Italy Where to Go - Umbria, Medieval Spoleto
Historic City in the Italian Province of Perugia
Jul 24, 2009
The history of Spoleto is long and rich. It thrived under various Roman leaders but after the fall of the Roman Empire it was gradually was taken over by religious bodies during the 12th century. The area was greatly developed and it is from this period that much of the fine art and architectural monuments that so delight visitors today came into being.
Umbria - Spoleto - The Duomo (Cathedral)Italy Umbria - Visit Medieval Town of Spoleto
Building of the Cathedral of St. Maria Assunta began around 1175 and was completed in 1227. It is one of Spoleto’s finest sights and, in spite of its size, has a rather delicate look, unlike many cathedrals of this period. It has an extremely beautiful rose window and intricate mosaics. Don’t miss Filippo Lippi’s fabulous fresco featuring the life of the Virgin, which he began in 1467. Unfortunately, he died before it was completed. In 1469 his son, Filippino, stepped in and finished the job.
Spoleto - The Ponte delle Torri (Bridge of the Towers)
It is an aqueduct as well as a viaduct (pedestrians only) and one of the nicest things to do in Spoleta is to walk across it for a spectacular view of the town. It is 80 meters high above the Tessino River and 230 meters long. Originally thought to be Roman, it is now thought to have been erected in the 12th century to supply water to the Rocco (Papal Fortress). It is supported by ten Gothic arches and there is a balcony in the centre of it and a fort at one end.
Spoleto - The Papal Fortress (Rocco)
There’s a very steep road leading up to the 14th century Rocco from the Piazza Communale. Built as the residence of the Papal governor, it lost its strategic importance from the 16th century, and was used as a military barracks. Eventually, in 1817, this huge castle fortress became even less esteemed when it was adapted to to be used as a prison. In later years Benito Mussolini used the prison at the Rocca for political prisoners and today you can visit the cells where they were incarcerated.
Spoleto - The Roman Theatre
This well-preserved large section of a Roman theatre dates back to the first century AD - the earliest days of the Roman Empire. In its heyday it could accommodate three thousand spectators. As well as drama, there would have been acrobatics, jugglers, boxers, and much more. Over the centuries the theatre has slowly disappeared into the earth and has been excavated a number of times. The Spoleto Archeological Museum is near the Roman Theatre.
The Spoleto Festival
Founded in 1958, the Spoleto Festival developed into one of the most important cultural events in Italy, with a three-week schedule of music, theater and dance performances. It is a three-week-long summer festival which attracts visitors from around the world.and is held every year in June/July.
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