Spoleto holiday apartment rental, Central Spoleto with walking, balcony/terrace, air con, internet access, TV, DVD

Print this pageEmail to friend

Terrazza Splendida (apartment)

Home description

This luxury apartment is in the middle of an important and significant 14C Roman building that has been completely restored. It is on the official tourist map of Spoleto (available at the information office) listed as La Rocca dei Perugini – one of 33 listed buildings in Spoleto. It was originally built in the 6C as the strong-hold of Perugia to watch over the citizens of Spoleto, whom the Perugians, alias "the Barbarians", had just conquered! However, while the building itself is ancient, as with many very ancient buildings, parts of it were irreparable and so had to be gutted. Hence, the entire centre of this ancient building has been replaced by a few luxury modern apartments that cannot be seen from the outside - it's very clever and very beautifully designed.

Terrazza Splendida is on the 1st floor with views from the ultra large sitting/dining room and, the equally ultra large terrace, of the hilly countryside, dwellings scattered around and nearby roof-tops - views that will boggle your mind ! So that, while your immediate interior surroundings are modern, the context you are in dates back to the days when Spoleto was a Latin colony and Roman community.

Subsequently, Spoleto is becoming more and more in demand with those in search of "a truly Italian" experience, love to be surrounded by beauty and who wish to base themselves in the centre of Italy because, from Spoleto, you can get to practically anywhere else in Italy easily and cheaply within minutes to a few hours.

Up until now, it had always been too expensive to stay in Spoleto and, holiday-makers were forced to find apartments outside of Spoleto and drive in. However, we have changed all that and, in effect, we have "unlocked" Spoleto, having launched several apartments in central Spoleto at rates that are competitive with our "out of town" apartments, making Spoleto affordable for you, at last !

Terrace with panoramic views of hills, spires and llocal dwellings	Terrace with panoramic views of hills, spires and llocal dwellings
Terrace with panoramic views of hills, spires and llocal dwellings	Terrace with panoramic views of hills, spires and llocal dwellings

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/13590

The Umbria region

The Umbria region of Italy has been called "The Green Heart of Italy", due to its central location and equal distance from Rome and Florence. The area is far less visited than its neighbour, Tuscany, where Chianti has been dubbed, Chianti-shire, referring to the invasion of the Brits from the home counties over the past 50 years. Indeed, Umbria has remained “unpolluted” by tourism so much so that you can drive along the stunningly beautiful country roads, over mountains and through valleys, and never even see another car !

Umbria is a magnificently, unspoiled area of rolling, forested hills, sprawling grassy meadows covered with flowers, olive groves, vineyards, lakes and valleys. Dotted with picturesque medieval villages, perched on hill-tops, Umbria is best known for its distinctive cuisine……truffle, boar, porcini mushrooms, its fine wines from Orvieto and Montefalco, its very sunny climate - very hot in the summer months, cool at Easter and in the Autumn, crisp in Dec, Jan and Feb - and, the friendliness and hospitality of its people.

A vacation here is truly a feast for the senses.

All the “hot-spots” of Umbria eg Perugia, Orvieto, Montefalco, Todi, Spello, Norcia, Casteluccio, Trevi, Gubbio have festivals throughout the year, the most sigificant of which is held in Spoleto the 1st 2 weeks of July, with some events leading up to it in the last week of June ie the Festival of Two Worlds. However, all the tiny hill-top villages also have festas throughout the year, most commonly in the summer months, celebrating the truffle, chocolate, various pastas, asparagus and boar – all in a context of song, dance, choral music and orchestra. The Italians certainly know how to live !

A trip to Umbria is a trip back in time. Medieval mists stretch across Roman landscapes. The Renaissance mingles with the Middle Ages. Vintners work vineyards owned by family members for 500 years. Farmers drizzle bread with freshly pressed olive oil. Women kneel in churches filled with artwork by famous artists. Children kick soccer balls down cobblestone streets.

So, take your time and enjoy the show. Bring your camera. Leave your diet at home.

And, if you are wanting the most special holiday ever, why not explore this tranquil treasure from the heart of the most conveniently located city of all, Spoleto, in the very centre of Umbria…and, of Italy, where you do not need a car – you can reach the train station easily from all our central city apartments.

Or, if you prefer to stay outside this famous city and immerse yourself in the dreamy folds of its countryside…. purple hills, pink mountains, violet streaked, blue skies, yellow puffy clouds – the colours of an Umbria landscape defy imagination, then, we have an equally diverse choice of villas and country houses, some with pools, as well as our spectacularly beautiful 16C ex Convent, all of which are close to Spoleto.

To stay anywhere else in Umbria, you risk missing the ultimate experience, the complex mix of food, fashion, religion, architecture, bars, churches, museums, art galleries, arched, cobbled streets that are older than Rome…all to be found in and around this most famous city of all, Spoleto, the city of the rich and famous and, up until now, Italy’s best kept secret !

