Perugia might be the regional capital of Umbria, and Assisi its spiritual heart, but after exploring the region for a month, Spoleto stands out as its crowning jewel. Nestled above the Umbrian valley and backed by southern hills, Spoleto overlooks charming towns like Trevi, Montefalco, Spello, Assisi, and Perugia to the north.
What makes Spoleto unique is its blend of history and culture. Its pedestrian-friendly city center boasts inviting cobblestoned streets and a rich history spanning thousands of years. The town offers a convenient moving walkway called a travellator, which takes you from the paid parking garage Posterna in the lower town up to the castle at the top. From there, you can meander down the streets or use the various stations of the walkway.
Dominating the town is Rocca Albornoziana, a 14th-century castle built by Cardinal Albornoz to assert Pope Innocent VI’s authority in central Italy. The castle, once a prison until 1982, now houses the Museum of the Duchy. Walking around the castle, you’ll find the charming Giro della Rocca promenade with stunning views of the medieval Ponte delle Torri aqueduct. Though the bridge, 80 meters tall and 230 meters long, is currently closed for safety reasons, it’s still a sight to behold.
As you descend into medieval Spoleto, you’ll discover the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its Renaissance portico. Imagine the square in front of the cathedral bursting with life during the Spoleto Festival Dei 2Mondi, held annually from late June to mid-July. Musicians, dancers, and actors fill the town with vibrant performances.
Head further down to Piazza del Mercato, the city’s bustling heart with cafes, restaurants, and shops spilling into the streets. Particularly popular among locals is Caffè Degli Artisti, known for its welcoming atmosphere. Nearby, you’ll find the Arch of Drusus from 23 AD, marking the ancient entrance to the Roman forum. Continue to Piazza della Libertà and peek through the bars to see the Roman Theatre, dating back to the 1st century BC.
For shopping enthusiasts, Corso G. Mazzini offers various shops and a tourist office. As you continue downhill through the picturesque alleys of Via Minervio, Via Salara Vecchia, and Via Porta Fuga, you’ll feel the ancient ambiance of Spoleto. When you reach the charming 9Cento restaurant, you can either return to the parking garage or explore another shopping street, Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, which leads to the lively Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Spoleto has a rich history, dating back to the ancient Umbri tribe, who built walls around their settlement in the 5th century BC. Renamed Spoletium by the Romans in 241 BC, the city boasts numerous ancient monuments. Hannibal attempted to conquer Spoleto in 217 BC but failed. After the Roman Empire’s fall, Spoleto saw periods of Visigoth, Byzantine, and Longobard rule. The Longobards left behind architectural gems like the Basilica of San Salvatore and the nearby UNESCO-designated Tempietto del Clitunno.
Spoleto’s tumultuous history continued under the Holy Roman Empire and the Papal States before joining the new Italian State in 1860. The town’s evolving architecture, from the ancient walls to the Renaissance Cathedral portico and the Baroque Palazzo Collicola, tells its compelling story.
Aside from Perugia, Spoleto is one of the liveliest and most culturally rich cities in Umbria. The Spoleto Festival Dei 2Mondi showcases opera, music, dance, and theater, bringing the ancient buildings and squares to life. The city remains vibrant year-round with events like the International Dance Competition in May and the Strumenti & Musica Festival in November.
Spoleto is a small yet cosmopolitan city filled with medieval charm, cultural events, and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal vacation spot. We spent a month there and already wish to return!
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