After consulting the map to plan another day trip from Il Castagno, we ventured across the border into Umbria. The warm day was overcast as we reached Spello, an ancient walled town that became a Roman colony, Hispellum, in the 1st century BC.
The town walls and arched entrance gates are remarkably intact, we began our walk at Porta Consolare.
We were instantly enchanted by this place, with its beautiful architecture
and narrow, stone streets.
Magnificent arches led down intriguing alleyways.
We ambled our way to the top of the town, admiring the homes with more than a little envy.
Some windows had better views than others,
and, of course, those fabulous Italian doors were countless.
The most impressive doorway was that of the Baglioni Chapel, part of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
The chapel is adorned with well preserved frescoes, painted by Pinturicchio in 1500AD, none of which I photographed.
There was so much to admire in this wonderful, ancient town.
Porta dell’ Arce, a double limestone arc, was the original northern entrance to the Roman city.
We made our way back to the lower end of town, not forgetting to investigate the shops
and admire the spectacular scenery along the way.
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