Spello Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gem of Spello in Italy with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best things to do, places to stay, local food, and culture, and more.


Introduction to Spello

Located in the heart of Umbria, Spello is a picturesque medieval town in central Italy. Known for its charming narrow alleys, well-preserved Roman architecture, and lush green hills, Spello is a hidden gem for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. Despite its small size, this ancient town has a plethora of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and delicious local cuisine to offer. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore Spello’s top sights and activities, as well as provide recommendations for accommodations, food, and transport to help you plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Spello

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo Civico di San Francesco: This museum houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts from various eras, including works by Pinturicchio, Filippo Lippi, and other notable artists.
  • Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore: This 12th-century church is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, with beautiful frescoes and an intricate rose window.
  • La Porta Consolare: One of the most well-preserved ancient Roman gates in Italy is located in Spello, known as the “Porta Consolare.” It dates back to the third century BC and has undergone minimal renovation over the years, allowing visitors to experience true Roman architecture.
  • Roman Amphitheater: The excavated ruins of a Roman amphitheater, located at the foot of Spello, provide a glimpse of daily life in ancient Rome.

Natural Attractions of Spello: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parco del Subasio: Covering over 8000 hectares, this sprawling natural park offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. With breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, it’s an ideal place to commune with nature.
  • Mountain Biking Trails: Spello is the perfect destination for mountain bike enthusiasts. You can find various mountain biking routes around Subasio Mountain, offering both challenging and easy terrains. Some popular routes include the San Giovanni Battista Trail and the La Berretta Trail.
  • Olive Grove Walk: For a gentle stroll with stunning scenic views over the Umbrian hills, take a walk around the Olive grove on the outskirts of Spello.
  • Via Francigena: Stretching over 1900 km, the Via Francigena is an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Rome with Canterbury in the UK. A section of this route, which passes through Spello, is perfect for those seeking a good hike.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Spello

  • Spello and Collepino Trail: A 12 km hike, starting from the beautiful medieval village of Collepino. The trail is a mix of gentle hills and steep climbs, offering stunning views of Subasio Park.
  • Assisi-Spoleto Trail: A 12 km walk that passes through the charming village of Assisi, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Umbria’s Assisi Trail: A 150 km trail covering the whole of the Umbria region, this trail starts in Assisi and finishes in Norcia. It provides an opportunity to explore the region’s beautiful forests, mountains, and medieval towns along the way.

Best Things to Do in Spello: Activities and Tours

  • Truffle Hunting Tours: Umbria is famous for its truffles, and Spello is no exception. A truffle hunting tour will take you to the heart of the Umbrian countryside, where you’ll discover the art of truffle hunting, followed by a sumptuous truffle-based meal.
  • Food and Wine Tasting Tours: Spello is known for its delectable cuisine. Take a walking tour through Spello’s streets, with stops at local restaurants, cafes, and markets, and indulge in the region’s traditional dishes and fine wines.
  • Olive Oil Tasting Tours: The region around Spello is famous for producing some of Italy’s best olive oil. Discover the secrets of olive oil production and enjoy tastings of different varieties.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook authentic Umbrian cuisine with hands-on lessons taught by expert local chefs in Spello.

Week-Long Itinerary for Spello

Day 1: Arrive in Spello, spend the day exploring the town’s streets and visiting some of its historical landmarks, such as the Roman Gate or Santa Maria Maggiore Church.

Day 2: Take a hike around the town’s surroundings, with scenic views of the Umbrian countryside.

Day 3: Join a truffle hunting or cooking class tour, and discover the culinary traditions of Umbria.

Day 4: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Assisi, famous for being the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Day 5: Discover the impressive art collection at the Museo Civico di San Francesco.

Day 6: Explore the beautiful landscapes of Subasio Park or enjoy an olive oil tasting tour.

Day 7: Enjoy a relaxing day in Spello, indulging in its delicious food and wine, before bidding farewell to this charming Italian town.

Food and Drink Scene of Spello

Must-Try Dishes

  • Strangozzi alla Spoletina: A traditional dish of Umbria, this thick, spaghetti-like pasta is served with a flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers.
  • Porchetta: A succulent roasted pork, seasoned with herbs, garlic, and wild fennel, is a must-have in Spello.
  • Wine: Umbria produces some of Italy’s finest wines. The Sagrantino and Grechetto varieties are must-tries during your visit.
  • Gelato: Italy is famous for its Gelato and Spello is no exception. Enjoy a scoop or two of some of the best gelato in Italy, local flavors such as pistachio and hazelnut.

