GemmaNestled in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy, Spello is a town that seems to have been plucked straight out of a storybook. Its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and vibrant flowers spilling from every balcony create an atmosphere that’s impossible to resist. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a place where history, art, and charm collide, Spello Old Town is calling your name. From my own personal experience, visiting this town feels like stepping back in time—but with all the perks of modern-day comforts like espresso and gelato at every corner.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking for hidden gems, Spello offers experiences that will make you fall in love with its charm over and over again. Here’s a detailed guide to the 10 things you truly need to see and do in Spello Old Town.
1. Stroll Through the Arco di Augusto
Your journey begins at the Arco di Augusto, the town’s ancient Roman gate. Built in the first century BC, this arch isn’t just a historical relic—it’s a gateway to the soul of Spello. Walking through it, you can almost hear the echoes of Roman soldiers and traders passing beneath.
Take your time to admire the stonework and the remnants of Roman inscriptions. From my overall experience, starting your exploration here gives a unique sense of perspective. It’s a gentle reminder that Spello isn’t just picturesque; it’s a living piece of history. Snap a few photos, but also take a moment to simply absorb the atmosphere.
2. Wander the Flower-Filled Streets
If you love flowers, prepare to have your mind blown. Spello is famous for its infiorate, elaborate floral decorations that turn the streets into a fragrant, colorful wonderland, especially during June. But even outside of festival season, flowers are everywhere—adorning windows, doorways, and tiny alleyways.
Take a slow walk through Via Consolare and Via Giulia, letting your eyes wander over every detail. Don’t rush. Stop in little courtyards where locals might be tending their plants or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Based on my overall experience, these streets are where Spello’s charm truly hits you—it’s like living in a painting.
3. Visit Santa Maria Maggiore
No visit to Spello is complete without stepping inside Santa Maria Maggiore, the town’s most famous church. This church dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its exquisite frescoes by Pinturicchio. One of the highlights is the Baglioni Chapel, where the vibrant colors and intricate details of the artwork make you want to spend hours just staring.
Pay attention to the ceilings and side chapels, too—they often hold small surprises that many visitors overlook. From my own personal experience, lingering here with no rush allows you to truly appreciate the skill and devotion that went into creating such beauty.
4. Explore the Ancient City Walls
Spello is encircled by well-preserved ancient city walls, a testament to its strategic importance through the centuries. Walking along these walls is both relaxing and invigorating, giving you a literal high point from which to admire the town and the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
Take your time to explore the gates and towers, and don’t forget to peek over the edge—you’ll often find vineyards, olive groves, and distant hills stretching as far as the eye can see. From my overall experience, this view alone makes the climb worth every step.
5. Discover the Church of Sant’Andrea
Another gem in Spello’s historical crown is the Church of Sant’Andrea, dating back to the 11th century. Its Romanesque architecture and understated elegance provide a peaceful contrast to the busier streets outside. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes that tell stories from the Bible with a simplicity and grace that’s hard to find in larger, more ornate churches.
Take your time, absorb the quiet, and notice the small details—the carvings on the capitals, the delicate stonework around the windows. From my own personal experience, this church is a quiet haven where you can slow down and reconnect with the slower pace of life in Spello.
6. Marvel at the Porta Venere
The Porta Venere is another historic gateway that’s worth a closer look. Unlike the Arco di Augusto, this gate has a more intimate, medieval feel, with stone steps that lead you into narrow, twisting streets. Walking through it, you can imagine merchants, artisans, and townsfolk moving about hundreds of years ago.
It’s also a perfect spot for photography. The contrast of aged stone with flowering walls creates picture-perfect moments at nearly every angle. Based on my overall experience, wandering through Porta Venere feels like discovering a secret doorway to the past.
7. Explore Local Art at Palazzo Comunale
If you love art and history, make sure to stop by Palazzo Comunale, the town hall of Spello. The building itself is a beautiful example of medieval architecture, and inside, you’ll find artworks, historical artifacts, and occasionally temporary exhibitions featuring local artists.
Take a guided tour if available, because the stories behind the paintings and sculptures add layers to your visit. From my own personal experience, seeing the town’s history preserved and celebrated in this way gives a richer understanding of Spello’s unique character.
8. Sip Coffee at a Local Café
After a morning of exploring, it’s time to slow down. Find a café in one of the smaller piazzas, order an espresso, and watch the world go by. The joy of Spello isn’t just in the monuments—it’s in the everyday life of its streets.
Sit on a terrace, soak in the sun, and maybe strike up a conversation with a local. From my overall experience, these quiet moments often leave a deeper impression than the sightseeing itself. You’ll start to feel the rhythm of Spello, a rhythm that is both calm and alive.
9. Wander Through the Olive Groves
Umbria is famous for its olive oil, and Spello is no exception. Surrounding the town, you’ll find lush olive groves that stretch across the hills. If you can, take a short walk or even a guided tour through these groves. Learn about traditional harvesting techniques and taste the fresh, robust olive oil that comes straight from the local trees.
From my own personal experience, nothing compares to tasting olive oil in the place where it’s made, while the soft hills roll around you like a green ocean. It’s a sensory experience you won’t forget.
10. Enjoy a Local Meal
Finally, you can’t leave Spello without savoring its local cuisine. Whether it’s a family-run trattoria or a quaint osteria, the town offers hearty Umbrian dishes that are simple, rustic, and utterly satisfying. Think truffle pasta, roasted meats, and fresh, seasonal vegetables—all paired with local wines that bring out the flavors of the region.
Don’t rush your meal; take your time to savor every bite. From my overall experience, the best way to end a day in Spello is with food, wine, and the laughter of friends or family around the table.
Bonus Tip: Get Lost (Intentionally)
One of the best things about Spello is that it’s small enough to wander without a map, but rich enough that every corner has a surprise waiting. Turn down a side street, peek into hidden courtyards, and discover tiny chapels, artisan shops, or a particularly photogenic alley.
From my own personal experience, the moments you don’t plan often become the memories you cherish the most. Spello isn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to feel, explore, and let your curiosity lead the way.
Final Thoughts
Spello Old Town is one of those rare places where history, art, and everyday life blend seamlessly. From ancient gates to flower-filled streets, and from quiet churches to lively cafés, every corner has a story. By following this guide, you’ll experience the town in all its richness—yet leave room for your own discoveries, the little details that make travel unforgettable.
Visiting Spello isn’t just about ticking off sights; it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of a town that has preserved its charm across centuries. So take your time, wander, taste, photograph, and most importantly, enjoy. This is one town that stays with you long after you leave.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.