Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or less) Corporate bookings
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car not necessary Lift access to property Nearest amenities: 0 km
Notes:
Sorry - no pets allowed Suitable for children No smoking at this property Self-catering
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 Hence, the entire centre of this ancient building has been replaced by a few luxury modern apartments that cannot be seen from the outside - it's very clever and very beautifully designed.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
Umbria is perfectly placed in the middle of Italy. This means you can get to practically anywhere in Italy with relative ease.
The weather is hot and mostly dry between May and Oct inclusive. In Dec, Jan and Feb, the temperatures can sometimes drop to about 12 degs C. All around the year, we have blue skies and plenty of sun-shine.
Spoleto is betwixt the Appenines and the Sibbiline mountains – 2 of the biggest mountain ranges in Italy, .Our nearest ocean is the Adriatic eg San Benedetto or Rimini. And, about 4 hours away by car is Cinque Terra and, a bit further, Portafino – both on the Riviera.
By basing yourself in Spoleto, not only is it very easy to access the whole of Umbria within hours, as you can see, the rest of Italy is pretty easy to reach as well.
A quick scan should give you an idea; but, this is just a rough guide : by car and, given normal driving conditions, from central Spoleto, it takes 90 mins to Rome (quicker by train), 15 mins to Assisi, 35 mins to Perugia or Orvieto, 2 hrs 30 mins to Florence, 3 hrs 30 mins to Naples, the Amalfi coast and Pompei. And, Castelucia (great restaurants in this tiny hick town!), perched on a hill looking across at the famous Gran Piano (with fantastic natural flower displays across this gigantic plain around about Easter) is just over 1 hour away. On the way to Castelucia is Norcia, which is worth a visit and where most of our white truffle is to be found (our area is abundant with black truffle all the year round - consequently, it's cheap to dine out on truffle, one of my favourite dishes, at around 10 euros for a bowl of ciriole al tartufo !).
However, if you want to stick to Umbria, and, this is well worth doing if you are only in Spoleto for a week, then, apart from the “hot-spots” of Asissi, Perugia, Orvieto, Trevi and Montefalco, there are an abundance of other small towns eg Todi, Spello and Gubbio which are all equally beautiful and fascinating. Benigni (the Oscar winning film-maker of Life is Beautiful and Piccochio) stays in Coliscipoli while working in the film studios in which both these films were produced. And, of course, it is the countryside in these parts that features in both these films.
This is also the St Francis area and there are numerous monasteries round about, where he has stayed, all within a 30 - 60 min radius - although you'd have to research as to where they are since I've only visited 2 or 3 on foot via mountain roads and I was led there by friends but, while I could only tell you how to get to 1 of them in Greccio by foot, where St Francis went to live after he and the Catholic church parted company (about 1 hour away), I know that others are reachable by car. Actually, there is a map at Greccio which shows how to get to 5 or 6 others by car or on foot. And, Max, at the Spoleto tourist office (speaks perfect English) would be more than happy to enlighten you.
If you are interested in the local art, then, in all of the numerous churches in every tiny hill-top village, as well as every town and city, there are frescos, most of which have been restored. Indeed, the church in San Mamiliano (see our other apartments : Il Castello and L’Arco) houses one of the 4 most important paintings in Umbria, which the Bishop of Spoleto is currently trying to "pinch" but, alas, it is being neglected (which is his argument for taking it to join the others in the Spoleto duomo) and the frescos have remained unrestored - I suppose, it was decided to put the money into completely restoring San Mamiliano instead. Most of the other villages with beautifully restored churches have been left to just totally crumble.
It is worth noting that most of the places further than 1 hour by car can be quicker to get to by train and it can be a lot less hassly eg taking a car into Rome or Naples would not be everyone's first preference and Spoleto train station provides an excellent and regular service to almost everywhere you'd wish to go.
Spoleto / Historic Centre area
SPOLETO (the historical information extrapolated from the official tourist guide) :
The famous 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-repecting Italian, that most famous of all Italian activities, the passagiata that takes place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, come rain or shine !!! Or, you can simply watch the folks parading from the balcony of La Terrazza, if you happen to be staying there – but best join in…more fun !
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.
Yes, of all the Italian cities, Spoleto is arguably the most beautiful and one of the most diverse in what it has to offer the world traveller. Very much a town and country experience, 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.
If you fly to Rome, Perugia, Ancona airport, you can catch a train to Spoleto on the Ancona line. And, if you arrange it in advance, my husband, Laurie, may be able to pick you up from Spoleto station and take you to Il Parco, Terrazza Splendida, Terrazza Verde, Terrazza Tetto, Terrazza Terrazza Bella, Vista Rocca, Casa San Gregorio, La Torre Garibaldi, L’Opera D’Arte and, Vista Garibaldi. Usually, he will be able to pick you up but we cannot guarantee it just in case on the day, the car is being serviced or we have other commitments. The rest of the apartments require you to have a car ie Il Castello, L’Arco, Casa San Giovanne, La Passionata and La Romantica. If you wished to hire a car in Spoleto, an efficient car-hire firm, who will meet you at Spoleto station if you ask them to, is Avis – but, if you want your car delivering to the station or want a free taxi to take you to their office from the station, you must book directly through their local Spoleto office – you will receive further details from me about how to do this when I send you your reservation details, should you decide to proceed with a booking.
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.
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 !
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Rome: 80 km
Railway:
Spoleto: 1.5 km
Activities near Spoleto
Sports: Tennis in town Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Good nightlife City breaks Cycling holidays
Facilities
General:
Central heating, Air conditioning, TV, Satellite TV
Sofabeds (1), Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 6, Lounge seating for 8, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, BBQ
Access:
Lift access to property, Parking space
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 - about 3 times bigger than the terrace of Terrazza Bella (formerly La Terrazza). 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 that has every single channel you could want including SKY SPORT as well as hundreds of music channels.
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.
Public swimming pool are close - just a short bus-ride away, door-to-door.
Internet access across the road in a smart internet point where you can plug in your own computer and/or make long distance phone calls at cheap rates in private booths.
Further details
The Booking Information is sent automatically in response to an enquiry.
Lettings of at least 3 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.
Flexible arrival/departure days,
You can book for a minimum of 3 days at a daily rate that is 20 euros a day in addition to the weekly pro-rata rate. 1 and 2 day bookings are 30 euros a day in addition to the weekly pro-rata rate.
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 pick you up from Spoleto station and take you straight to the apartment. He can also deliver you back to the station of your departure day.
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
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
1 Nov 08
1 Dec 08
570£479
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 Dec 08
1 Apr 09
470£395
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 Apr 09
1 May 09
590£496
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 May 09
1 Nov 09
730£613
0-
0-
1 Week
31
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Please see more details and lots more photos on my personal website, which also shows details and photos of 30 + other apartments in and around central Spoleto - you will automatically receive access to this website in response to an enquiry.
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 bookings of 3 weeks or more. Also, for a booking of more than 1 apartment simultaneously.
Any day arrival and departure, except for Christmas Day.
The general booking conditions that include the cancellation conditions are automatically sent to you on receipt of an enquiry.
Guestbook
References sent out automatically in response to an enquiry.
Availability
See below for next 6 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
11
12
Booked
11
12
Available
11
12
Unknown
11
12
Arrival/Departure dates
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/13590
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