or slices of cured pork, the window displays and shelves of the delicatessens along the Corso Settorio resemble museums dedicated to gourmet delicacies! As proof, the word “norcineria” is used to identify the delicatessens that make and sell these classic products.