Spello is nestled on the farthest slope of Mount Subasio, a steadfast custodian of centuries of history. It has Umbrian origins, a strong Roman imprint and medieval traces. Known as the “very splendid Julia Colony” during Roman domination, today it is a picturesque medieval town with numerous monuments and sites: the Roman Amphitheatre, the Consular Gate, the Urbica Gate, the Arce Gate, the Venus Gate flanked by the two dodecagonal towers from the Middle Ages called the “Towers of Propertius”, and the Roman Mosaics recently found in the village of Sant’Anna. Remains of the Roman walls can still be seen today and provide the foundation for the medieval walls. The ancient urban layout stands miraculously intact, with winding little streets and flower-laden balconies. In the midst of this scenery, superb gems stand out such as the Tega Chapel, the extraordinary cycle of paintings in the Baglioni Chapel created by Pinturicchio, the 16th century Palazzo Canonici that houses the Art Gallery, and the churches of Sant’Andrea and San Lorenzo. Outside the city walls visitors can admire the Romanesque church of San Claudio and Villa Fidelia.
EAT & DRINK
La Cantina
Via Cavour, 2 – Tel. 0742 651775 – closed on Monday, open for lunch & dinner
My favourite restaurant in Spello! Bursting with the joy of great food in a beautiful ambiance.
Vinosofia
Via Maddalena 1/A
A cosy place to taste and to buy local and organic wine. Brenda also serves tea, coffee and juices, all organic and from local producers. Here you will also find some interesting cook books and souvenirs from Umbria.
Il Pinturicchio
Largo G. Mazzini, 8 – tel. 0742 301784 – closed on Sunday evening and Tuesday, open for lunch & dinner
Mirko and his wife have created an authentic Umbrian restaurant featuring fresh and healthy food.
Bar Tullia
Largo Mazzini, closed on Monday
“Gelato tastes a lot like ice cream, but it’s just better for some reason.” – Winston Churchill –
My favourite is the home made gelato of Assunta.
Where to shop
La Tavola dell’Umbro
Via Cavour 59
Corrado’s is my go-to grocery shop. I love this place for bread, groceries and wines (good selection of Umbrian red and white wines).
Market
Via Sant’Anna
Wednesday is market day in Spello. I come here in the morning for fresh zucchini flowers or artichokes, the king of Italian vegetables. Artichokes are delicious fried or steamed with a glass of Umbrian white wine.
Oro di Spello
Via Garibaldi 9
The perfet place for beauty ideas and resources. This little shop in the heart of town offers products made from olive oil, labelled “Oro di Spello”.
La Bottega degli Intrecci
Via Garibaldi, 13
For many years this workshop has been offering traditional craftmanship such as hand/loom weaving, tatting, macramé, and products like crocheted and knitted creations, jewellery, vintage, and more.