Spoleto / Central Spoleto area

SPOLETO (the historical information extrapolated from the official tourist guide) :

Spoleto is close to Assisi, Foligno, Trevi, Bevagna, Perugia, Todi, Orvieto, San Gemini, Gubbio and Lake Piediluco, famously painted by Turner. It is about 1.5 - 2 hours to Lake Bolsena and Lake Trasimeno. It is about 1.5 - 2 hours to Rome, 5 hours to Venice, 4 hours to Naples and 2.5 hours to Pisa, Sienna and Florence.

And, staying in any of our centrally located apartments, you don't need a car.

A favourite haunt for Italians, the tiny city of Spoleto resembles an illustration from one of those classic fairy-tale books. Walking through its cobbled, arched streets is like walking in a dream. It is the kind of place where fantasy meets reality and you believe that anything could happen !

It has very ancient Umbrian origins. It became a Latin colony and Roman community and life in Spoleto flourished. Many splendid monuments were built. Then, at the end of the 6C, Spoleto became the residence of one of the most important Dukes of Longobard. And, the town that centuries ago had heroically driven back Hannibal became self-governed. Later, it was invaded by the Barbarians.

Importantly, both these battles took place on the door-step of La Rocca dei Perugini, the building that houses Terrazza Splendida, the latter battle of which caused La Rocca dei Perugini to be built in order that the Perugini could keep a watch on the conquered Spoletini. But, the Spoletini fought back, pouring hot burning oil upon the heads of the unfortunate Perugini, killing them outright. This took place just a few metres up the road from the Rocca dei Perugini at the Torre Del’Olio. And, after two years of blood-shed, the Spoletini regained Spoleto. Fortunately, these atrocities didn’t adversely affect the cultural growth of Spoleto much. From that period onwards, many magnificent monuments and works of Art were added to those that survived the atrocities. And, Perugia and Spoleto are now on friendly terms with one another, even though we all know that Spoleto should have been the capital of Umbria and, is clearly better suited for the role, given its central hill-top location and outstanding beauty !

Inside and outside the city walls of Spoleto, there are significant remains of the Umbrian polygonal kind and the Mediaeval Roman type. And, both mediaeval and “modern” monuments amalgamate with Roman ones. For instance, the Cathedral was constructed in 1067 on top of a church built in the 9C, which in its turn had been constructed on an even more ancient and classic building; S. Salvatore was constructed at the end of the 4C with building materials taken from a Roman structure nearby; S. Eufemia was constructed in the 12C on the site of an “island”, where there are walls and mosaic remains; the crypt of S. Isacco, near S. Ansano, originated in the temple of the Forum near the “Arco Del Druso”; and, the church and monastery of S. Agata was constructed on top of the Roman Theatre; the outstandingly beautiful church of S. Pietro was erected on a pagan site that had evolved into a Christian necropolis; the fortress of Totila was built over an amphitheatre; the Ponte delle Torri was built on top of Roman remains; and, the Rocca was built on an ancient Acropolis.

Strolling within the walls of this tiny, exquisitely pretty city, one can see monuments, churches, towers and all kinds of other buildings of historical interest as well as works of Art galore. Spoleto boasts numerous world famous institutions such as The Italian Centre for Studies on the Early Middle Ages, the Festival of Two Worlds (colloquially known as the Spoleto Festival) and The Experimental Opera Theatre. And, if you walk for a few minutes up to the Cathedral (the Duomo), you’ll see an example of what is arguably the most beautiful piazza in the whole of Italy – the very piazza that was featured in one of Brigitte Bardot’s early films and where her character lived and died.

However, it is not essential to be steeped in history to be able to appreciate the spirituality and awesome beauty of Spoleto. The spirit of its fascinating past is immersed in every stone and cobble. Within this mediaeval setting, you can also enjoy the finest wines, the best truffles and the most mouth-watering olive-oils in Italy in the myriad of bars and restaurants scattered in and around the tiny, arched streets. You can literally savour some of the best cooking in the world here. You can sit for hours in the piazzas, sipping real cappuccino and enjoying ice-creams to die for. And, for the really irreverent among you, there are always the shops and, not-to-be missed by any self-respecting Italian, that most famous of all Italian activities, the passeggiata that takes place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, come rain or shine !!! Here you will see a total cross-section of Italian life from the very young to the very old, families, lovers, shoppers and many observers – the Italians love to watch each other !

