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
Il Parco is just outside the wall of Spoleto, opposite one of its main entrances and directly into its beautiful park. Just cross the road to the historic centre that is just inside the walls, and then a 2 - 3 minutes stroll will take you directly into Piazza Liberta and all the shops, restaurants, bars and main piazzas in the actual heart of the historic centre of Spoleto. Here, the tourist office faces an old Roman Ampitheatre that has been completely restored and where many concerts and theatre productions take place. When you sit in this amphitheatre, you can’t help but imagine those days so very long ago when the Christians were thrown to the lions, such is the architecture and the magical atmosphere of the place !!!
A 3 year old, smart and luxurious apartment in a beautiful, tree-lined avenue, Il Parco has a modern/traditional atmosphere with a stylish, elegant interior. On the 2nd floor (there is a lift/elevator), it nestles in the tree-tops with pretty views of the nearby hills through which you can walk to your hearts content and experience the most amazing views as you climb higher and higher into them. This is a great location, being close to the mountains, beautiful walks through the woods just to the back of you and, at the same time, bars, restaurants and shops, all easily accessible in the historic city centre of Spoleto, just a few minutes stroll through the park.
1 of 3 balconies - off main bedroom
Il Parco Apartment block
Dining area/single balcony to seat 4
Sitting area/SKY SAT TV with eng sp. films/news/doc
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/5532
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 less discovered than its eastern neighbor, Tuscany, but just as magnificent. Umbria is a beautiful, unspoiled, countryside area of rolling, forested hills, vast grassy meadows covered with flowers, large olive grove plantations, and several lakes and valleys. The landscape is dotted with many picturesque medieval villages, and the people of the area are known for their distinctive cuisine, friendliness and hospitality. Like so much of Italy, food, wine, and entertainment are the core of Umbria's charm. A vacation here is a feast of the senses. So, bring your camera, leave your diet at home, and explore this tranquil treasure.
The town of Perugia is the capital of Umbria and one of the best preserved medieval towns in Italy. A walk down the main street, Piazza Il Novembre, gives visitors incredible views of the town's medieval and Renaissance structures, like the centrepiece of town, the Duomo. The town overlooks the Tiber River, and a sunset dinner overlooking the valley will provide life long Italian memories! Take some time to visit The National Gallery of Umbria, which contains paintings from the 13th to the 18th century by masters such as Piero della Francesca, Benozzo Gozzoli, Beato Angelico, Pinturicchio, Perugino and others.
The hill town of Orvieto is known for three things: wine, ceramics, and its famous Cathedral. The broad marble pillars of this magnificent church are carved with biblical scenes that tell the story of creation. The Duomo has some fascinating frescoes by Signorelli, and sits next to a famous gelato shop. Local stores carry varieties of the town's famous Orvieto Classico white wines, and ceramics that built the town's reputation.
Todi, located about 20 miles south of Perugia, also sits atop a hill overlooking the Tiber River. The town is centred around the Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. One of the most popular sites is the Temple of S. Fortunato, with 14th century frescos and a crypt which preserves the remains of the poet Jacopone da Todi, the town's namesake.
The fairy-tale city of Spoleto in the very centre of Umbria once thwarted the great Hannibal as he journeyed south. Today, Spoleto is a brilliant reflection back to medieval times and has some of the most incredible scenery to prove it. Some of the town's impressive sites include a 1st century AD Roman Theatre, the 4th century Christian Church of San Salvatore (one of the world's oldest surviving churches), and the Rocca Albornoziana - one of the most magnificent of Italy's castles. Each June, the town welcomes the world to the Festival of Two Worlds dance and theatre festival, a two-week long celebration of the performing arts.
The town of Assisi gained fame as the birthplace of St. Francis, a simple friar who around the year 1200 challenged the Church to adopt a more simple lifestyle. Today the town is known as the City of Peace, and is rich in medieval architecture and religious artwork. Perched on the slope of mount Subasio, Assisi's main attraction is the Basilica of St. Francis, one of the artistic and religious highlights in all of Europe. From top to bottom, the church is frescoed by the famous artists of the day. The view of the surrounding area from outside the Basilica encompasses the richest valley in all of Umbria.
Other hill towns in Umbria are less visited than the more populated centres, but offer opportunities for an experience in Italy at its most natural. Panicale, Paciano, and Gioiella are all quaint little towns that are deeply rooted in their agricultural heritage. Olives, grapes, cheese, dates, wine, and other similar products are the heart and soul of these small hamlets. They offer visitors a look at Italy through native eyes. Of course, being in Umbria, they are filled with their own gorgeous views, and the food in their little out-of-the-way restaurants and bistros shouldn't be missed.
