Spoleto: medieval town packed with Roman history
Surrounded by hills, olive groves and vineyards, Spoleto is an ancient town in Umbria in central Italy. Founded in the 10th century BC and later taken by the Estruscans, it became a Roman colony in 241 BC.
Spoleto is not on any major tour route, so it tends to be less crowded.
Like most Umbrian towns, it's built on top of a hill so it's a steep climb from the car parks below. It was in 2010 that, by accident, Marg parked in a different car park and discovered a series of escalators (eight!) nearby which took them to the central piazza of the town. How easy!
The Duomo (Cathedral) of Santa Maria is one of Spoleto's finest sights. Begun in the twelfth century, the delicate-looking cathedral is set against a backdrop of hills and valleys.
The Duomo is a combination of styles, and boasts an apse frescoed by Fra Filippo Lippi, whose tomb lies in the church.
A highlight of one of our Italian sojourns was a concert in the large piazza in front of the cathedral. It was a balmy summer evening and the facade was lit with coloured lights, forming a stunning backdrop to the lone pianist who entertained us that night.
The concert was scheduled to start at 8.30pm but didn’t begin until 10.30! (This is Italy.) At the end of the concert, about midnight, our friend Birgitta dashed off to get the car, but soon returned with little cups of Prosecco for each of us while we waited. A lovely end to a magical evening.
Climbing the street above the Duomo, there are lovely views over the green valley below. We like to pause and enjoy a coffee or gelato from the little cafe while we drink in the vista.
Just around the corner is the impressive Ponte Delle Torri, a 230m-long bridge that stands 80m above the river on nine large arches. The bridge dates back to the 14th century, though scholars speculate that it was built over a much older Roman aqueduct.
Near the bridge and standing in a dominant position overlooking the town, the Rocca Albornoziana is a medieval fortress that offers a breathtaking view of the valley. Built in the 14th century at the behest of Cardinal Albornoz, it is a symbol of papal power.
Used as a prison until the 1980's, today to fortress houses the National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto as well as exhibitions and cultural events. Well worth visiting.
The views from the fortress are wonderful.
Spoleto's Roman ruins include a first-century Roman theatre, just off Piazza della Liberta. It's not hard to imagine a performance being viewed by a large audience seated on the curved amphitheatre. An archeological museum next door houses statues and artefacts found around the town.
If you visit Umbria and have the time, include a visit to this lovely town and enjoy its beautiful setting and wonderful mix of remnants from its Roman and medieval pasts.