Spello see · Spello attractions
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Spello attractions
Spello attractions
Sights from more than three millenia can be found in Spello. There is a Roman amphitheatre outside of town, but it was never fully excavated and is not usually open to the public. It can be seen from the belvedere lookout in the historic centre.
Spello has some of Italy's best preserved city walls, many of them Roman, some medieval. They can be seen from the superstrada and from various angles around town. Three large Roman gates remain: the main Porta Consulare, Porta Urbica and the Torre di Properzio Gate.
Numerous medieval churches near and in Spello are worth visiting. Of particular interest are S. Claudio (1 km outside), S. Ventura (at the bottom of the hill), S. Maria Maggiore (ex-cathedral, when Spello was still a bishop's seat - half way up the hill, before the main square), S. Andrea (50 metres past S. Maria M.), S. Lorenzo (past the main square) and Chiesa di Vallegloria (on top of the hill).
The Pinacoteca Civica art museum (between S. Maria M. and S. Andrea churches) houses many precious artefacts from various Spello churches and palazzi.
The medieval palazzo comunale (city hall -on the main square) is also worth a visit: the various building parts are very beautiful and they house a number or Roman and medieval artifacts (e.g., an original stone edict by emperor Constantin). Sometime, art exhibits are held in some of the larger halls.
In the upper part of town (on Via Giulia, between S. Lorenzo and Vallegloria churches), there are two important sights: the remnants of a large former Roman arch (to the left of the bakery) and (30 metres on) a splendid little 200-year old theatre, which has shows throughou the year and is sometimes open during the day for visitors.
Outside Spello, near S. Claudio church, is the beautifully located castle/palace VILLA FIDELIA, where outdoor concerts are held in the summer. Some of the buildings are used as art museums and the castle gardens can be visited.
At the bottom of the hill, near S. Anna church, the floor of a Roman villa with unusually beautiful and well-preserved mosaics was discovered some years ago. It is now open to the public.
Spello's most famous artworks are to be found in S. Maria Maggiore and S. Andrea churches: two of the Renaissance's best-known painters have left behind a number of paintings and frescoes of major interest. In S. Maria Maggiore, Il Pinturicchio painted the Baglioni chapel in 1500- the frescoes are extremely well preserved. The same church houses two paintings by Il Perugino. S. Andrea has one large Pinturicchio painting.
Towards the top of the hill, past Vallegloria church, up Via Cappuccini, a complete Roman arch is remaining. 20 m past the arch, the belvedere lookout) offers a splendid view of Assisi and (if the weather permits) Perugia.
Some more recent art can be found in a number of local art galeries and art shops. In particular, the Museo di Norberto, on the main square, is very interesting.
Spello's main point of interest is the town itself: its hundreds of steep medieval streets and stairways, arches and angles, nestled into a pristine Umbrian countryside, are second to no none in their beauty.
If you leave Spello during one of its upper gates (from Vallegloria) you can reach numerous walk ways through the local olive groves, which offer nice views of the town and the valley. Driving further up the Subasio Mountain (on whose slopes Spello is built) you reach the village of Collepino (which is part of Spello)- a very romantic little medieval hamlet. Past Collepino you enter the Subasio Regional Park (on foot or by car), which offers hiking paths, beautiful nature, splendid views, and an alternative way to Assisi.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Spello
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Spello - updated Jun 2024
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Spello Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.