Monteleone  di  Spoleto​

Latest page update: 21 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Monteleone di Spoleto
Accommodation in Monteleone di Spoleto is limited, with most options consisting of small B&Bs and rural agriturismi. For established hotels, the best choices are found in the nearby towns of Cascia and Norcia, both offering reliable and well-reviewed options.
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In Cascia, Hotel Monte Meraviglia provides modern rooms, a restaurant and consistently good guest feedback for comfort and service (€€). Also in Cascia, Grand Hotel Elite offers spacious accommodation with a restaurant, bar and positive reviews for convenience and hospitality (€€). In Norcia, Palazzo Seneca stands out as a luxury Relais & Châteaux property with refined rooms, a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, earning exceptional ratings for quality and attention to detail (€€€).

Where is

Where is Monteleone di Spoleto?
The town of Monteleone di Spoleto is situated within the Province of Perugia and has a population of around 600 inhabitants.

It stands at an elevation of 978 metres above sea level and is included in the list of Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy). Places of interest nearby include Cascia, Vallo di Nera, Monti Sibillini National Park and Norcia. ​
Comune di Monteleone di Spoleto
​​Province: Perugia

Region: Umbria

Population: 552 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 62 km²

Elevation: 978 metres

​Close by: Cascia, Vallo di Nera, Monti Sibillini National Park, Norcia​

Recommended accommodation: Hotel ​Delle Rose (17 km)
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)

Listing headline: Il Leone degli Appenini (The Lion of the Apennines)

What People Ask About Monteleone di Spoleto, Umbria

Is Monteleone di Spoleto worth visiting?
Yes, Monteleone di Spoleto is worth visiting for its location in the Umbrian Apennines and its preserved medieval centre. It is one of the highest towns in Umbria, offering mountain views and a strong sense of history.
How do I get to Monteleone di Spoleto?
Monteleone di Spoleto is reached by car along winding mountain roads from Spoleto or Leonessa. The nearest train stations are in Spoleto and Terni, with onward connections by car or regional bus.
What are the main attractions in Monteleone di Spoleto?
Attractions include the medieval town walls, the Church of San Nicola, and the Civic Museum, which houses a replica of the Etruscan chariot found nearby. The surrounding mountains also offer hiking routes and rural landscapes.
What is Monteleone di Spoleto known for?
Monteleone di Spoleto is known for the discovery of an Etruscan chariot in the early 20th century, now preserved in New York’s Metropolitan Museum. The town is also recognised for its mountain traditions and agricultural festivals.
What food is typical of Monteleone di Spoleto?
Local cuisine includes lentils from the area, truffle-based dishes, and cured meats. Traditional mountain recipes often use legumes and cereals, reflecting the town’s agricultural setting.
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Discover

Discover Monteleone di Spoleto
Set high in the Valnerina Valley, Monteleone di Spoleto is one of the highest towns in Umbria, surrounded by mountain pastures and dense forests. Its elevated position offers striking views over the upper valley and the surrounding peaks of the Apennines. The town’s compact medieval core, enclosed by defensive walls and towers, is arranged along steep stone streets that reveal its origins as a strategic stronghold guarding the approaches to Spoleto and Cascia.
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Monteleone di Spoleto is known for the discovery of the Etruscan chariot, a remarkable archaeological find now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The town retains several notable buildings, including the Church of San Francesco and the Collegiata di San Nicola, which display fine frescoes and Gothic details. The surrounding area is rich in pastoral traditions, producing lentils, cheese, and truffles typical of the high Umbrian valleys. Its remote mountain setting and historic significance make Monteleone di Spoleto one of the most distinctive communities in southern Umbria.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Monteleone di Spoleto
  • Centro Storico di Monteleone di Spoleto perches high in the Valnerina, its narrow streets winding among stone houses, medieval gates, and arched passageways. The village preserves a strong medieval character, with robust stone walls, terracotta rooftops, and hidden courtyards opening onto views of forested mountains. Small piazzas reveal glimpses of surrounding valleys and distant peaks. Walking through Monteleone di Spoleto offers a quiet journey into a place shaped by centuries of mountain life and strategic importance.
  • Chiesa di San Francesco stands as the village’s spiritual and artistic centre, its simple stone façade blending seamlessly with the rugged surroundings. Inside, visitors discover delicate frescoes, wooden altars, and sacred artworks reflecting deep local devotion. The church has long been a focal point for religious festivals and village gatherings. It remains a cherished symbol of Monteleone di Spoleto’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
  • Museo della Biga di Monteleone commemorates one of the region’s most extraordinary archaeological finds: the Etruscan chariot discovered near the village in the early 20th century. While the original artefact resides abroad, the museum displays a faithful reproduction alongside other artefacts that narrate the area’s ancient past. Visiting provides insight into Monteleone di Spoleto’s historical significance stretching back to pre-Roman times. It stands as a unique cultural landmark of the village.
  • Piazza del Mercato serves as the vibrant heart of village life, bordered by historic buildings, small cafés, and inviting benches where locals gather. The square hosts markets, traditional festivals, and quiet moments of conversation under the crisp mountain sky. Cobblestones underfoot and views of forested slopes add rustic charm. It’s the perfect place to pause and absorb the tranquil rhythm of daily life in Monteleone di Spoleto.
  • Guided historical and nature walks in Monteleone di Spoleto take visitors through medieval streets, past ancient towers, and onto scenic trails into the surrounding mountains and forests. Local guides share stories of the Etruscan chariot, medieval conflicts, and the traditions of pastoral life in the high valleys. Tours often include tastings of local specialities such as lentil dishes, cured meats, and mountain honey. Exploring with a guide reveals Monteleone di Spoleto’s unique blend of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and authentic mountain culture.

Tours and Activities

Monteleone di Spoleto Tours and Activities

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​Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
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1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Monteleone di Spoleto
By Rail: The nearest train station to Monteleone di Spoleto is in Spoleto, approximately 55 kilometres away. The station lies on the Rome–Ancona line operated by Trenitalia, with regional and intercity trains. Services from Spoleto connect to Foligno in about 20 minutes, Perugia in roughly 45 minutes, and Rome in around 2 hours. From Spoleto, local buses and taxis provide connections to Monteleone di Spoleto.

By Road: Monteleone di Spoleto is located in the province of Perugia, Umbria, near the border with Lazio. From Spoleto, the drive is around 55 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via the SS685. From Norcia, it is approximately 30 kilometres and takes roughly 40 minutes by car. Parking is available close to the old town and near the main access roads.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 95 kilometres from Monteleone di Spoleto, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the SS685 and SS3. It is the closest airport, offering domestic and European flights.
  • Rome Ciampino Airport: Located about 160 kilometres southwest, taking roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes by car via the A1 and SS685. A convenient choice for international visitors.
  • Ancona Falconara Airport: Around 175 kilometres northeast, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes via the SS76. Suitable for travellers arriving from northern or eastern Italy.

Private Transfers

Monteleone di Spoleto Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to reach Monteleone di Spoleto or continue your journey from the village to other destinations across Umbria and neighbouring regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and relaxed journey without the need for car hire or public transport.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, offering the most direct access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Monteleone di Spoleto generally takes around 1 hour 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. Transfers can also be organised to Cascia, Norcia, and Cerreto di Spoleto, or to nearby destinations such as Spoleto, Terni, and Assisi.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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