Spello is one of our favourite towns in Italy so we don’t need much of an excuse to revisit. It seemed a natural half way stop on our way from Bagni di Lucca to Puglia.
It was a strange, stormy afternoon when we arrived but the rain stayed away and there was some blue sky here and there.
The town is famous for its Infiorata, the flower festival where works of art are created in flower petals on the streets. There are lovely courtyards filled with flowers always. Spring is a good time to visit.
The town is elegant and well kept. The streets are lined with shops, art galleries and delis filled with delicious food and wine…there is much to choose from.
Spello has a long history. One of the entrances, Porta Consolare was built from 43 -33BC. It was the main entrance on the south side of the town. It was constructed with large blocks of perfectly dressed white Subiaso stone without mortar in rows of varying heights.
The central arch was used for carts and the smaller arches for pedestrians. The appearance has changed over the centuries. The well preserved tower at the south side of the gate is Medieval.
During the Renaissance the outside part was raised and 3 marble statues were placed there. The statues were found in the amphitheatre area. They date from the 1st century BC and were from funerary or honorary monuments.
Another old entrance is Porta dell’Arce, at the other side of the town.
There are some narrow streets in Spello.
Look for gorgeous views over the Umbrian countryside.
We stayed at the very lovely Hotel Palazzo Bocci in Via Cavour.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the common rooms gorgeous.
La Cantina was our favourite restaurant on previous visits so we went again…creatures of habit.
I would return to Spello just to eat at La Cantina.