Spoleto is a captivating walled medieval hill town located in the heart of Italy’s Umbria region. Rich in history, Spoleto has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with its oldest walls dating back to the 6th century BC. The original Roman settlement, known as Spoletium, began around 241 BC and remnants of Roman architecture still grace the historic center.

This charming town is perched on a hillside, with most attractions concentrated in the compact upper town. A medieval fortress known as Rocca overlooks the town, while the iconic Ponte delle Torri (Bridge of Towers) spans a picturesque gorge next to the fortress.

Spoleto Location and Transportation

Spoleto is among the largest towns in southern Umbria, situated approximately an hour southeast of Perugia, Umbria’s main city. It is around 90 minutes east of Orvieto along the A1 autostrada. Spoleto lies directly on the SS 75 road, which traverses the Valle Umbra from Assisi. Visitors will find several parking lots outside the town walls that allow easy access to the center. If you are driving, exercise caution regarding restricted traffic zones within the town.

For those traveling by train, Spoleto is situated on the Rome – Ancona line, with the train station located about 1 km from the lower town. A convenient bus service connects the station to the upper town, adding to Spoleto’s accessibility.

Where to Stay in Spoleto

Two highly recommended 4-star accommodations include Palazzo Dragoni Residenza d’Epoca, located near the cathedral, and Hotel San Luca, positioned on the town’s edge near the amphitheater. For additional options, consider exploring more places to stay in Spoleto.

Spoleto’s culinary scene features an array of excellent restaurants, making it an ideal base for venturing into nearby southern Umbria towns such as Assisi, Orvieto, and Todi. For those seeking a rural experience, various country houses and agriturismo accommodations are available just outside the town.

What to See in Spoleto

• Ponte delle Torri: This 14th-century bridge, built atop the remains of a Roman aqueduct, measures approximately 775 feet in length and rises nearly 300 feet above the gorge at its highest point. Visitors may often walk along the bridge for stunning views of the valley below.
• Rocca Albornoziana: Situated near the bridge, this hilltop fortress can only be visited via guided tours, which occur about once an hour. Some tours are conducted in English. A shuttle bus transports visitors to the entrance where panoramic views over the valley are available. The Rocca Albornoziana was constructed on the site of a Roman acropolis in the 14th century and contains a museum as well as beautiful frescoes.
• Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo: Located at the base of a picturesque staircase, the Duomo, initially built in the 12th century, now features a stunning Romanesque façade with pink stone and rose windows. Inside, you can find notable frescoes and a bust of Pope Urban VIII by Bernini.
• Piazza del Mercato: Once the site of the Roman Forum, this central square features a fascinating fountain from 1746-1748, surrounded by cafes and restaurants. The iconic Arch of Drusus, constructed in 23 AD, marks the entrance to the Roman Forum.
• Casa Romana: This historical site, believed to have been the residence of Vespasia Polla, mother of Emperor Vespasian, showcases a beautiful atrium, mosaic floors, and remnants of frescoes.
• Roman Theater: Built in the first century, this theater now serves as a performance venue during local festivals and houses an Archeology Museum featuring various historical exhibits.
• San Salvatore Church: Located outside city walls, this 4th-century church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Longobards in Italy.

The main tourist information center is conveniently located in Piazza della Liberta, a spacious square in the upper town. Here, visitors can obtain a combination ticket to explore the Casa Romana, Museum of Modern Art, and Pinacoteca Comunale. Adjacent to the tourist office, there is a place for hotel reservations.

Spoleto Festival

Every year, Spoleto becomes a vibrant hub for the Festival dei 2 Mondi, an international extravaganza celebrating music, art, and performance from late June to mid-July.