The landscape

Spello is full of hidden surprises: all you have to do is turn the corner, and you'll find yourself admiring breathtaking views. Be sure to visit the two medieval villages immersed in nature: Castello di Collepino and San Giovanni da Collepino.

Having been restored with the local pink stone from mount Subasio, the mountain settlement of Collepino retains its appearance as an early medieval village. It was founded between the late 12th century to early 13th centuries by the monks of the Abbey of San Silvestro to oppose the power of the Ghibellines.

Perched at an altitude of 980 m on Mount Subasio, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Spella is one of the places most beloved by the people of Spello, and is an unexpected little gem for visitors to this area. Its name is derived from the term "specula", meaning vista. In fact, the view from here extends all the way to the Sibillini mountains.

The barrel-vaulted interior features numerous votive paintings by local artists, which bear witness to the fervent Marian devotion of the faithful.