Located just a short drive from Florence and Rome, Spoleto is a hidden treasure in the Umbria region. This charming hilltop town boasts scenic narrow streets, stunning architecture, and a rich culinary heritage. In this article, we will provide a family-friendly itinerary along with a few must-see events.
This article aims to equip you with practical information and helpful tips for planning a trip to this beautiful part of Italy. While Umbria is among the most popular destinations, the medieval town of Spoleto offers even more reasons to visit. You won’t regret exploring it!
Spoleto Card
If you plan to spend more than a day or two in Spoleto, consider purchasing the Spoleto Card, valid for seven days and available at any museum in the area. The card offers free access to 7 museums (including Museo Archeologico, Casa Romana, Museo Nazionale del Ducato di Spoleto, Museo Diocesano, Museo del Tessile e del Costume, Rocca, and the Modern Art Museum), complimentary local transportation (on bus lines B, D, and AC, as well as the shuttle to the city center), and exclusive discounts at local restaurants and shops.
Prices:
- Red Card (standard 7-day card): €9.50
- Green Card (for children/young adults aged 7 to 25, seniors 65 and older, and groups of at least 15): €8.00
Getting Around
The best way to explore Spoleto is on foot. However, as a medieval town, the streets can be uneven, featuring many ups and downs along with a few staircases. While navigating with strollers might be a bit challenging, it is generally manageable. A convenient option is to use the mechanized walkways, which provide access from parking areas to the Upper Town. Though they may not blend perfectly with the stunning surroundings, they offer an easier way for visitors with disabilities or families with small children to explore Spoleto.
There are two escalators available:
- The Spoletosfera Walkway runs from the Spoletosfera parking lot to Piazza della Libertà, right in the heart of the Upper Town. Opening hours: weekdays from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm, weekends and holidays from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm.
- The Ponzianina Walkway starts at the Ponzianina parking area and reaches the Fortress. Opening hours: weekdays from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, weekends and holidays from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Museum Opening Times & Tickets
- The Roman Theater and the attached Museum (Teatro Romano and Museo Archeologico) are open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. Admission is €4 for adults and €2 for children aged 7 to 18 and seniors over 65.
- The Fortress (La Rocca) is open from March 15 to June 10 and from September 16 to October. During weekdays, it operates from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm; on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. From June 11 to September 15, it is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; and from November to March 14, weekdays from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please note that these hours may change, so it’s advisable to check their website before visiting. Admission is €7.50 for adults, €6.50 for children aged 14 to 25 and seniors over 65, and €3.50 for children aged 7 to 14.
Bike Routes & Rentals
There are numerous beautiful cycling routes in the area. The easiest and most family-friendly route follows the river to the Clitunno Springs. This flat track spans 31 km and features a scenic landscape with several interesting stops along the way, such as the Clitunno Temple, Pissignano Castle, and the village of Campello Sul Clitunno.
You have two options: cycle about 4.5 km from Spoleto with some traffic or start from Pontebari, where the dedicated cycling route begins.
If you need to rent a bike, a good option is Scocchetti Cicli, located at Viale Marconi 82, Spoleto. Phone: 0039 (0)743 44 728.
Getting There:
- By car: If you’re coming from Rome, take the A1 motorway to Orte, then connect to the Terni-Spoleto road. If you’re coming from the north, take the A1 Bologna-Firenze-Valdichiana, then join the S.S. 75 Bis toward Valdichiana-Perugia-Foligno and follow signs for S.S.3 Foligno-Spoleto.
- By train: The railway station is located in the new part of town. To reach the Old Town center, take a bus (tickets can be purchased at the newsstand located in the train station) and catch bus lines A, B, C, or D heading to “centro.”
- By plane: The nearest airports are located in Rome and Perugia.
Helpful Information
- Parking: The best place for parking is the underground facility ‘Spoletosfera‘, which has two entrances: one from Viale dei Cappuccini and the other from Viale Martiri della Resistenza. This parking area operates from 7:00 am to 1:00 am. From here, you can access the mechanized walkway that leads to Piazza Della Libertà, in the city center. For campervans or motorhomes, look for the Ponzianina parking area on Via del Tiro a Segno. You can also use the mechanized walkway to reach the Fortress (Rocca). If you require an equipped parking area, Campo Boario is available on Via dei Filosofi, with 50 slots that offer a drainage pit and water, all free of charge.
- Dining: In the Upper Town, there are many restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes. While none are specifically child-focused, they are all very accommodating for families, so you don’t need to worry.
- Children’s Facilities: For a quick play break, there’s a small playground near the Spoletosfera parking area, and another one is located on Via I Maggio.
- Nearby Attractions: A plethora of beautiful destinations are within easy reach and are well worth a visit: Gubbio, Assisi, Spello, and Perugia. Florence and Rome are also conveniently close, making day trips easy. Additionally, don’t miss the stunning Marmore Falls, which offer a perfect mix of nature and fun for the entire family. For another great day out, check out Activo Park, located just 12 km from Spoleto.
For More Information
Spoleto Card:
www.spoletocard.it
The Fortress (La Rocca):
Tel: 0039 (0)743 224952
Email: segreteria@assoroccaspoleto.it
Spoleto Tourist Office
Piazza della Libertà 7
06049 Spoleto – Perugia, Italy
Tel.: +39 0743 220773
Email: info@cuoreverdeditalia.it
Website: www.visitspoleto.it
