Pintoricchio's Masterpiece

Spello is a very beautiful medieval village lying on the southern slopes of Mount Subasio right in the middle of the Umbrian valley between Assisi and Spoleto. In its position turned toward the west the small medieval town seems to be waiting patiently day for day for the rays of the sunset which lend its white and pink rock a radiant orange. This elegant jewel casket of ancient stone building guards within it one of the treasures of Italian painting; the goal every year of thousands of visitors from all over the world. In the church of Santa Maria Maggiore can be found the beautiful chapel, Cappella Baglione, painted with frescoes by Pintoricchio in the year 1500. On account of its beauty and perfect state of conservation it can be considered his masterpiece.
Was founded by the Umbrians on the sunny side of Subasio, the perimeter walls are dotted with Roman towers. It was once a Roman dominion, then a colony of Julia Hispellum. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine authorised the construction of a temple to the people of Flavia, so that they could celebrate rites according to Umbro-Etruscan tradition. In medieval times it was annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto then it was passed on to the church. In the struggle between the Papacy and the Empire it sided with the Ghibellines (the emperor) but when it rebelled against Frederick II of Svevia he sacked the town. Weakened by internal struggles between rival families and pressure from neighbouring towns, it turned to Perugia for protection and was consequently dominated by various noble families, especially the Baglioni. It was also occupied by the Trinci of Foligno and was sacked several times in the first half of the 1500's. From the 1500's it was definitively passed on to the Church.
Porta Consolare Was Roman from the times of Augusta. The three statues represent a woman and two men in togas, and probably came from the amphitheatre. On the right there is a medieval tower covered with olive branches.
Santa Maria Maggiore Was built in the 12th century with an elegant portal. In the bell tower there is an old bell. Inside there is a single nave, with baroque transepts. The very fine chapel, Cappella Bella, is famous for its rare flooring by Pinturicchio in Deruta ceramic, from the 1500's, commissioned by Troilo Baglioni, the bishop of Perugia. There are also some paintings by Pinturicchio and some scenes from the Annunciation by other artists.
Sant' Andrea Was built in the 12th century and has a beautiful entrance door in Romanesque style. The interior has a single nave and paintings by Pinturicchio.
Porta Venere Was probably from Augustan times, it is next to the temple of Venus. The door has a double form, with a courtyard on the inside and two large towers with 12 sides, called the towers of Properzio.
San Lorenzo Was also built in the 12th century and dedicated to S. Ercolano. Inside there are notable works of art from the 15th century.
Palazzo Comunale  Has lost its original side and only that of the left remains and dates back to the 1200's. On the façade one can see the name of the architect Prodo and a relief of a lion chasing a boar. The fountain is from the 1500's. There are Roman findings on exhibit in the atrium. In the archives you can find an edict from Emperor Constantine giving certain privileges to the city.
San Martino Was probably built in the 1200's and is a small Romanesque church which draws its light from a double lancet window in the portal. From the nearby belvedere you can see the valley, the remains of a Roman amphitheatre and the whole road leading down to the perimeter wall.
Arco del Cappuccini Was the Roman arch at the highest part of the city, though it now appears lower due to the elevation of the road. The tower is the remains of the fort of Albornoz.
Collepino Was a medieval castle town of Spello, still with the perimeter wall, everything constructed with the Subasio stone. San Giovanni and Armenzano were also castles.
San Silvestro Is a small Romanesque church belonging to the monastery of S. Romualdo with its high altar and Roman sarcophagus. From the nearby Santuario della Madonna della Spella on a clear day you can see the top of Mount Vettore and the Gran Sasso.