Discover Umbria : Religions

The hundreds of churches built in the Marche and Umbria bear witness to the importance of the Roman Catholic Church, which is highly visible in the architectural landscape of this territory. Although Italians are not very religious, more than 90% of the population is baptized and there are very few religious minorities. It is worth remembering that the Vatican is located in Italy. Umbria, known as a place of pilgrimage, has given birth to many saints, including St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, St. Valentine, protector of lovers, Clare of Assisi, founder of the Order of Poor Clares, and St. Benedict of Norcia, founder of the Benedictine Order. In the north of Italy, however, the weight of religion is less important than in the south. Umbria and the Marches have kept traditions of Christianity, but the youth today live like those of Western Europe