Spello or Hispellum, Umbria, Italy. An ancient town in the province of Perugia fascinates with marvelous architecture, compressed in a rather tiny area. Spello’s Medieval buildings, built on a Roman foundations, determine the dense web of small narrow streets. Wherever you will go, it will lead you somewhere nice. Actually, it is even recommended to get lost in the streets of Spello – it enables you to feel the spirit of the village. Friendly and hospitable locals are always ready to chat and direct you. It seems that exploring the streets of Spello is a never ending adventure!
What To See
Spello may be small but there are many things to do. Apart from walking through town or visiting the many churches and museums, there are cultural events throughout the year. The most important annual event is the Infiorata flower festival, on Corpus Domini Sunday. For months, the inhabitants of Spello collect flowers in the mountains to cover the entire streets of Spello with intricate flower images. Some of the pictures are so refined and detailed that it is almost impossible to notice the flowers- they appear as paintings. The event has grown over the years and now attracts tens of thousands of visitors during the night from Saturday to Sunday. Whlie more than 50 flower artist groups assemble their competing images, the visitors walk around and look on in awe.
Spello is a pleasure for those who love walking. Three well-preserved Roman stone arches form the entry points to the town, Porta Venere, with its towers, Porta Urbica and Porta Consolare. Once inside, the cobblestone streets meander in and out of mysterious alleyways that lead to simple, yet elegant stone houses.The locals will welcome you with a smile as they sit outside their houses, knitting, sewing or simply chatting to one another. If you offer an Italian greeting such as "Buon Giorno" you will almost certainly receive a delighted response.
Spello is famous for its local olive oil. After the annual harvest (which begins in late October) the fresh oil can be obtained. There are also olive wood handicrafts (cutting boards, kitchen equipment, etc.) to be found. Local wine is abundant and good- sometimes very good . Umbrian ceramics and traditional linen and cotton cloth can be found in a variety of local stores. Local foods (truffles, dried mushrooms, sausages) are also popular souvenirs.
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