Visit Spoleto
Years ago, in 2008, when I (Sylvia) backpacked through Italy, I stayed a couple of days on a camping in Spoleto, Umbria. Close to the San Pietro church, just outside the city center. I did not only come to visit Spoleto, but also to walk up the Monteluco of Saint Francis.
On a sunny morning I went to the tourist office to find a trail map of Monteluco. The tourist information is on the Piazza del Mercato, in the center of Spoleto. They gave me a free map, which was already sufficient to follow the correct path uphill. After I had studied the trail on the map, I bought a “porchetta” sandwich at a local butchery (roasted pork meat) and a bottle of water.
Trail Monteluco
With my backpack and walking-sticks I passed the Ponte delle Torri to Monteluco. The trail to Monteluco is immediately to the right after crossing the bridge. The Ponte delle Torri is a well known bridge from the 14th century. It has huge gates and arcs, in the center of the bridge you find an opening which gives you a magnificent view of the Umbrian hills. The trail uphill the mountain is beautiful.
Hermitage Saint Francis
While walking you’ll have great views around. After about 1 hour walking you arrive in the sacred wood “bosco sacra”, where you find the hermitage of St. Francis. It is said that he came here often.
Further on you’ll find a field where you can have a picnic or where you can just hang around and rest. From there it is possible to continue walking the path. You follow the trail to the church of San Pietro, towards Spoleto. This church is just outside the city center of Spoleto nearby the Roman road the Via Flaminia, close to the camping. Of course it is also possible to take the same trail back to Spoleto.
To bring with you
I can recommend this trail for those who love trekking. You can do this walk in a morning or in an afternoon. It is important to put on hiking shoes, because the trail is not always flat and there are loose stones now and then. Always take with you a bottle of water and something to eat. A sweater or jacket cannot be missed, it can be colder up in the mountains compared to the valley.
– Posted by Sylvia van der Male –
Stunning Umbria… time to come back I think. Such an inspiring post!
Thanks.
Thanks! It has been 3 years since I did that trek…. Yet it seems like yesterday. Gorgeous area!
The Spoleto area is outstanding! Maybe next time we can do that trek together 😉
Sounds so great, but alas, sadly my trekking days are over. 🙁 Can I take the bus there? 😉
Sure! By bus http://goo.gl/C7X5il and also by car! Fantastic, the view is really outstanding. Do you have plans to come to Umbria?
Not in the immediate future, but it is a dream for my husband and I to visit before we get to old to travel!
We hope to welcome you both in the near future in Umbria 😉
Yesterday we hiked to Monteluco following the Path of St Francis, but once there we could not find the way to the summit where the lighted cross is located. We followed the Path of St. Francis through down by the beautiful hillside homes until we got to a point where it appeared to be going back downhill. Where did we go wrong. Road signs and directions in Italy are very limited. I really would like to reach the summit could you give me some specific directions? Thank you.
Hi Elly, I understand you completely. Track nr 1 which start from the Ponte delle Torri is very easy and leads you to the top of Monteluco. Uphill you find some bars and a playground (as I can remember), you pass by this small place and you keep on following track nr 1. It isn’t easy to find, I also got lost, but when I have asked I found the directions to S. Pietro church. I imagine your point of view. Road signs in Italy limited. But I have to admit that in Trentino it is impossible to get lost in the mountains. Unfortunately in Umbria it is more difficult, I am speaking out of experience. Hiking in Umbria is wonderful but not easy. I have made a picture of a plan I have from Spoleto and Monteluco. I will send you the document by email. Sylvia
Thanks for this post. My husband and I are over 70 and still strong, thank God! We hope to do Franciscan Way next year, easy and medium stages, we cannot do the walk from Ceselli to Spoleto, but this hike we can do and not miss out going to Monteluco!
Enjoy your stay in Umbria!