Sitting on the gently sloping Mt. Subasio, Spello is another of Umbria’s picturesque medieval walled hill towns.
With its commanding view of the Umbrian plain, Spello is off the beaten track and gets little tourist attention compared to its popular neighbor, Assisi. And, this is definitely part of its charm.
As a Roman settlement, ”Hispellum” was located along the Via Flaminia. Her Roman origins are evident with three impressive Roman gates, remains of an amphitheater and several other medieval gates.
Spello is charmingly intimate, uncrowded and easily explored during a day trip. Entering the portals you are immediately greeted by an inviting labyrinth of cobblestone passageways and alleyways. Our expert local guide for the day, Marco, led the way as we navigated Spello’s lovely neighborhoods…
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Arriving on market day is always a special way to meet locals and enjoy local lifestyle…
Everything from seasonal, local produce, clothing, flowers, household goods and a food truck serving “porchetta” panini bring locals back weekly to shop and browse.
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Nicknamed Città d’Arte e dei Fiori, Spello has several events that revolve around flowers.
The annual l’infiorita, Spello’s Flower Festival when extravagant floral carpets (Infiorata) cover the streets, takes place in conjunction with the religious feast of Corpus Domini.
Although beautifully decorated passages are characteristic of Spello, there is an official competition (il concorso). During the Finestre, Balconi e Vicoli Fioriti, the balconies and “vicoli” (alleyways) are elaborately adorned by residents. They are judged, winners are recognized and award plaques are proudly displayed.
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Just off the main square is the lovely jewel, 12th century Santa Maria Maggiore.
At the entrance is Andrea Roggi’s beautiful modern sculpture with the inscription “Love opens the heart and mind”. Among the treasures inside is the Cappella Baglioni chapel with its exquisite series of frescoes by Pinturicchio (sorry but no photos are allowed).
Continuing into the piazza, the medieval Palazzo Comunale (communal building) is worth a visit as are the appealing artisan shops and inviting eateries.
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Our other local guide, Julie, (who happens to live in Spello), suggested “Pinturicchio” for pranzo (lunch) and it was absolutely heavenly!
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Enjoying Spello’s low key charm is indeed a day well spent.
If you would love to visit Italy’s green heart, Umbria, and enjoy Spello, Assisi, Orvieto, Spoleto and so many of her other charming hill towns, as we did…I can help!
10 thoughts on “Spotlight: Under the Spell of Spello…”
Yes agreed, that one day in Spello was magical – such a beautiful, friendly and vibrant town! I will definitely go back and spend some more time in Spello.
So many magical times together in the “green heart”! Hard to believe it’s almost been a year?! And now another incredible adventure awaits in the south! Puglia! Whoohoo!
It is such a charming town. And I just love those clothes drying racks…so Italian..I think we should buy one! Very nice photos as well!
So many picturesque, charming towns in Italia, si? Love laundry photos, as you know, even when there isn’t laundry!
Glad you enjoyed the photos – appreciated!
great restaurant at the top…..lovely town
Agreed! Thank you for stopping by for another stroll through Spello…
I’ve been twice to Spello and loved it. I visited at the time of Infiorata, which was fabulous.
Debra,
This was also my second visit but I’ve never visited during infiorata and that would be gorgeous…maybe next time!
I love Andrea Roggis statue. So beautiful!
Jen,
Yes…truly a spectacular statue…beautifully done…Hope you get to Umbria in the near future!
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