That’s why Spoleto in Umbria is so unique

Spoleto cannot be summed up in just a few words; its origins and history are far too rich, having seen it for centuries at the head of a duchy that stretched across the whole of central Italy. Spoleto must be seen and experienced to be won over by its magic. It is a town of 35,000 inhabitants, unique for its illustrious origins, which date back to pre-Roman times, and for its monuments, which are true masterpieces amongst Umbria’s cities of art. Spoleto is well worth a visit, and it is no surprise that amongst the many who come here (a 2.5 per cent increase in tourist numbers in 2026), there are those who decide to stay by buying their dream home, whether to take up residence or to treat themselves to a holiday away from the stress of everyday life. Foreigners and locals alike are increasingly choosing Spoleto as a place to live or to return to for a full immersion in a world of greenery, relaxation and fine dining that enhances the quality of life. Here you’ll find impressive traces of the past, such as the Roman house of Vespasia Polla, mother of Emperor Vespasian, on a side street off Piazza del Mercato – the site of the ancient Roman forum – where the Baroque fountain and the Arch of Drusus stand in memory of Emperor Tiberius’s natural son. Just a few metres away is the staircase leading up to the Duomo, a sight that captivates from above with the cathedral’s spectacular façade, immortalised in the hit Rai TV series ‘Don Matteo’. The historic centre is dominated by the majestic Rocca, built in the 14th century by Cardinal Egidio Albornoz, which forms a single structure with the Ponte delle Torri, a sublime example of a Roman aqueduct. A stroll through the historic centre reveals further wonders, from the Mascherone fountain – which has always been a destination for thirsty travellers – to the magnificence of the historic palaces that house gems of art and timeless beauty. Everything in Spoleto speaks of a golden past, but even venturing into the surrounding countryside reveals traces of an illustrious history, documented in historical sources, from the Spoleto valley dotted with charming country hamlets to the hills of the Terre Arnolfe, scattered with 14th-century ‘castrum’ where mountain lovers can find peace and refreshment.