Page 216 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

214 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

8 Spoleto courtyards and was used as a prison
Perugia, Umbria; 06049 until 1982. Highlights include the
Important since Etruscan times – and 15th-century frescoes in the camera
famous today for its summer arts pinto (painted room) and superb
festival, this delightful city has some views. To the southwest is the
interesting Roman ruins. The splendid spectacular Ponte delle Torri, a road
Teatro Romano e Museo Archeologico and aqueduct with ten perfect arches.
(open daily) is near Piazza della Libertà. ª Exit car park right, then left, and left
Other Roman highlights to look out again on SS3 north. Take Cassia/Norcia
for are the Arco di Drusus, the exit for SS685. After tunnel, take SR209
triumphal arch into Roman Spoleto, right, towards Roma. Turn left at Piazza
and Casa Romana (open daily), a villa del Mercato and park at Scheggino.
with mosaics from the 1st century AD.
After the fall of Rome, Spoleto was 9 Scheggino
the capital of the Lombard Duchy of Perugia, Umbria; 06040
Above The Teatro Romano, Spoleto, still used Spoleto for over 600 years (570–1201), This medieval hamlet built by the
for cultural events before falling to the papacy. At it’s heart Duchy of Spoleto to defend a bridge
is the Duomo di Spoleto (1175–1227) over the River Nera is now easily
WHERE TO STAY (open daily). The Romanesque façade accessed by a footbridge. The 12th-
SPOLETO is outstanding, with rose windows, a century walls form a classic triangle –
Palazzo Leti Residenza d’Epoca huge bell tower and a Renaissance with a watchtower at the apex – and
moderate portico. Inside is just as impressive, with managed to withstand a sustained
This former aristocratic residence has a frescoes by Pinturicchio (1454–1513), siege in 1522. In the village centre is
magnificent Italian-style garden. and Fra Filippo Lippi (1406–69). The the 13th-century Chiesa di San
Via Filippo Brignone 13, 06049; 0743 224
930; www.palazzoleti.com city is crowned by the Rocca Nicolò, with a Paleochristian chapel
Albornoziana (closed Mon). Built by the and fine frescoes attributed to Lo
Gattapone expensive militant Cardinal Albornoz to secure Spagna (died c.1529).
Just below the Rocca, in a quiet location,
it is popular with celebrities at Festivals. the papal dominions in the 14th ª Continue south on SR209. Turn
Via del Ponte 6, 06049; 0743 223 447; century, this garrison fortress is right at Via dell’Abbazia following
www.hotelgattapone.it divided into two large and elegant signs to the car park.
SCHEGGINO
Le Vaie inexpensive
Experience a traditional farm stay with
four simple rooms in a rustic setting.
Loc. Vaglie, Sant’Anatolia Di Narco,
06040; 0743 613 269; www.
agriturismolevaie.com
ABBAZIA DI SAN PIETRO IN VALLE
Abbazia San Pietro in Valle expensive
Stay in the 8th-century monastery in a
superbly restored and tranquil hotel.
Via Case Sparse di Macenano, 05034;
0744780129; www.sanpietroinvalle.com
FERENTILLO
Il Borgo inexpensive
This country house B&B has a pleasant,
rustic feel and comfortable rooms.
Vicolo S Anselmo 1, 05034; 3292 287 075;
www.ilborgo-agriturismo.it
ARRONE
Fiocchi Residence inexpensive
Unfussy self-catering apartments near
an adventure park, with access to pool.
Via Piè d’Arrone 1, 05031; 0744 389
961; www.residencefiocchi.com
Right top View of Spoleto, a strategically
important city Right bottom left The River
Nera, once Scheggino’s first line of defence
Right bottom right Fresco of San Sebastian
in Arrone’s Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

210-215_Back_Roads_Northern_Italy.indd 214 21/09/17 11:19 am
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue Spread template “UK” LAYER
(OpenType)
Date 02 November 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
Fonts Bulletfont, Clearbullet,
Frutiger Pro, Myriad Pro, Travelfont