Citta di Castello to Rome by Canoe

The 25th April saw the start of the 30th annual descent of the River Tiber from Citta di Castello to Rome. This now internationally acknowledged event, is the highlight of the canoeing calendar, especially for the clubs of Castello and Milan whose members made the first trip back in 1969.

Over the intervening years the event was run intermittently but in 1982, canoeist Francisco Bartolozzi, organised the festival for the first time and although the trip was undertaken by a small group, it assured the descents future. The following year there were more participants as well as an accompanying Army lorry used to transport the canoeist belongings, tents and support equipment. Before this all equipment was carried in the canoes and often ended up soaking wet.

1984 saw the competition come of age and attracted over 200 registrations and also have two Army trucks in attendance. Now it is recognised throughout the canoeing world and entrants arrive from all over Europe, include individual professional competitors, family groups, with ages from 5 to 80 years old.



The week long trip covering 25 -30 Km each day, has a troop of supports who follow the competitors, some on foot, by bicycle or in one of the support vehicles. They help at the difficult sections porting canoes around weirs and dams, setting up camp with its famous field kitchen.

The event also has an ecological aspect to it, helping to monitor the rivers course, erosion and pollution. Food cooked during the week uses locally produced ingredients and encourages people to examine the relationships between man and the environment. It allows people to renew old friendships, appreciate the beautiful landscape, towns and villages along the river and experience a tranquil, leisurely trip to Rome.

For anyone interested in cheering on our intrepid adventurers, they will be starting from the Ponte del Tevere, Citta di Castello on 25/4, Umbertide 26/4, Deruta 27/4, Fratta Todina 28/4, Civitella del Lago 29/4, Nazzano 30/4, arriving at Ponte Milvio, Rome 1 May.

Cycling Through Umbria

Sunday, April 5th, saw the running of the 15th Upper Tiber Valley Cycling tournament. Teams of cyclists from all over Italy decended on the area all weekend to join in this annual 155km ride through some of the most beautiful countryside in Umbria.

The circuit started in the historic centre of Citta di Castello, heading south towards Trestina, through its surrounding hills.and back through San Secondo with its famous narrow gap, "the stretto", back to Citta di Castello. Then up to Lama, San Giustino and finally the picturesque village of Citerna before heading back to Citta di Castello and the finish. This now established national event kicks off the cycling season with many more competitions to take place throughout the province. One commentator said it was like the "Cavallo di San Francesco" on bikes weaving their way through the TIber valley, except this time is was only the traffic they were trying to avoid and not the City Guards of Perugia.


For the less competative cyclists out there Umbria provides excellent oportunities with the Appenine trail or the Walks of Saint Francis around Assisi but even a gentle ride through the many country lanes and hillside trails will prove an enjoyable experience.

Events in April

Yes Spring is finally in the air, the days are getting longer and warmer and the first hints of green are appearing. This is reflected in the range of activities that continue to grow as the heat of Summer arrives. This month we have a wide range of entertainment to appeal to all tastes, plays, sporting events and fairs, especially with Easter around the corner.


Photo by Umbriart


5th April Palm Sunday

5th “Trofeo Alta Valle del Tevere” cycling competition around Citta di Castello and its surrounding countryside. www.unioneciclistica.it

8th April – Cantori di Assisi – From 9pm in the Basilica of St Clara the Assisi Choir will be holding their Easter recital.

10th April – Procession by the citizens of Montone in medieval costume.

10th April - Good Friday procession – Statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary will be paraded through the streets of the old centre of Citta di Castello. 8pm.

10th April – The procession of Christ in Gubbio, a tradition which dates back to the 13th Century will start at 7pm and be led by the Brothers of the Church of St Croce della Foce, accompanied by two choirs; the procession makes its way through the torch-lit streets.

Until 11th April - Umbertide - April Exhibition of the Great War in the Upper Tiber Valley, in the Fabbrica Moderna, Piazza Marx

12th April – Pietralunga holds its traditional egg festival “Tocciata” in the main piazza from 11am.

12th April - Piazza Garibaldi, Assisi, Giant Easter Egg exhibition, showing the talents of the local school children.

18th – 26th April – Settimana Della Cultura/ Seven Days of Culture – Perugia. A week of events, guided tours, activities and exhibitions throughout Perugia. Celebrating its cultural heritage and encouraging the public to participate in discovering their own talents. For more information: www.beniculturali.it

19th April – Antiques Market – Citta di Castello

25th April – Descending the Tiber 2009, now celebrates the 30th anniversary of this event where canoeists row from Citta di Castello to Rome. www.discesadeltevere.org

25th April – Flag Waving and Bell Ringing Festival – Gubbio, Piazza Grande, 11.30am

26th April – Walk in the Woods – an organised ramble through the lovely Montone countryside to the Castle Carpini. Starts at 12.30 in the Piazza Fortebraccio, Montone.