The powerful thunderstorm during the night left fields of mist and vibrant green plants. I was in awe when I went through the olive groves, each tree a unique personality, decorated with uncountable drops of water.
At one intersection, there were two signs pointing in different directions. I decided( without checking the book) to walk the more beautiful path through olive orchards.
After a while, I realized that the two ways were not converging. I was on the much more beautiful, but also much longer way to Spoleto.
Campello sul Clitunno, a little village on the top of a hill
In the afternoon, dark clouds gathered in the valley of Spoleto and above me. A heavy thunderstorm was approaching. Thinking of the thundebolt in the middle of the night, which nearly catapulted me out of my bed, I became uncomfortable. In this moment, I saw a public bus driving to Spoleto, standing on the most narrow street. The bus driver was chatting with a local. I ask if I could go with him, paid 4 Euros and went to Spoleto as the only passenger. It was a 18 km ride.
I stayed in the 13th century monastery of San Ponziano ( picture taken the next day) and was shown a crypt with fascinating frescos.
Crypt with four different, very unusual shaped columns
St. Michael
Spoleto is such an ancient and interesting town that I decided to stop for a day.
Moving staircases and escalators are connecting the different levels of the city ( see beside the city wall)
In the morning, I hiked up to Monteluco, since ancient times a sacred mountain. It was really magical!
Trees totally covered with moss
St. Francis also had a cave on the top of the mountain- he truly had chosen the most magnificent places.
On the way down, I met two German pilgrims – one 80 years old and the other one 75- very inspiring women!
A 14th century aqueduct connects Spoleto with Monteluco. Unfortunately, an earthquake made it unsafe to walk on.
The pillars are 76m high. I was in awe if the beauty of this construction
I also visited the former Roman theater
Spoleto itself has a split personality- fancy shops, crumbling facades, narrow, wet streets with dog poop, magnificent medieval structures and piazzas, public fountains, run down houses…
Duomo
one of many public fountains
On both evenings, I went to the same little restaurant run by a charming young woman and had with a glass of Umbrien vino rosso a wonderful vegetarien meal.
