This hilltop settlement in Umbria rises 473 meters above sea level, with ancient Roman ruins dotting its landscape. Local winemakers continue the region's long tradition of viticulture.
Spello, a medieval town in Umbria, sits on Monte Subasio at 280 meters above sea level. Its stone buildings line narrow streets where residents hang geraniums and petunias from their balconies. You'll find Roman gates from the 1st century BCE, including the twin-towered Porta Venere, and Pinturicchio's detailed frescoes inside Santa Maria Maggiore church. In June, local artists create elaborate flower petal designs on the streets during the Infiorate festival.
Walking Through Roman Gates
Three Roman gates from the 1st century BCE mark different points around Spello. Enter through Porta Consolare from the lower town, with its travertine columns and Latin inscriptions. On the western side, Porta Venere includes two 12-meter octagonal towers called Torri di Properzio. The third entrance, the Arch of Augustus, connects to the original Roman walls that still encircle much of the town.
Inside Santa Maria Maggiore
The 12th-century Santa Maria Maggiore church contains Renaissance frescoes in the Baglioni Chapel, painted by Pinturicchio in 1501. The scenes include the Annunciation and Adoration of the Shepherds, with intricate details like a self-portrait of Pinturicchio within the Annunciation scene. You can also see Perugino's Spello Pietà from 1512, with its rich colors still intact.
The Infiorate Festival
Each June during Corpus Domini, local artists spend the night creating more than 60 flower petal carpets throughout Spello's streets. These detailed designs, using only natural materials, extend for 1.5 kilometers through the medieval center. Records in Santa Maria Maggiore's archives trace this tradition back to 1602.
Getting Around Spello
Cars aren't allowed in most of the historic center. You'll find parking areas outside the walls. The town's steep streets and steps make comfortable walking shoes essential. The train station at the bottom of the hill has regular connections to Assisi (14 minutes), Perugia (30 minutes), and Rome (2 hours).
Food and Wine
Olive groves and vineyards surround Spello, producing extra virgin olive oil and regional wines. Try local dishes like strangozzi pasta with black truffle or grilled meats at restaurants in the center. Many wine shops sell and serve Sagrantino and Montefalco wines, which come from nearby vineyards.
Day Trips from Spello
From Spello, you can reach several Umbrian towns by car or train. Assisi is 10 kilometers north, while Montefalco, known for its wine production, is a 25-minute drive. The medieval town of Gubbio takes 45 minutes to reach by car, and Perugia, with its chocolate factories and art museums, is 30 minutes away.