Staying in the centre of Spoleto is like staying in a fairy-tale castle, peppered with piazzas, sprinkled with bars, restaurants and shops amidst a maze of tunnelled, cobbled lanes and alley-ways, all leading skywards to the famous Rocca and the aquaduct and, some of the best views in the world. This whole surreal setting is akin to a stage-set in the making, fringed by mountains, olive groves and vineyards and a mixture of mediaeval monasteries, towns, cities and tiny hill-top villages - all beckoning a visit ! However, for me, Spoleto is the ultimate temptress. Once under her spell, you are lost forever in her beauty. You must use all your will-power to leave this place, even for a short while. It is, quite simply, the most captivating city in Italy, never mind Umbria, Venice being on a par – the difference being that Venice has the water and Spoleto has the mountains. Nonetheless, like Venice, Spoleto has a history to be reckoned with. And, of all the Italian cities, it is arguably the most beautiful and one of the most diverse in what it has to offer the world traveller.

Of particular interest to our guests who have children is the fact that there are several pools around here, all within easy reach. And, for those people without a car, the nearest pool is very large with picnic areas and a bar; and, there is a bus that takes you directly to this pool, which takes about 10 minutes. It stops at various points throughout Spoleto so that wherever you are staying, there will be a bus-stop conveniently placed for you.

For the more sporty amongst you, there is also a flash tennis club that you can use, which is within walking distance of almost anywhere you are staying – or, it is a short bus-ride from Piazza Garibaldi (otherwise, a 15 minute walk). And, there is pony trekking that takes place just outside of Spoleto. The stables are placed in a exquisite environment and, you can either go on long treks into the mountains or just do an hour or so in the nearby woods – all supervised, the level of supervision depending on your level of expertise.

Other activities available are swimming, fishing, cycling, walking......these and many more activities such as wine-tasting and truffle-trails can be investigated at the tourist office in Piazza Liberta in central Spoleto (0039) 0743 238 920/1 - the persons to speak to are Max or Cyncia, both of whom speak perfect English and who are very helpful – Max, in particular. Here there are also maps with places of special interest marked on trails (including the Rocca dei Perugini) as well as many more walking trails in the hills round about.

Spoleto really is the perfect place for car-free holiday. You can lounge in bars, gelaterie and restaurants, meander up and down the cobbled arched streets or, you can don your walking kit and set off into the hills, treading the very same foot-paths of the millions of pilgrims who have trod this path since time immemorial. Walk for a maximum of 15 minutes in any direction from anywhere in Spoleto and you can be in the mountains, immersed in the most spectacular scenery…….bright green valleys, hills covered with olive groves, thick woodland, monasteries, castles and tiny villages dotted here and there – a truly magical environment ! Particularly, if you start your walk from across the aquaduct.

Glamour and style….. Or, walking boots and a stick ! The choice is yours !

If you go to http://www.paginesi.it/perugia/spoleto/pianta.htm you will see a great map of Spoleto.

Finally, Spoleto has been quoted as being Prince Charles’ favourite city – indeed, he has a place in the hills looking down on this mediaeval city. But, please, don’t let this put you off !! In any case, I love Spoleto, all our guests love it, Italians from all over Italy rave about it, it is SO beautiful……..what more can I say ! It is an experience not to be missed.

How to get there

Easy Jet or Ryan Air to Rome then train to Spoleto - you can arrange to be picked up by us from the train station - no charge !

Activities near Spoleto

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The entrance to the apartment is through a wide Roman stone passage with a luxury all glass business centre on the left and in-built small glass alcoves displaying small luxury items on the right. A few metres along this passage is a lift or stairs, which take you up through the centre of the building to our apartment.

Terrazza Splendida (130 sq mts) has a huge, oblong-shaped sitting-dining room with a very smart fitted kitchen at the end. At the front end of this huge room are large windows and glass doors that open up on to an equally huge terrace. It also has 2 double bedrooms (1 a twin but the twins can be joined) and 1 large shower room. This is THE most impressive apartment we have in terms of “wow” factor, simply because of its space and the terrace. The views from its terrace are of the old buildings that surround it (but, they are not close), roof-tops, a church, hills and the mountains beyond.

The ultimate in space and luxury, there is a wall-mounted plasma SKY SAT TV/DVD that has the Eng speaking news channels and more.

The furniture in Terrazza Splendida consists of bleached blonde, wooden bedroom furniture, fabulous “Italiana” lighting throughout, a huge wrap round L-shaped, squashy sofa with poof/foot rest and beautiful wooden dining furniture for 6 with padded chairs. And, there is an original huge contemporary painting on the wall – a side-line I am about to embark on (ie selling art-work), having just discovered this Italian genius artist, whose full-time prestigious job is that of restorer at the Rocca and, whom, until now, has been painting in total seclusion for the last 30 years !! And, since I am a complete sucker for beauty and aesthetics, I could not throw up this chance to promote this unsung genius.

Please order a cot(s), a high-chair(s) - no extra charge.

If required, please order a mobile phone from us for a refundable deposit of 100 euros that you can use a "pay-as-you-go" SIM card with that you buy at a local TIM shop.

