A few years ago, when we were driving between Assisi and Spoleto, a gorgeous hilltop town called out to me from its lofty position…Look at me, look at me…it said. It took a while, but we finally visited Spello in Umbria.
The stone in the area is pale pink and the whole town glows a glorious shade of pink on a crag on a southern slope of Mount Subiaso. Spello has been built and rebuilt over the centuries as different powers struggled for possession since before Roman times. It was severely damaged in 1832 by an earthquake, another blow to its economy, and the years after WWII were difficult.
Spello seems to be quite prosperous now. Very good olive oil and wine are produced in the area and tourism is on the rise. The town is beautifully presented. The buildings dating from Roman and medieval times are restored well, the streets are lined with lovely potted gardens and there is an obvious pride in the town.
Several of the gates which were part of the strong walls that protected the town still exist.
Porta Urbica
Porta Portonaccio.
Porta dell’Arce.
Porta and towers of Properzio.
Porta Consolare.
Here are some of the lovely streets, laneways and buildings in Spello.
Isn’t it gorgeous? I will show you some heavenly doorways, frescoes and food in Spello in the next post.
We stayed in a lovely B&B called I Narcisi, in Piazza Partigiani, just outside the Porta Urbica. The owners were delightful and had lots of information as well as some delicious olive oil and wine which they produce themselves.
info@bbnarcisi.it