The stunning Italian city you may have never heard of | World | News
Spoleto is hailed as a stunning city which is just as appealing as its famous neighbours despite being less well-known.
In Italy‘s Umbria region, Spoleto is 75 miles north of Rome and about 120 miles south east of Florence.
Nestled in the foothills of the Apennines and dominated by a medieval fortress, the city’s main sights include a Roman theatre, the 1st Century bridge Ponte Sanguinario and the 13th century aqueduct, Ponte delle Torri.
The city’s Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, San Pietro extra Moenia and the Basilica of San Salvatore are among Spoleto’s many churches.
On the summit of Colle Sant’Elia, Spoleto’s Rocca Albornoziana fortress is a formidable sight, which today houses a museum charting the city’s long history.
Spoleto’s cathedral, Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta, sits on a hillside piazza and features marble floors, colourful frescoes.
Ponte Delle Torri is a 10 arch aqueduct which rises to 80 metres at its highest point. It was built in the 14th century and spans a wooded gorge.
Sea food-lovers will want to check out San Lorenzo in Clitunno hotel, a family run restaurant which has an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining.
For traditional Umbrian cuisine, Michelin Guide recommends Apollinare in Santa’Agata. Its “intimate and romantic” setting are said to be typical of old Spoleto.
Other options rated highly on Tripadvisor include La Taverna del Pescatore, C’era Una Volta L’osteria, Cantina De’ Corvi and La Torretta.
When it comes to the weather, June, July, August and September are the warmest months in Spoleto, with highs of 25C, 28C, 28C and 24C respectively.
April sees highs of 16C, May 21C, October 20C and November 15C, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Accommodation-wise, Booking.com recommends Hotel San Luca, Albornoz Palace Hotel, Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca, Hotel Clarici and Hotel Gattapone.
Prices for the above hotels range from £135 for two adults for one night to £82, as of October 19.
Ryanair and British Airways fly direct from the UK to Umbria. The cheapest city in Umbria to fly into is Perugia, according to Skyscanner.
October is the cheapest month to fly, with Skyscanner finding a best price of £32, flying from Stansted to Perugia Santegidio Airport.