Spello

Perched on the southern slope of Mount Subasio, Spello is without any doubt one of the most fascinating and peculiar sites in the Umbria region. It extends across the back of the mountain from North to South, climbing down almost until the plain, giving the impression of a river of roofs, walls and towers. The towns is sprinkled with churches of different periods, mostly from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, like the Church of St. Maria Maggiore, with frescoes by Pinturicchio, Bernardino di Betto and Perugino, the curch of St. Andrea, the church of St. Lorenzo and the church and monastery of St. Maria of Vallegloria.

In Spello you can find many interesting palaces, most of which, like the Comunale and the Cruciani, are likewise admirable, both for the architecture and the sculptures and decorations that enrich the interior.

Outside the main town you can find other interesting sites: the churches of St. Girolamo and St. Claudio, the remains of a Roman Amphitheatre, abbeys and numerous villas, including the enormous Villa Fidelia.

Artisanal business is very active in Spello: wood carving, gold work and wrought-iron making, of strong tradition, go side by side with weaving and the making of the precious marble of Mount Subasio.

The olive oil of Spello and its area is of great quality, thanx to the presence of minerals in the soil of the surrounding hills. This product matches, in the local dishes, mushrooms and black triffle, asparagus and game. Crescia (a local bread), bruschette and first courses (strangozzi, spelt soups and maccheroni with walnut) are the strongholds of the local cuisine. The most common wines are Trebbiano, Merlot, Sangiovese and Grechetto.

Events:

The most interesting event in town is the “Infiorata” that is held in the Corpus Domini day. The compositions made with flowers and petal powder, color the pavement of the alleys in town and they are, for their accuracy and complexity, true work of art.

In August there are many cultural events, like the Summer Theatre at Villa Fidelia.

In February the Olive Festival and the Sagra of the bruschetta are golden opportunities to taste the different types of the extra virgin oil of Umbria.

How to get to spello

The easiest way to get to Spello is by car.

From Florence take the A1 tollroad, exit at Valdichiana; take the SS75bis along the Trasimeno Lake towards Perugia; after Perugia go towards Foligno, you’ll find the exit for Spello.

From Cesena take the E45 towards Perugia. At the crossroads in Collestrada, follow the directions to Foligno. You’ll find the exit for Spello.

From Rome take the A1 tollroad, exit at Orte. Go towards Terni-Spoleto, and follow the directions for Foligno; you’ll find the exit for Spello.

You can also get to Spello by train. There are direct trains from Florence, Rome, Orte and Ancona.

26km from Spello there’s the Sant’Egidio airport, with connections to Milan Malpensa.

Spello is also connected to towns of the nearby area by bus. You can get to Spello by bus from Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto.

Stay and Accommodation in Spello

There are different options for staying in Spello. There’s for example the Terme Francescane Village, a Spa Hotel, or you could enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at an agritourism, like the Oliveto, where they also produce olive oil.