Foligno is unusual among the cities of Umbria in that it is built in the plain.  Indeed, the local people travel around it on bicycles!!  The city was badly hit in the earthquake of 1997 and is still to emerge fully from the scaffolding.  Nevertheless, there is much to see here.

Foligno enjoys superb rail and road links.  Day trips are easily possible by train to Spoleto, Assisi, Spello and Perugia and by bus to Nocera Umbra, Trevi, Bevagna and Montefalco.  I have enjoyed staying at Hotel Italia and Albergo le Mura.   I have yet to try Hotel Villa dei Platani, which is opposite the station, but it receives excellent reviews.

My favourite restaurants in Foligno are:

1. ✴Hostaria Sparafucile, opposite the main facade of the Duomo (0742 34.26.02); 
   

2. ✴Officina del Gusto in Piazza Don Minzoni, which serves very good and inventive food (try the fish called Ombrino) and has an extensive wine list; and 
   

3. ✴Osteria del Teatro, 8 Via Petrucci (347 340 1778), which is very traditional and great fun.
   

I also enjoyed:

1. ✴Piazzella del Mangiar Bene, in Via Gramsci;
   

2. ✴Ristorante l’Accademia, 64 Via Garibaldi;
   

3. ✴Marechiaro, 58 Via Piermarini (0742 34.42.38), which specialises in fish; and
   

4. ✴Ciccia e Core in Piazza Matteotti, which serves excellent pizza, among other things, cooked on a wood stove.
   

I like the two bars in the main square, Piazza della Repubblica, both of which have good kitchens:

1. ✴Antico Caffé della Piazza; and
   

2. ✴Central Bar.
   

Finally, if you need to order books on art or on local history, be sure to visit the website of Editoriale Umbra, or visit the bookshop in Via Pignattara.