Spoleto

At the southern end of the long Umbrian valley that starts at Perugia, old Spoleto sits atop its ridge, barely 75 miles from Rome. Its origins date from the pre-Christian era. An important city during the Roman era, it came under the control of the Longobards in the 6th century and was the seat of the Duchy of Spoleto. Frederick Barbarossa conquered it in 1155 and the Borgias took control in the 13th century. The city is a treasure house of Roman remains including a functional Roman theater and amphitheater. The 13th century Ponte delle Torre leads to the 14th century fortress of Rocca Albornoziana towering over the city. The artistic ...

At the southern end of the long Umbrian valley that starts at Perugia, old Spoleto sits atop its ridge, barely 75 miles from Rome. Its origins date from the pre-Christian era. An important city during the Roman era, it came under the control of the Longobards in the 6th century and was the seat of the Duchy of Spoleto. Frederick Barbarossa conquered it in 1155 and the Borgias took control in the 13th century. The city is a treasure house of Roman remains including a functional Roman theater and amphitheater. The 13th century Ponte delle Torre leads to the 14th century fortress of Rocca Albornoziana towering over the city. The artistic treasures of the town include its many churches, starting with the 4th-century Basilica of San Salvatore, one of the finest extant examples of Longobard architecture. The core of the city’s artistic life, however, is the Festival of the Two Worlds, the famed Spoleto festival of music and art created by Gian Carlo Menotti. The festival is held annually in June and July. Performances featuring the world’s leading musicians take place in the Roman Theater, amphitheater and other places in the town. This is a cultured and active city, a place for strolling and enjoyment.

About the Expert

Stillman Rogers has written more than two dozen guidebooks, including Adventure Guide to Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Guide to Eastern Canada, and Adventure Guide to the Chesapeake.