Where We Be
Our favorite experience in Spoleto was cross-
ing the Ponte delle Torri, a high stone bridge
erected in the 14th century on the foundations
of a Roman aqueduct. This monumental work
has a walkway that lets you cross to the far
side. A mostly flat path continues from there,
offering fantastic views of the bridge itself as
well as the former papal fortress -- known as
the Rocca Albornoziana -- and the surrounding
countryside.
We took day trips to four other Umbrian towns,
each special in its own way. Spello is a quaint
hill town bursting with spring flowers.
Montefalco has some of the best wines in
Umbria. Norcia is Umbria's foodie capital,
famous for its truffles and butcher shops. And
Castellucio is dramatically set at the edge of a
vast high plains called the "Pian Grande."
View of the 14th century Ponte delle Torri and
the Rocca Albornoziana, once a papal fortress
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Imagine laying the stones for this bridge over such perilous heights
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The bridge has Gothic arches somewhat like a cathedral's
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Spoleto's duomo and bell tower glow at sunset
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With the approach of Easter, religious processions abound in Italy
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Wildflowers in Spello spell spring
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Spello is a wonderful little hill town full of flower
pots, cobblestone streets, and narrow alleys
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At the top of Spello stands this ancient Roman arch
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Montefalco looks good AND tastes good --
it has some of the best red wines in Umbria
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We were surprised there were no views from this piazza at the top of town,
since Montefalco is set on a high hill and is often called the Balcony of Umbria
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Norcia is not a hill town -- it's flat -- but it does have walls surrounding it
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Norcia is a gourmand’s delight. It's the epicenter of all things truffle – the earthy mushroom
that costs so dear. Robin sits next to an absolutely enormous specimen of a black truffle.
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We split a delicious bottle of Montefalco's
acclaimed Sagrantino wine (Fongoli 2004) with lunch
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Pretty Umbrian countryside surrounds Montefalco
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What a treat to be in Italy in springtime
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This wild boar has sniffed out its last truffle
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Castellucio is dramatically set on a hill at the edge
of a high plains known as the "Piano Grande"
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In late May or early June this entire plains is filled to bursting with
spectacular wildflowers. Unfortunately we arrived a few weeks too early.
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Castellucio's houses seem to huddle together to keep warm
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Cezanne-like jumble of houses in Castellucio
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A flat walking path across the bridge offers excellent views
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Butcher shops all over Italy are called "Norcineria" in honor of Norcia's meats
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The Ponte delle Torri is a testament to the
building skills of Italians back in the 1300s
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If great food is your passion, pay a visit to Norcia
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Never pass up fresh pecorino cheese in Italy!
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