Spoleto, from dances to the table

I’ll take you on a journey of discovery to a corner of Umbria that is a veritable concentration of beauty, history and resilience, starting in Spoleto, a city of art and the stage for a world-renowned festival, and then delving into breathtaking landscapes, villages steeped in charm and authentic flavors. Get ready for a journey that will touch the chords of the soul, amid unforgettable vistas and stories of rebirth.

Your adventure begins in Spoleto, a city that captivates with its thousand-year history and vibrant atmosphere, especially during the famous Festival of the Two Worlds, and continues to the “city of oil,” for an immersion in local flavors and traditions, with a focus on olive-growing excellence, until you touch on the resilience of communities that are reborn after difficult events.

All this, amid soul-stealing landscapes. But be respectful: a few years ago, some of the places you will visit were hard hit by one of the worst earthquakes in central Italy. Support the community with your presence and your purchases. An opportunity this, to reflect on the fragility of the places we visit, often hidden by the eagerness to discover that comes from social and mass tourism. A Backroader is respectful, always.

Your adventure begins in Spoleto, a city that captivates with its thousand-year history and vibrant atmosphere, especially during the famous Festival of Two Worlds.

📍 The Charm of Spoleto: From the Parking Lot to the Duomo

From the convenient parking lot indicated on the map, begin your exploration with the Torre dell'Olio and Porta Fuga, witnesses to a glorious past. Continue to the heart of the city, the magnificent Spoleto Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece that will leave you breathless. You cannot miss a visit to the imposing Rocca Albornoziana, which dominates the valley and offers spectacular views. Then descend to Roman Theater, where the voices of antiquity still resound, and cross the majestic Ponte delle Torri, admiring the breathtaking view along the Giro dei Condotti. End your walk with the Church of San Ponziano. For lunch, I suggest “Once Upon a Time in the Osteria,” a place to enjoy real Umbrian cuisine. Remember that the timing of lunch is indicative, given the amount of beautiful things to see!

🛏️ Where to stay?

Reach the parking lot and then the:Agriturismo Collerisana for overnight and dinner, where you can enjoy the genuine flavors of the area in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

The second day will take you to Trevi, the “city of oil,” for an immersion in local flavors and traditions, with a focus on olive-growing excellence.
📍 Trevi: Between Village and Traditions
From the agriturismo, head to Trevi. After parking in Piazza Mazzini, explore the Cathedral of Sant'Emiliano and the San Francesco Museum Complex, which holds treasures of art and history. For lunch, the Taverna del Sette Restaurant awaits with typical dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
🫒 The Experience in the Oil Mill and the Castle of Pissignano
Retrieve your car and treat yourself to an unmissable experience: a visit to the Gaudenzi Oil Mill, a true local excellence, where you can discover the secrets of Umbrian extra virgin olive oil production. Continue with a stop at the charming Castello di Pissignano, before returning toAgriturismo Collerisana for dinner and an overnight stay.

The third day is devoted to a profound and moving experience amid breathtaking landscapes and the resilience of communities that are reborn after difficult events.
🚴‍♀️ Norcia: A Journey Between Nature and Rebirth
To reach Norcia you have two alternatives:
By bike: Ride the spectacular Spoleto-Norcia former railroad bike path. It's a scenic route, but be cautious because some stretches are on roads and there aren't many rest stops along the way (but it's really worth it!).
By car: Comfortably, to enjoy the view.
Be respectful: a few years ago, both Norcia and Castelluccio were hard hit by one of the worst earthquakes in central Italy. Support the community with your presence and your purchases. From the parking lot in Norcia, head to Piazza San Benedetto and see the construction site of the Basilica, a symbol of reconstruction. Visit Santa Maria Argentea and get lost in the streets of Norcia, admiring the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine and the Santa Maria Monastery, then reach Porta Romana and return to the parking lot.
Head for the Castelluccio Blooms (if in season, usually between late May and mid-July). Many Italian agricultural excellences are grown here. Try to make Castelluccio's scenery yours, between a tear and a hope, witnessing the beauty of nature and the strength of the human spirit. After this emotional day, return toAgriturismo Collerisana for a well-deserved rest.

The last day of your itinerary will take you to discover another “most beautiful village in Italy,” rich in art and tranquility.
📍 Acquasparta: Elegance and Tradition
Head to Acquasparta, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Visit the town, admiring the Church of Santa Cecilia, the imposing Palazzo Cesi and the Church of San Francesco. Treat yourself to a nice lunch at the Taverna Contrada Porta Vecchia, to end your trip with the authentic flavors of Umbria.

📍 The Charm of Spoleto: From the Parking Lot to the Duomo

🛏️ Where to stay?

📍 Trevi: Between Village and Traditions

🫒 The Experience in the Oil Mill and the Castle of Pissignano

🚴‍♀️ Norcia: A Journey Between Nature and Rebirth

📍 Acquasparta: Elegance and Tradition

Più giorni a disposizione?

Urbino, at the Court of the Renaissance

Umbria, the green valley of Italy

Bolsena, a Medieval Volcano