What to see in Spello in 2 days: itinerary through flower-lined alleys and Umbrian art
Discover what to see in Spello in 2 days: flower-lined alleys, Pinturicchio frescoes, Roman walls, valley viewpoints and day trips to Assisi and Bevagna.
Why visit Spello in 2 days
Spello is Italy's quintessential flower village. Nestled on the slopes of Monte Subasio, this Umbrian town charms visitors with its narrow alleys draped in potted flowers, intact Roman walls and Pinturicchio's Renaissance frescoes. Less hectic than nearby Assisi, Spello preserves a collected and authentic atmosphere perfect for a two-day visit.
Day 1: the historic village
Morning: from the Roman gates to Pinturicchio
Enter Spello through the Porta Consolare, the imposing Roman gateway that leads into the heart of the village. Climb along Via Consolare, the main street flanked by medieval palaces and artisan shops.
The morning's unmissable stop is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Baglioni Chapel holds Pinturicchio's fresco cycle, considered one of the masterpieces of Umbrian Renaissance art. The Annunciation, the Nativity and the Dispute at the Temple shine with vivid colours and refined details. The majolica floor from Deruta completes the wonder.
Continue to the Church of Sant'Andrea, which houses an altarpiece by Pinturicchio and a moving medieval wooden crucifix.
Afternoon: flower-lined alleys and the walls
After lunch, lose yourself in Spello's side alleys. Via Cappuccini, Via delle Mura and the lanes around Via Torri di Properzio are the floral heart of the village: every window, staircase and corner is decorated with cascades of geraniums, petunias and lavender. In June, during the Infiorate festival, the streets are covered with carpets of fresh flower petals, but the village is stunning all year round.
Walk along the Augustan Roman walls to the Porta Venere, flanked by the Towers of Propertius: a monumental complex of two thousand years extraordinarily well preserved.
Evening: sunset from the fortress
Climb to the Rocca Albornoziana for sunset. From up here the panorama over the Umbrian Valley, with Assisi in the background, is one of the finest in the region.
Day 2: Monte Subasio and surroundings
Morning: walk on the Subasio
Devote the morning to a walk on the slopes of Monte Subasio, directly accessible from the village. The trail starting from Porta Montanara crosses holm oak woods and olive groves with ever-widening views over the plain. No expert hiking skills are needed: an hour's walk leads to spectacular panoramas.
On returning, visit the Villa dei Mosaici, discovered in 2005, with polychrome Roman mosaic floors among the best preserved in Umbria.
Afternoon: Assisi or Bevagna
The afternoon is ideal for an excursion. Assisi is barely a 10-minute drive away and offers the Basilica of San Francesco with its Giotto frescoes, the Rocca Maggiore and the Temple of Minerva. If you prefer a less-visited village, Bevagna, 15 minutes away, rewards you with an intact medieval square, Romanesque churches and the historic artisan workshops of the Mercato delle Gaite.
Fonti del Clitunno, 20 minutes to the south, is an oasis of peace with crystal-clear springs celebrated by Latin poets and a UNESCO early-Christian temple.
Evening: dinner in the village
End your stay with dinner at one of the centre's restaurants, tasting Umbrian cuisine: strangozzi with truffle, torta al testo with ham and a glass of Sagrantino di Montefalco.
Viewpoints not to miss
- Rocca Albornoziana: 360-degree view over the Umbrian Valley and Subasio
- Belvedere on Via Giulia: rooftop view over the village and the plain
- Porta Montanara: mountain panorama towards the woods
- Subasio trail: progressive vistas over the valley during the climb
Secret corners
- Via dei Molini, a very narrow alley where flowers touch the walls from both sides
- The cloister of San Silvestro, hidden behind an unmarked door
- The ancient fountain along the lane descending towards Porta Urbica
- The small spontaneous botanical garden beneath the Roman walls
Practical tips
Spello is all uphill: comfortable shoes are essential. The best period is April to June, when the flowers are at their peak. The Infiorate of Corpus Domini, usually in June, attract many visitors: book ahead. The village is small and easily covered on foot in half a day, but two days let you enjoy it at leisure.
