What to see in Spello: the complete guide

Spello is one of Umbria's most beautiful medieval villages, perched on the slopes of Monte Subasio a few kilometres from Assisi. Built from local pink stone, the town has Roman origins and preserves walls, arches and alleyways that have remained virtually unchanged over the centuries.

The historic centre

The natural starting point is Porta Consolare, the great Roman gate that leads into the heart of the village. From here you climb Via Consolare, lined with medieval palaces and flower-filled windows. At the top, Piazza della Repubblica is Spello's civic heart, home to the fourteenth-century Town Hall and the Palazzo Comunale.

The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

This is Spello's unmissable stop. Inside is the Cappella Baglioni, frescoed by Pinturicchio in 1501 — one of the most important pictorial cycles of the Umbrian Renaissance. The Annunciation, the Adoration of the Magi and the Disputation with the Doctors are preserved in extraordinary condition.

The Infiorata of Spello

Every year, on the Sunday of Corpus Christi (between late May and early June), the streets of the centre are transformed into a carpet of flowers. The townspeople spend weeks designing floral compositions of extraordinary complexity along the procession route. It is one of the most spectacular events in all of Umbria, drawing visitors from across Europe.

The Roman walls and gates

Spello preserves three Roman gates dating from the 1st century BC: Porta Consolare, Porta Venere (the most elegant, flanked by two polygonal towers) and Porta dell'Arce. The walls connecting them are partly walkable and offer panoramic views over the valley.

The surroundings: what to do near Spello

Assisi is 15 minutes away (11 km) — the Basilica of San Francesco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bevagna is just 10 km, a perfectly preserved medieval village. Montefalco is 15 km away, famous for Sagrantino wine. Foligno is 6 km, a great starting point for hikes in the Parco del Subasio.

Where to stay near Spello

Agriturismo Il Barco is just 5 minutes from Spello, nestled in the Umbrian countryside. Independent apartments with a pool, views of Monte Subasio and direct access to everything Spello and its surroundings have to offer.