Spoleto Tourist Attractions

Roman and Etruscan ruins – take in the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre near Piazza Garibaldi and defence walls of Etruscan origin and with additions from Romans medieval residents located Piazza Torre dell’Olio.Church of San Domenico – the exterior is painted with white and pink stripes, while the interior is richly decorated with frescoes and ornaments. The frescoes have themes such as “Christ Blessing the Angels“ on the ceiling, the “Triumph of St. Thomas Aquinas” and “Crucifixion” on the walls. A reliquary housed in this church contains a nail from the True Cross of Christ.The Duomo (Cathedral) of Santa Maria Assunta – built in the 12th Century over the ruins of an earlier church, the cathedral features Byzantine –style mosaics and colourful renaissance frescoes. A large rose window is a highlight, with the theme of the four evangelists of the early church.San Gregorio Maggiore – dominated by its square bell tower topped with a sharp roof, the interior was previously decorated with renaissance and baroque decorations, which have been striped to reveal the earlier works underneath.Museo Archeologico – artifacts include statuary recovered from the amphitheatre area and a pair of historic tablets known as the Lex Spoletina which lays down the rules to protect a wooded area as a sacred site.Palazzo Communale – the city hall has several opulent rooms which house paintings spanning the centuries, from the 13th to the 18th Centuries.Casa Romano – a 1st Century AD Roman House displays authentic Roman architecture and engineering, with its original mosaic flooring and cases displaying various artifacts excavated from around.Ponte delle Torri – a medieval bridge spans the deep gorge just outside of Spoleto. The area is verdant with forest, and the bridge itself contains traces of Roman masonry. It resembles a typical Roman Aqueduct.

Verona Tourist Attractions

Casa di Giuleta – for millions around the world, Verona is synonymous with Shakespeare’s famous play set here. And the best place to get into the spirit of the timeless tragic romance is here, where you can glance at the famous balcony and follow local custom by rubbing the statue of Juliet on the right breast. Although the story is regarded as fiction, tourists prefer to buy the fantasy of this place anyway.Arena di Verona – surviving centuries of warfare and an earthquake in the 12th Century, this Roman Amphitheatre still plays host to Opera performances. Appearing like a smaller version of the Colosseum of Rome, it boasts excellent acoustics.Teatro Romano – Yet another legacy of the roman era used for public performances. A Shakespeare festival is fittingly held here in July and August.Giardino Giusti – one of Italy’s finest historic gardens, it was laid out in the 14th Century by Agostino Giusti, and remains true to its form as it was in the 16th Century. A maze of myrtle located here is noted for its complicated pattern.Castelvecchio – The castle stands by the River Adige, and was the seat of the house Scaglieri, or Della Scala, rulers of Verona. The courtyard has a unique statue of Cangrande della Scala, with a dragon sticking out of his back as he grins oddly.Basilica San Zeno Maggiore – an excellent example of a Romanesque Church, its entrance is dominated by two marble lions supporting a pillar each, with a rose window known as the Wheel of Fortune.San Fermo Church – Used by Benedictine and Franciscan Friars, it features a fresco by Pisanello on the Annunciation.

Assisi Tourist Attractions

Basilica of Saint Francis – the favourite son of Assisi is renowned as the founder of the austere Franciscan Friars, dedicated to the service of the poor. The church dedicated to him is the grandest of the many in this Umbrian town, with a fresco by Giotto detailing St. Francis’ life story. Pilgrims come to pay tribute at this large church located on a high point overlooking many green fields just outside the town.Rocca Maggiore – built over an Umbri burial site, a previous version of the castle housed the ambitious Emperor Frederick II. The present structure dates to the one built by Cardinal Albornoz, who re-instituted Papal rule in Central Italy by force. You can climb a pitch dark spiral staircase to the top of the fortress keep.Museo e Foro Romano – the old Roman forum located here is believed to have been used largely for religious purposes. The Temple of Minerva, with a classic multi-columned façade, is very well-preserved and opens on to the Piazza.Duomo San Rufino – the bell tower of the present cathedral dates from an earlier Romaneque church, which was replaced by a church of mixed Romanesque and Gothic influences.Monte Subasio – a park of forests hides away the hermitage of St. Francis. Used by St. Francis himself when he withdrew for contemplation and to fast, the area around is full of historic sites such as the ilex tree where St. Francis gave his sermons to the birds.Santa Chiara – the crypt of this church is the resting place of one of St. Francis’ most devoted followers is a major attraction. St. Clare was witness to several witnesses in her lifetime. The church also preserves relics related to St. Francis as well as those associated with St. Clare herself.San Damiano – a simple church which was where St. Francis’ life mission began. It was also the early headquarters for st. Clare’s movement of Sisters.