Spello
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Latest page update: 21 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Spello
Spello has a fine selection of well-established hotels, many housed within historic buildings that reflect the town’s medieval character. Accommodation here is praised for comfort, authenticity and friendly service, with easy access to the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
La Bastiglia Boutique Hotel is a leading choice, offering elegant rooms, a panoramic terrace and a restaurant renowned for its regional cuisine, with excellent guest feedback for views and atmosphere (€€€). Albergo Il Cacciatore provides comfortable, centrally located accommodation with a terrace overlooking the valley and consistently good reviews for hospitality and value (€€). For a countryside stay nearby, Hotel Ristorante La Barberie offers modern facilities, a restaurant and positive guest ratings for service and food quality (€€).
La Bastiglia Boutique Hotel is a leading choice, offering elegant rooms, a panoramic terrace and a restaurant renowned for its regional cuisine, with excellent guest feedback for views and atmosphere (€€€). Albergo Il Cacciatore provides comfortable, centrally located accommodation with a terrace overlooking the valley and consistently good reviews for hospitality and value (€€). For a countryside stay nearby, Hotel Ristorante La Barberie offers modern facilities, a restaurant and positive guest ratings for service and food quality (€€).
Where is
Where is Spello?
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The town of Spello is situated within the Province of Perugia and has a population of around 8,500 residents.
It stands at an elevation of 280 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 Foligno, Bevagna, Santa Maria degli Angeli and Assisi. |
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Comune di Spello
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: Specchio di Arte e Natura (Mirror of Art and Nature)
Listing headline: Specchio di Arte e Natura (Mirror of Art and Nature)
What People Ask About Spello, Umbria
Is Spello worth visiting?
How do I get to Spello?
What are the main attractions in Spello?
Why is Spello famous for olive oil?
What food is typical of Spello?
Related links
Discover
Discover Spello
Set on the lower slopes of Mount Subasio, Spello is one of the most beautifully preserved hill towns in Umbria, overlooking the broad plain between Assisi and Foligno. The town’s pink limestone buildings glow warmly in the sunlight, while its winding lanes, arches, and terraces reveal a layout that blends Roman and medieval features. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, Spello’s setting captures the essence of the Umbrian countryside.
The town is known for its impressive Roman gateways, such as the Porta Consolare and Porta Venere, and for its fine collection of churches decorated with Renaissance frescoes. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore houses the celebrated Baglioni Chapel, painted by Pinturicchio, while other highlights include the Church of Sant’Andrea and the Palazzo Comunale Vecchio. Spello is also famous for the Infiorate, an annual festival in which the streets are covered with intricate floral designs. Its location near Assisi, Foligno, and Montefalco makes it an ideal base for exploring the cultural heart of Umbria.
The town is known for its impressive Roman gateways, such as the Porta Consolare and Porta Venere, and for its fine collection of churches decorated with Renaissance frescoes. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore houses the celebrated Baglioni Chapel, painted by Pinturicchio, while other highlights include the Church of Sant’Andrea and the Palazzo Comunale Vecchio. Spello is also famous for the Infiorate, an annual festival in which the streets are covered with intricate floral designs. Its location near Assisi, Foligno, and Montefalco makes it an ideal base for exploring the cultural heart of Umbria.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Spello
- Centro Storico di Spello cascades along the slopes of Monte Subasio, its narrow streets winding among pink-hued stone houses, medieval arches, and Roman walls. The town glows with an enchanting atmosphere, where rustic façades are adorned with vibrant flowers spilling from balconies and terracotta pots. Small piazzas reveal views over the Valle Umbra and distant Apennine peaks. Walking through Spello offers a journey into a place where history, art, and floral beauty are woven into everyday life.
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore stands as Spello’s artistic treasure, its simple exterior concealing magnificent frescoes by Pinturicchio in the Baglioni Chapel. Inside, visitors discover baroque altars, intricate stuccoes, and sacred artworks reflecting centuries of devotion and artistic patronage. The church has long been central to Spello’s religious and cultural identity. It remains a must-see for art lovers exploring the town.
- Porta Consolare rises proudly at the town’s entrance, a Roman gate flanked by statues and built of large travertine blocks. It served as one of Spello’s principal gateways along the ancient Via Flaminia. Passing through the gate offers a tangible connection to the town’s Roman past. It stands as an enduring symbol of Spello’s layered history and strategic importance.
- Piazza della Repubblica serves as the lively heart of Spello, edged by historic palaces, bustling cafés, and artisan shops. The square hosts markets, cultural events, and festivals such as the Infiorate, when streets are transformed into carpets of flower petals in intricate designs. Cobblestones underfoot and glimpses of medieval towers add to its elegant charm. It’s the perfect place to pause and enjoy the vibrant yet peaceful spirit of Spello.
- Guided historical and artistic tours in Spello lead visitors through Roman gates, medieval alleys, and churches adorned with Renaissance frescoes. Local guides share stories of noble families, floral traditions, and the town’s artistic masterpieces. Tours often include tastings of regional specialities such as olive oil, cured meats, and Umbrian wines. Exploring with a guide reveals Spello’s unique blend of historical grandeur, artistic brilliance, and blooming beauty.
Tours and Activities
Spello Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Spello Photo Gallery
Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
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
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 Spello
By Rail: Spello has its own train station on the Rome–Ancona line, operated by Trenitalia. Regular regional services connect the town to Foligno in about 10 minutes, Assisi in roughly 10 minutes, Perugia in around 30 minutes, and Rome in just under 2 hours. The station is located close to the historic centre, making it easily accessible on foot.
By Road: Spello is situated in central Umbria, between Foligno and Assisi. From Perugia, the drive is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes via the SS75. From Foligno, it is around 6 kilometres and takes roughly 10 minutes by car. Public car parks are available near the old town, with convenient access to the main gates and walking routes into the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Spello is situated in central Umbria, between Foligno and Assisi. From Perugia, the drive is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes via the SS75. From Foligno, it is around 6 kilometres and takes roughly 10 minutes by car. Public car parks are available near the old town, with convenient access to the main gates and walking routes into the centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Approximately 25 kilometres from Spello, with a driving time of around 25 minutes via the SS75. It is the nearest airport, providing domestic and short-haul European connections.
- Ancona Falconara Airport: Located about 120 kilometres northeast, taking roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes by car via the SS76. A good option for visitors travelling from northern Italy.
- Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 180 kilometres southwest, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A1 motorway. Convenient for international arrivals.
Private Transfers
Spello Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a simple and comfortable way to reach Spello or continue your journey from the town to other destinations across Umbria and central Italy. You’ll be collected directly from your accommodation or chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, allowing you to travel without the need for public transport or car hire.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, providing convenient access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Spello takes around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Assisi, Foligno, Bevagna, and Perugia, or to nearby towns such as Spoleto and Todi.
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.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, providing convenient access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Spello takes around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Assisi, Foligno, Bevagna, and Perugia, or to nearby towns such as Spoleto and Todi.
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.
