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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Exploring Italian Hill Towns

Buon Giorno!
Ok, today we are concluding our tour of Italy by visiting a few Italian hill towns in the Umbria region!
Hopefully you aren't sick of seeing my trip photos, I promise that this is the last post I'll do!
I was in love with all of the beautiful architecture, shutters, and flower boxes.  I could have spent forever just soaking up every last detail of these towns and villages!
I just loved this stone and brick archway, below!  It made me think of a secret window that opened onto the Italian countryside!


No, this is not an alleyway, above.  It is a street, a very narrow street!
And the large arched wooden door, below, is actually someone's garage door.  How cool is that?
Visiting the medieval villages feels as if you are truly stepping into the past! 

We had lunch at this pretty little restaurant, below.  It was way out in the middle of no where, and the views of the countryside were amazing!  I wish I'd thought to take photos of some of our meals.  Here we had the best home made pasta with pesto, it was delish!  How can food that is so simply prepared taste so incredible??!
Sorry for the poor photo quality below.  I snapped this as we were driving along in the countryside.  I just love the tall cypress trees, which are quintessential to the Italian countryside.
There was hardly a day that went by that we didn't visit an amazing church or two.
Here we are in the town of Spoleto, the most beautiful of the Umbrian hill towns.
Dating from the 12th century, the San Pietro church, below, was just gorgeous!


Words can't express just how beautiful it was inside. Notice the pretty mosaic floor?
There were several chapels inside, this one, below was my favorite.
More amazing painted and carved ceilings.
The colors were gorgeous!
A view of the town and surrounding hills.
Mysterious and romantic alleyways.
We stopped for lunch in the cutest little restaurant!  With the checkered tablecloths, hanging bunches of garlic, and old family photos, I felt as if we were eating in an Italian relatives house!
While it feels so good to be home, I really do miss Italy, and think of our trip each day!  We saw so many beautiful places, ate the best food, and met lots of warm and genuine people. 
As they say, we have memories to last a lifetime!

Ciao!

8 comments:

Susie said...

Donna, I loved all your pictures. It's so beautiful in those old towns. I loved all the ornate buildings. All those archways. You and your husband can remember all the beautiful together. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Musings from Kim K. said...

What an amazing trip. The architecture, the food and the gorgeous landscape...what a trip of a lifetime! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, I have enjoyed your tour so much and sad to know this is the last post. I will have to go back and visit all of this when I need the Italian inspiration.

Such gorgeous pics of this village and all the romantic details of the streets. I love the shutters and flower boxes. The churches are gorgeous and the interiors are amazing.
The restaurant reminds me of my Italian grandmother's kitchen.
Such a sweet pic of you and John. You should frame that one.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful trip.
Hugs

TrishEllenC said...

I just came across your blog and wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your pictures from Italy. Such beautiful landscape and of course the architecture is amazing. It sounds like a trip of a lifetime! The first picture on this page is really gorgeous. I look for houses like this to pin.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Donna, what a great post of Italy. The church's are beautiful. The little streets with all the lovely doorways and flowers. The food sounds so good and the restaurants so quaint.
Your photo's are so good - makes me feel like I was right there.
So glad that you and John had a wonderful trip.
Hugs
Mary

Unknown said...

ooo,soooo nice :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Wonderful photos and thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Little Miss Maggie said...

Those Europeans know a thing or two about real beauty, don't they? Everything is picturesque and charming, even a very narrow street.
Thanks for taking us along on your journey and sharing your beautiful photos.