Stage 20: Poreta - Spoleto

This walk will take you to Spoleto, one of Umbria’s loveliest cities and one with close ties to the legacy of St Francis.

The landscape is that of the Spoleto Valley, one Francis loved. Don’t miss the church of San Salvatore, a UNESCO heritage site, at the entrance to town.

The route towards Spoleto begins with a few ascents that should be taken slowly, then it’s all downhill or flat. Start out by going up to the old castle at the top of the hill above Poreta. As you skirt the ancient walls, you’ll reach loc.

La Piaggia, where you can slake your thirst at a water fountain next to a votive shrine. A narrow trail leads through the woods to loc. Osteria, a name that would indicate that there was once an inn for travellers here.

After a brief walk over flat land, there is an ascent through in shade of lush vegetation. It will take you to Bazzano Superiore, where you can take a break and fill your bottle with fresh water in the cool stand of pine trees in front of the church.

From here it is all downhill or flat, starting with a descending trail through the woods. When you get to the castle of Eggi, go to the church of San Giovanni Batista to see the frescoes painted by Lo Spagna.

Then continue along paved roads through the countryside to discover the Basilica di San Salvatore, an exceptional example of artistic heritage from the Lombard period and a UNESCO world heritage property.

Your point of arrival for this portion of the journey is Spoleto’s magnificent Piazza del Duomo.