Spoleto has the feel of a city that lives at its own pace. Locals sit on the steps of the cathedral, music blares from open windows, and coffee and fresh pasta waft down the stone streets.
The main sights to see
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The city's landmark and one of the most impressive Romanesque churches in Italy. Its façade, with its mosaic of Christ between the Virgin Mary and St John, shines in the distance, but its greatest treasure lies within - the frescoes of Filippo Lippi, one of the masters of the early Renaissance, who is also buried here.
Ponte delle Torri
The symbol of Spoleto. The imposing 13th century bridge and aqueduct rises 80 metres above the Tessino Valley. It used to lead the water to the fortress, today it is a scenic route with breathtaking views of the whole town and the surrounding green hills. The bridge is often closed for repairs, but it's worth checking the current condition - you can still see perfectly from the viewpoint at Rocca Albornoziana.
Rocca Albornoziana
A 14th-century fortress built by Cardinal Albornoz to consolidate papal power in Umbria. Today it serves as a museum, with views over Spoleto and the Ponte delle Torri. A place that will show you why Spoleto was so popular with painters and filmmakers.
Teatro Romano
An ancient theatre from the 1st century BC, discovered during excavations in the 19th century. Today, it hosts concerts, operas and performances during the famous Festival dei Due Mondi, the "Festival of Two Worlds", which brings together European and American culture.
What else not to miss
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Piazza del Mercato - a lively square with cafes, perfect for a morning espresso.
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San Salvatore - an early Christian church from the 4th-5th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Arco di Druso - a Roman arch commemorating the city's glorious past.
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La Rocca Path - a walking path around the fortress with panoramic views of Umbria.
Did you know... ?
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The frescoes in the cathedral were painted by Filippo Lippi, who lived here with his lover, the former nun Lucrezia Buti. Their son was Filippino Lippi, later a famous painter.
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The Ponte delle Torri bridge was probably built on the foundations of a Roman aqueduct.
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Spoleto is often a film location - for example "Don Matteo", a famous Italian series, was filmed here.
How to get to Spoleto
Spoleto can be easily reached by train (direct connections from Rome, the journey takes about 1.5 hours, also from Perugia) and by car (the town is located on the SS3 motorway, about 125 km from Rome). The best place to park is in the Piazzale Polvani car park at the bottom of the town, from where a convenient escalator system leads to the historic centre.
When to arrive
The best time to visit Spoleto is spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and many cultural events take place. If you love music, plan your trip for June and July, when the aforementioned Festival dei Due Mondi takes place, bringing top musicians and dancers from all over the world to Spoleto.
