Introduction
Spello is a city which travellers leave off the list for they generally prefer Perugia or Assisi. However, Spello has its own charm which enhances even more in the spring when flowers of striking colours sprout in its balconies. An architectural feature of Spello is its arched stone passages.
What to See and Do
The Arco Romano gives a perfect vantage point to admire the Anfiteatro Romano, which is unluckily not available to public. This was the amphitheatre where performances were put on gathering audience from Hispellum, Spello’s Roman name, and the nearby towns.
Close to the amphitheatre is the Chiesa di San Severino, which is still inhabited by Cappuccino monks. Its Romanesque façade deserves the while.
Piazza Kennedy features part of a Roman gate the Porta Consolare. Piazza Matteotti has the severe Chiesa de Sant’Andrea housing a Madonna with Child and Saints created by Bernardino Pinturicchio and nearby is the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore which was erected in the 12th century. The Capella Baglioni is a draw to tourists for it houses a beautiful fresco painted by Pinturicchio. The chapel’s flooring made of Deruta tiles is delightful. The Pinacoteca Civica on Piazza Matteotti exhibits samples of the religious, artistic and architectural history of Spello.
Chiesa di San Lorenzo displays sacred pieces. In the north of Spello the Gothic Chiesa Santa Maria di Vallegloria constructed in the early 14th century features beautiful frescoes created by Spacca. The Torre di Properzio is located by the western Roman walls and is an imposing pastiche of Roman, medieval and 20th century architectural style.
There is a walking trail map that you can get at Pro Loco and the tourist office in Assisi showing the way to follow along flower fields an old olive trees from Spello to Assisi. Along this route is Azienda Agricola which from time to time is available to public who can taste its delicious olive oil.
Many celebrations are held in Spello. Among them is L’Infiorata del Corpus Domini which is held generally in June. During L’Infiorata flower carpets are designed on the streets giving the town a fragrant smell and unsurpassed panorama of colours which unfolds before your eyes. It is a fantastic celebration of Corpus Domini. You can also join the procession celebrated after laying the flower carpets.
Where to Eat and Drink
Il Giardino di Spello is situated close to the railway station and principal bus terminal. It serves quick meals at good rates and excellent if not the best ice cream in Spello.
Bar Giardino Bonci is on Via Garibaldi. It serves light meals, ice cream and offers a perfect vista from its back veranda.
Il Molino on Piazza Matteotti is housed in a building constructed 7 centuries ago. Their truffles, winter game meats and wild legumes are just superb for they have mastered the way of preparing them with herbs from the nearby mountains.
Enoteca Properzio serves wines accompanied with cheese, prosciutto and bruschetta. Enotecas are the only way to taste the local wine production for the local vineyards are not available to public. They also send abroad the bottles you choose.
Enoteca Properzio Cantina Medievale is housed in a medieval vault and stocks good wines and food.
How to Get to /away
BY CAR: the SS75 connecting Perugia –Foligno goes past Spello.
BY TRAIN: the train line connecting Perugia–Foligno goes past Spello. To Perugia (length: 30 minutes, services: every hour), to Assisi (length: 10 minutes, services: every hour).