Further details outdoors:
Please order sun-loungers and beach towels - no extra charge.

Private parking space (50 euros/week) - please order in advance.

There is a local tennis club within walking distance. And, there are many swimming pools in and around Spoleto. We provide an information sheet, that will be in the apartment when you arrive, on all the local facilities such as pools, markets, restaurants, walks, places to visit and so on.

Internet access across the road in a smart internet point where you can also make long distance phone calls at cheap rates in private booths.

Further details

The Booking Information is sent automatically in response to an enquiry - this contains info on how to attract a discount etc plus much more.

Lettings of at least 2 weeks attract a discount - the longer the letting, the bigger the discount ! See Booking Info.

We provide all utilties gas c/h, unlimited hot water etc plus towels, linen (beach towels, if requested) etc plus a Welcome Pack…wine, bread, butter, milk, tea, coffee, sugar, all the condiments, fruit, pasta, olive oil etc….enough for our guests not to have to worry about food shopping before settling in ! All for free.

Beware of owners who charge extra in winter for heating costs - it could well turn out to be more then you're paying in rental costs - gas and electricity charges are exorbitant in Italy.

With us, there are no additional charges !

Days booked in addition to a week are costed at the weekly pro-rata rate - see Booking Info automatically sent to you in response to an enquiry.

Flexible arrival/departure days,

You can book for less than a week for an extra daily tariff.

I am sorry but we don't allow pets.

We also provide a mobile phone for a refundable deposit of 100 euros - at the end of your stay you return the phone, we return the deposit ! This can save a lot of money on international phone-calls when you're only wanting to phone the local restaurant !

If you decide not to hire a car, then, if you phone Laurie, my husband, an hour or so in advance of your arrival on (0039) 349 739 3501, he can usually pick you up from Spoleto station and take you straight to the apartment. He can also, usually, deliver you back to the station of your departure day. I say "usually" just in case our car ihappens to be unavailable.

If you arrange to hire a car locally in Spoleto, then many of our guests use AVIS and, PROVIDING YOU BOOK THROUGH THEIR LOCAL SPOLETO OFFICE, AVIS will meet you at Spoleto station with the car or send a cab for you FREE OF CHARGE.

Conditions

No pets ! Sorry !

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
	1 Oct 09	1 Nov 09	690£ 627	0-	0-	2 Nights
	1 Nov 09	1 Dec 09	590£ 536	0-	0-	2 Nights
	1 Dec 09	1 Apr 10	470£ 427	0-	0-	2 Nights
	1 Apr 10	1 May 10	590£ 536	0-	0-	2 Nights
	1 May 10	1 Nov 10	690£ 627	0-	0-	2 Nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED : booking secured with credit card details, not debited except in circumstances of cancellation or no-show.

CREDIT CRUNCH RATES PLUS DISCOUNTED OFFER !!

10% discount off the 2nd week of a 2 week booking OR a 30% discount off the 3rd week of a 3 week booking OR a 50% discount off the 4th week of a 4 week booking.

For bookings longer than 4 weeks, each subsequent week attracts an additional discount of 5%.

This is a limited offer and may be withdrawn at any time - however, I will guarantee this offer for 2 weeks from the day I reply to your enquiry. This offer overrides discounts offered in the Booking Information sent to you in response to an enquiry.

Rate includes free lift to and from Spoleto station re arrival and departure, for those without a car - all things being equal !!! Only wouldn't happen if the car had to be off the road for some reason. The station is about 10 mins walk and you can get to practically anywhere in Italy from Spoleto - please see www.trenitalia.it and click on English.

Can sleep up to 6 persons for an extra 50 euros/person extra, minimum.

Please click on link to my personal website in "Contact Details" - below, which also shows details and photos of 30 + other apartments and villas in and around central Spoleto. Or ask me to send you the link.

An extra tarif is charged over the Christmas period - see Booking Information for details that also contains info re attracting discounts and the cancellation conditions. It is automatically sent to you on receipt of an enquiry.

The rate includes up to 4 persons - extra persons are 50 euros/week each.

Reductions available for a booking of more than 1 apartment simultaneously.

Any day arrival and departure, except for Christmas Day.

Extra daily tariff for bookings less than a week.

Guestbook for Terrazza Splendida

References sent out automatically in response to an enquiry.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Availability notes:

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/13590

Contact details for the advertiser of home 13590
Name:	Norma Williams
Company:	Umbria Holiday Rentals
Tel:	+39 0743 498 38
Mobile:	+39 349 7393501
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Visit the advertiser's website
Languages:
Contact Notes: E-mail
Holidaymaker FAQs
Advertiser joined: Jul 2003

Other homes from this advertiser
La Passionata in Spoleto, Italy	La Romantica in Spoleto, Italy	Terrazza Bella in Spoleto, Italy	Il Parco in Spoleto, Italy