Spoleto on foot: in the footsteps of dukes and emperors
Spoleto is a city rich in history and culture, located in the heart of the Umbrian Valley. Its position gives it a distinctive profile in the surrounding landscape. The city has gone through various historical eras that have shaped its current appearance: from an important Roman municipium to the capital of a Lombard duchy, eventually becoming an influential center of the Papal States. Each period has left its mark, visible in the buildings and streets of the historic center. Spoleto is also renowned for its major cultural events, such as the Festival dei Due Mondi, and for its environment, which blends historical and natural elements.
Our guides will lead visitors on a Walking Tour of Spoleto that winds through the city’s main points of interest, offering the chance to delve into its history and discover the many facets of Spoleto, while appreciating the evolution of its urban and artistic identity.
Among the various highlights, visitors can discover:
Piazza della Libertà and the Arch of Drusus
Piazza della Libertà stands in front of Palazzo Ancaiani, a 17th-century building commissioned by the noble family from which it takes its name. From the square, you can catch a glimpse of Spoleto’s Roman Theatre, dating back to the 1st century BC. The guided tour of Spoleto then begins by entering the heart of the ancient Roman city through two of its historic gates: the Arch of Monterone and the Arch of Drusus. The latter, built next to a Roman temple, is one of the best-preserved monumental entrances to the ancient city forum.
Walking along the ancient route of the Via Flaminia, you can still sense the grandeur of Roman architecture and see traces of the original paving.
Ponte delle Torri and Rocca Albornoziana
The famous Ponte delle Torri, a spectacular multi-arch structure that seems to rise from the earth itself, once connected two mountain ridges. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery of woods and valleys, the bridge offers one of the tour’s most striking views and stands as a symbol of the city. From here, you can also see the imposing Rocca Albornoziana, a 14th-century papal fortress that towers above Spoleto and shapes its skyline, dominating the surrounding landscape.
Spoleto Cathedral (Santa Maria Assunta)
Descending from the upper part of the city brings you to the beautiful Piazza Duomo, dominated by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a masterpiece of Umbrian religious architecture. With its Romanesque forms and Renaissance details, the Cathedral tells a long story of art and devotion. Inside, you can admire frescoes by Pinturicchio and other artistic treasures that testify to the city’s cultural richness through the centuries. The façade and staircase, illuminated by natural light, create an unforgettable view, especially at sunset.
Book your guided walking tour of Spoleto
The Walking Tour of Spoleto is much more than just a city tour: it’s a true journey through time.
Whether you’re passionate about archaeology, an art lover, or simply curious, this itinerary will let you experience Spoleto from a unique perspective.
Discover the next available dates and book your spot: Spoleto awaits, ready to reveal its hidden treasures.
