Spello in Umbria, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy

Situated at the foot of Mount Subasio, Spello is one of those villages that will remain in your heart, an enchanting hidden gem of the green Umbria. If you want to discover this beautiful region of Italy, Spello certainly occupies a strategic position that encourages a visit, from here you can easily reach Perugia, Spoleto and Assisi, all just a few km away.

The origin of this charming Umbrian village is very ancient. It was founded by the Umbri, pre-Roman people, and then enjoyed great splendor under the Romans themselves. In this period it is renamed Hispellum and appeared also denominations such as Splendidissima Colonia Julia (by Julius Caesar) and Flavia Costante (by Constantine). As evidence of how much Spello has always been loved by eminent historical figures. It suffered a serious devastation in the barbaric era and was part of the famous Duchy of Spoleto under the Lombards, before entering the domains of the Church State. It is therefore during the Middle Ages that it acquires the appearance and the characteristics that we admire today.

The beauty of this hidden gem can be perceived from a distance, Spello is perched on a hill. As you set off along its narrow streets that go up, down and suddenly open up to the view of the surrounding nature, you will soon be captured by the desire to lose yourself in long walks. This village deserves to be visited and experienced, unique in every stone, every street and every door.

There are three most important doors. They are the ancient access points to the city, which open along the wonderful wall circuit, still standing from the Roman era. These are Porta Urbica, Porta Consolare and Porta Venere. This one, so called because of the proximity of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess, is the most characteristic, with the three large arches and the two imposing Towers of Properzio. Cross it and lose yourself in the streets, stopping every now and then between one panorama and another. You will discover a fascinating place from which you will never want to leave.

Spello is fantastic not only for the nature that surrounds it and for its urban layout. Even inside it hides some unique masterpieces. There is no shortage of things to do in Spello, let's start with La Casa Romana, a very important archaeological site from the 1st century AD. It was probably owned by the mother of Emperor Vespasian. Excavations and restorations have brought to light the floors of some rooms, decorated with splendid mosaics with wave motifs and colored tiles.

Like any self-respecting medieval village, there are many churches. There is the church of Sant'Andrea, from the 13th century, which houses the Madonna Enthroned with Saints, a panel from the early 1500s by Pinturicchio. By the same artist, one of the greatest of the Italian Renaissance, is the fresco of the Nativity in the Baglioni Chapel, inside the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. This is the main church of Spello, completed in the 13th century on a previous and very ancient pagan temple. This region is deeply imbued with spirituality, a village where peace and quiet reign, as well as enchanting views. Surely if you are in Umbria you cannot help but taste some local specialties of Umbrian cuisine, such as the prized truffle. There are no recommendations on restaurants because in Spello and generally in Umbria wherever you go you will find excellent dishes and a simple and friendly welcome.

Every year between May and June, Italy dresses up in flowers for the Corpus Domini flower festival, Spello is no exception and during this period, you can admire the Infiorate festival along the streets of this wonderful village. It is the most important and characteristic event in Spello. About 1.5 km of streets in the historic center are decorated and completely covered with works of art made with flowers.

This is obviously a religious tradition, but the evening before Corpus Domini Sunday you can attend the Night of Flowers. It is the culmination of the street decoration works, with many musical shows and typical markets. This is why many call Spello the Capital of Flowers. This is another reason to visit this delightful village.

You can get to Spello by car, train or plane. If yours is a road trip and you are coming from Rome or Florence you can take the A1 motorway, if you are coming from Rome you have to exit at Orte and from there continue on the super road towards Terni and Spoleto and follow for Perugia finally take the super road to Assisi and Foligno, Spello is the exit before Foligno. If you are coming from Florence you have to exit at Valdichiana, take the super road that runs along Lake Trasimeno and then continue following the signs for Spello.

Alternatively, if you are travelling by train, know that Spello station is on the Foligno-Terentola line and all local trains from Foligno and Perugia stop here, for long-distance routes we suggest you check the timetables. Finally, the closest airport is San Francesco d’Assisi in Perugia.