3162 Assisi versus Spello

Assisi is of course a very important spiritual destination, and the Basilica of St Francis has the wonderful Giotto frescoes, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from visiting the town - but it can be rather crowded and touristy especially in high season. It is lovely in January and February.
The Basilica is quite firm on dress code - they do not like shorts, and it would be an idea to carry a light shawl if a lady is wearing a dress which doesn't cover the shoulders. (A Nun might let you borrow one!)
Just outside Assisi, for the spiritual traveller, is the Eremo dei Carceri, a working monastery set in a quiet position on Monte Subasio where St Francis had a simple meditation retreat. Coach loads do go up there, but it is set in natural woodland where you can get away from any crowds by walking a few hundred metres.
The higher reaches of Assisi, around the amphitheatre (Piazza Matteoti) are quite delightful and uncrowded.
Spello is a neighbouring town with many of the same architectural characteristics as Assisi - but it is a much more "normal" place, with lots of Roman remains and some very good restaurants, much more relaxing for a mooch around!

Category
Do & See

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/21/2006 - 17:28

i agree totally. Spello is much more of a working town. We have a house in the mountain behind it, Subasio. Assisi is very crammed with tourists and would love to see it when its quieter. I've eaten there twice and was disappointed. The difficult part is that there probably are good restaurants in Assisi but they are very hard to find. The access to the city is also quite a challenge.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/22/2007 - 09:38

Well said to both of the above. Even less touristy perhaps and quieter still, is Trevi. Amble slowly upwards and you will expect that the summit will simply be a spot with a fine view. In fact, what you get is all of the promised view and an unexpectedly generous piazza, spectacular in its nonchalance!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 13:12

We own a house in Spello in the centro storico. It is a fantastic place - full of wonderful friendly people. I recommend the infiorata which takes place this:yes: year on evening of Sat 24th May and Sunday morning (early is best). I can well recommend Spello!