Local Beverages

  • Wines: The Sagrantino and Grechetto varieties are the most famous wines in Umbria and are must-tries during your visit.
  • Limoncello: A sweet and refreshing lemon-flavored liqueur is ideal for a post-meal digestif.

Where to Stay in Spello: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Palazzo Bocci: This luxurious 4-star hotel occupies a 17th-century palace in the heart of Spello. With elegant interiors and excellent service, it’s the perfect place to relax during your stay.
  • La Residenza degli Oleandri: This charming guesthouse provides comfortable rooms, with a traditional Umbrian style and a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Hotel Paradiso: For travelers on a budget, Hotel Paradiso provides affordable rooms without skimping on comfort. The hotel offers fantastic views of the Umbrian countryside and easy access to Spello’s historical landmarks.

What to Buy in Spello: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-Painted Tiles: Spello is famous for its highly detailed and colorful tiles, handmade and hand-painted by local artisans.
  • Leather Goods: Umbria is well-known for its high-quality leather products, and Spello has many shops selling beautiful leather bags and accessories.
  • Olive Oil: The region around Spello is famous for producing some of Italy’s best olive oil. Bring home a bottle or two for yourself or as a delicious souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Spello

The locals in Spello take immense pride in their heritage and cultural traditions. Italians in general, are very friendly, and you should expect friendly greetings and conversations while exploring the town. In general, being respectful and polite is always a good way to show appreciation and assimilate into a culture that is not your own.

Best Time to Visit Spello

The best time to visit Spello is during the spring and fall. From April to early June, you’ll find milder weather, lush greenery, and blooming flowers covering the town’s alleys. In September and October, the beauty of autumn settles in, and you get to experience the harvest season and the truffle festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Spello

Do:

  • Learn some basic Italian phrases, which will help you communicate with the locals.
  • Try the local food and wine - Umbrian cuisine is among the best in Italy.
  • Explore the town’s narrow alleys, and discover the hidden gems of Spello.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to dress modestly while visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Don’t leave without trying the famous Umbrian truffles
  • Avoid traveling to Spello during the peak summer months of July and August, where temperatures can be very high.

Safety and Health

Safety in Spello

Spello is a relatively safe place to visit, and the town’s crime rate is low. However, it’s always wise to take necessary precautions while traveling, like being vigilant about your belongings in crowded places or ensuring your rental car is parked in a secure spot.

Health in Spello

For EU citizens, remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) should you require medical attention. Medical facilities are nearby and easily accessible. If you have any medical conditions, bring relevant medications as the supply may not be easily available and keep it in mind to wear comfortable shoes as many of Spello’s alleys are uneven.

Getting to Spello: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Spello

The closest airport to Spello is Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi - Umbria International Airport, which is around 14 km away.

Bus Stations Near Spello

The bus station in Spello is served by regional and national bus operators, with frequent connections to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

Alternatively, you can hire a car and explore the region at your own pace. From Rome, the drive to Spello takes around 2.5 hours, while from Florence, it is a 2-hour drive.

How to Get Around in Spello

The best way to explore Spello’s narrow alleys is on foot. As for exploring the countryside, renting a car is probably the best option.

Where to Go Next from Spello: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Assisi: Another charming medieval town in Umbria, Assisi is famous for being the birthplace of Saint Francis and is only 25 minutes away by car.
  • Montefalco: Known as the “balcony of Umbria,” Montefalco is a hilltop town surrounded by vineyards and with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is located just 20 minutes away from Spello.
  • Gubbio: A beautiful town located in the foothills of the Apennine Mountains, Gubbio has a rich history and is a great place to learn about medieval Italy. It is located around a one-hour drive away from Spello.

Conclusion

Spello is a charming town that should be on every traveler’s itinerary when visiting Italy. Its well-preserved Roman architecture, picturesque countryside, rich natural beauty, and vibrant culinary scene make it a must-visit destination in Umbria. This comprehensive travel guide has provided a glimpse of Spello’s top sights and activities to help you plan your trip to this beautiful town.

A colorful corner A colorful corner Entrance to the old town Entrance to the old town