Spello sits high on the slopes of Mount Subasio in the heart of Umbria, where visitors step into a place shaped by centuries of history. Once known as the Roman settlement Hispellum, this hill town still bears the marks of that era in its walls and gates. Travelers can walk through ancient gateways such as Porta Consolare, with a tiny olive tree growing atop one tower, or explore the remains of a theatre, amphitheatre, and baths tucked near the base of the old town. Close by is the Villa dei Mosaici, a recent archaeological discovery where nearly 500 square meters of intricate floor mosaics have been uncovered, depicting figures, animals, and geometric designs that transport visitors back to the late Roman era.
Each year, Spello’s streets become a living canvas during the Infiorate di Spello, a long-standing celebration tied to Corpus Christi. Residents work through the night before the feast to lay flower petals along the town’s main thoroughfares, creating patterns and images that stretch for over a mile. The floral artworks are meant to honor the procession the next day and draw both locals and visitors to walk the pathways of petals.