Spoleto, Umbria - Italy
Spoleto - Italy’s heart of hearts
Located within the green heart of Italy and perched upon a mountain top, Spoleto delivers an idyllic cultural retreat.
The city’s intriguing history spans millennia and is laid bare within its fortified walls. At its very peak is an imposing medieval fortress, the ‘Rocca’, built on orders of the pope to resist sieges. Adjacent is the impressive ‘Bridge of Towers’, gracefully reaching across the valley of the Apennine mountains. The stone pair work with beautiful synchronicity to provide visitors with impressive panoramas.
Defying 2000 years, the ‘Roman House’ is beautifully preserved with a stone atrium and rooms paved with mosaics of geometric shapes. Passing through the narrow cobbled streets, visitors will come across the ‘Tower of Oil’ that continues to stand proudly. From this tower it is said that boiling oil was launched onto Hannibal’s besieging army. Unlike, the soldiers who consequently fled in disgust and misery, visitors will be welcomed on to further discoveries.
Hidden beneath the earth by two millennia, the ‘Bloody Bridge’ is still accessible today. It served as an important passage from Rome and is so named for the persecutions that once occurred there. Still evident are remnants of the Roman Amphitheatre, where Christians were forced into combat with wild animals. The consequent flourishing of Christianity is clearly evident here, with a number of medieval churches and the famous ‘Duomo’ whose facade inspires awe.
Nearby the ‘Roman Theatre’ continues to be used for cultural events, including the highly anticipated annual event, ‘the Festival of Two Worlds’. Now in its 60th year, the two week summer festival features contemporary art exhibitions, dance, opera, concerts and world class performances.
On its perimeter, the mountain landscape combines with a pastoral scenery of olive groves and vineyards. Nature lovers, ecologists and pilgrims alike will revel in the stunning and peaceful countryside that takes in areas of impressive natural beauty, as well as important Franciscan sites.
Agristurismos in the area offer an unforgettable experience for guests wanting an authentic taste of Italy. One of the finest in the area is Agriturismo Bartoli. Set amidst a picturesque mountain side, the hospitable Bartoli family provide guests with comfortable cottages, horse riding excursions and generous home-cooked meals served around their family table.
(Book your stay here: http://www.agriturismospoleto.net)
And the food, the glorious food! Great pride is taken in rich flavours of local produce, such as truffles, mushrooms and wild boar. For great value Italian fare, go no further than the pizzas at ‘La
Tana Del Ghiotto’ or a panini at ‘Porchetta’. While the best in traditional cooking with a contemporary twist can be found at ‘Lampone’. And of course a gelato a day, makes for a happy stay.
While some of its more well known neighbours have struggled with the overwhelming number of tourists, Spoleto has lost none of its sheen. This has helped it to retain its charm and remain true at the centre of Italy’s green heart.
