Spoleto is not only the city of the Festival of Two Worlds, but a place that will enchant you every time you visit.
Roman Spoleto, Lombard Spoleto, medieval Spoleto. Baroque, Romanesque and Renaissance art come together in this city in Umbria, creating a perfect fusion of architectural styles and history. We had fun putting together a list of the 10 things you absolutely must see in Spoleto, giving you a first taste of one of the most beautiful places to visit in Umbria.
Explore the guide on girandoperilmondo.it and discover the best places to stay in the different areas of Spoleto for a relaxing holiday in the green heart of Italy.
1) SPOLETO CATHEDRAL
Seeing the cathedral from the top of the staircase is always a breathtaking experience, even for locals from Umbria who know this magnificent sight well. A symbol of Spoleto, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, built between 1151 and 1227, is a masterpiece of art and architecture. The Romanesque façade rises majestically at the end of the spectacular square, together with its bell tower. The beautiful rose windows and the mosaic depicting Christ Enthroned between the Virgin Mary and Saint John, dating from 1207, are particularly impressive. The interior is a treasure trove of beauty and spirituality, featuring Filippo Lippi’s Stories of the Virgin in the apse.
2) ALBORNOZIAN FORTRESS (ADMISSION FEE)
At the top of Sant’Elia Hill stands the magnificent Albornozian Fortress, an imposing fortress that is beautiful by day and spectacularly illuminated at night. Commissioned by the Spanish cardinal Egidio Albornoz and built between 1363 and 1367, it was originally designed as a residence for the popes who stayed here while travelling from Rome towards the Marche region. For 165 years, from 1817 to 1982, it was used as a prison before once again becoming a place to visit and explore. The castle has a rectangular shape, is protected by six imposing towers and contains two courtyards. The interior can be visited and features remarkable frescoes, especially the fascinating Painted Room (Camera Pinta). Don’t miss the walkways along the walls. The panorama from the hill is unique and unforgettable, as is the 360° view of Spoleto from the one-kilometre circular pedestrian route known as the “giro della rocca”.
3) BRIDGE OF TOWERS
An ancient Roman aqueduct, later completed during the medieval period, with a maximum height of 80 metres and a length of 230 metres. The bridge crosses the Tessino stream and connects Sant’Elia Hill with Monteluco; it is a majestic structure supported by nine powerful arches and takes its name from the two lookout towers at either end. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights 🙂
4) ROMAN THEATRE AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM (ADMISSION FEE)
Located right in the historic centre, the ancient Roman theatre of Spoletium is a remarkable sight. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it could accommodate around 2,000 spectators. The archaeological museum is also well worth visiting (admission is included in the same ticket). It houses archaeological finds from the local area, a comprehensive reconstruction of Spoleto’s history and a fascinating hidden gem (find out more by clicking here).
5) CHURCH TRILOGY: SAN SALVATORE, SAN PIETRO AND SAN PONZIANO
Three unforgettable churches, each more beautiful than the last, and each fascinating for different reasons.
San Salvatore is the oldest church in Spoleto (4th–5th century AD) and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the main examples of Lombard architecture in central Italy. The basilica is an early Christian building originally dedicated to the miracle-working martyrs Concordius and Sentius. During the Early Middle Ages it was dedicated to the Saviour, after the image of the crucified Christ placed above the main altar. If you are lucky enough to find it open, it is definitely worth a visit.
The Basilica of San Pietro, located at the top of a beautiful 17th-century staircase just outside the city, has a stunning façade decorated with high-relief sculptures that will captivate you (find out more by clicking here).
Finally, the Church of San Ponziano, with its magnificent medieval crypt covered in frescoes.
6) CONDOTTI’S TOUR
An easy panoramic walk of approximately 3 kilometres, suitable for everyone, running along the steep slopes of Monteluco. The route starts at the Fortilizio dei Mulini, right at the end of Ponte delle Torri (find out more by clicking here).
7) CASA ROMANA DI VESPAIA-POLLI (ADMISSION FEE)
This house, dating back to the beginning of the 1st century AD, lies beneath Spoleto’s town hall (the entrance is on Via Visiale, through the side façade of the town hall). It is traditionally attributed to the mother of Emperor Vespasian, who was born in Norcia. Don’t miss the beautiful, well-preserved floor mosaics and the walls, some of which still feature brightly coloured frescoes.
8) MONTELUCO HERMITAGE
This ancient Franciscan sanctuary stands at the top of Monteluco (780 metres above sea level) and is easily accessible by car, approximately 8 km from Spoleto. It became a hermitage as early as 1212, when it was visited by Saint Francis. The hermit monks of Monteluco entrusted him with the Chapel of Saint Catherine, around which the first small cells were built, forming the nucleus of the future Franciscan retreat. The sacred woodland surrounding the sanctuary is also beautiful, characterised by the presence of evergreen holm oaks, a tree that is relatively rare in places so far from the sea or lakes.
9) SPOLETO-NORCIA FORMER RAILWAY
Cycling route of approximately 50 kilometres, built along the former narrow-gauge railway that connected Spoleto with Norcia. Along this spectacular route, which lacks maintenance in some sections, you will cross bridges and viaducts offering truly breathtaking views, as well as long tunnels that require a torch. The most fascinating is the Caprareccia tunnel, which is 2 km long and completely dark.
10) ALTERNATIVE MOBILITY
Spoleto’s free alternative mobility system deserves a mention because it allows visitors to reach the city centre using mechanised routes from parking areas located outside the city. For a half-day visit to Spoleto, we recommend reaching the fortress using the various tunnels, lifts and escalators available, and then walking downhill through the historic centre before returning to the car parks.
