From around 500 AD, the rich Umbrian countryside, with its gentle slopes and clear waters, becomes centre to a strong sense of spirituality and religion: if in the 6th century, the Benedictine order inspired the political, social and economic life, not only in Umbria but nationally and throughout Europe, in the 13th century, the new mystic fervour finds its ultimate expression in the Franciscan order. Besides these two great monastic orders, Umbria was the meeting point of many others, including the Mendicants, Dominicans, Servants of Mary, Augustinians and the Disciplined. Many also were the men and women of faith who were born and who lived here: S.Valentino (3rd century), S.Benedetto and S.Scolastica from Norcia (6th century), S.Ubaldo (1084-1160), S.Francesco (1181-1226) and S.Chiara of Assisi (1193-1253), Beata Angela from Foligno (1248-1309), S.Chiara from Montefalco (1268-1308), S.Rita from Cascia (1381-1456) and others still (Beato Egidio, Santa Margherita from Cortona, Beata Giovanna from Orvieto, Beata Margherita from Citta di Castello, Beato Angelo), whose moral and dogmatic qualities took on a fundamental role in the religious history of Umbria and even beyond.

But what must not be forgotten are those elements which, often putting themselves to the margins of the Catholic orthodox, were equally expressive of a strong religious movement. The birth and establishment of these orders brought about the construction of numerous monasteries, abbeys and cathedrals, rich in art and history, some of which, by their beauty and grandness, have carved out the very form of the territory and, in time, have become important devotional centres.