A trip in 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. An Umbria vacation is a delight for the senses. Take your time and enjoy the show.
Spoleto / Central Spoleto area
Here, you most certainly don't need a car. A bus stops nearby that can take you to the train station in a matter of minutes. Alternatively, it is an extremely pretty walk through old Spoleto along the fairy-tale mediaeval streets to the train station. It would take you abut 30 minutes.
You can tell from the way I’m speaking that Spoleto is a very tiny city, indeed. This is why I tend to use the expression, “fairy-tale” in any description of Spoleto – it has got to be the most beautiful city in Italy !!! Apart from the myriad of churches, museums and galleries of immense historic interest within its walls, the top of Spoleto is a must to experience ! You can drive to the top of Spoleto; or, you can walk. It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the top of Spoleto from the bottom. Here, you can walk across its famous aquaduct that crosses a deep ravine and gaze in wonder at the awe-inspiring Rocca, silhouetted against the mountains. Originally Spoleto’s famous palace, then a prison, La Rocca is now a gallery that shows some of Italy’s most famous works of Art. Then, you can pause for a Cappucino, a gelato or a cool glass of Orvieto at the nearby bar (Italo and Mira are the owners) and contemplate some of the most awesome scenery in the world.
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 5 of our rental apartments, 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, La Terrazza, Terrazza Due, Terrazza Grande, Terrazza Lungo, 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.
How to get there
-Fly to Rome, Perugia or Ancona then take the train to Spoleto on the Ancona line.
-Cheap flights with Ryan Air.
-Car hire available from Avis either from the airport and we will send you directions or, alternatively, if you take the train to Spoleto, then, providing you book through their local Spoleto office, Avis will deliver a car to Spoleto station for you if you request it. Their number is ((0039)348 265 4005 – someone there speaks English). And, an interesting website that I’ve seen with apparently good deals is www.euro-cars.com
-If you decide to do without a car, then, if you arrange it in advance, my husband may be able to pick you up at Spoleto station at a time to suit you both. His number is (0039) 349 739 3501.
-Please note that a car is unnecessary since a bus stops close to the apartment, which goes to Spoleto train station and takes just a few minutes. Otherwise, for the energetic, it is possible to walk to the station, which is about 2 miles away.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Rome, Perugia (25 km)or Ancona: 70 km
Railway:
Spoleto: 1.5 km
Activities near Spoleto
Sports: Tennis in town Waterpark Horse Riding Golf within 30 mins drive Fishing
Great for: Walking holidays Good nightlife City breaks Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Log fire
General:
Central heating, TV, CD player, Telephone, Satellite TV
Single beds (2), Double beds (1), Cots (1), Dining seating for 4, Lounge seating for 4, Sleeps maximum of 4
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, BBQ
Access:
Lift access to property
Further details indoors: There are 2 shower rooms, 2 bedrooms (1 double and 1 twin – the twins can be joined on request), 1 washing machine in a separate area, 1 fitted kitchen and 1 living/dining room with SKY Sat TV and many English-speaking channels…CNN, BBC (inc Prime), Sky, Fox… as well as a host of movie and documentary channels, Discovery etc and an open fire-place – a snug feature in the Winter.
A real plus are the 3 balconies - 1 medium one off the living room (seats 4 snugly), another long one off the double bedroom (room for 2 sunbeds - 2nd one on request and no charge) and a rather cute one that wraps around a corner of the twin bedroom (seats 2). Two of the balconies look towards pretty tree-tops and the hills around Spoleto. The corner one, off the twin bedroom, looks across at the park.
Please request a high chair and/or cot - available at no extra charge.
Further details outdoors: You can park on the street outside Il Parco.
There is a bus that stops just a minute away and that will take you to the train station in a matter of minutes.
Piazza Liberta, the very centre of Spoleto, is just 3 minutes walk across the park - this apartment is in a brilliant position....and, there is a rather up-market restaurant, La Casina, and gelateria across the road in the park - here, for all you gournet types, the food is absolutely superb - a very creative chef. It is a little more pricey than the other local restaurants but well worth it.
Further details
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 and so on.
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 for further details.
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 hidden extra charges.
Days booked in addition to a week are costed at the weekly pro-rata rate.
Flexible arrival/departure days,
You can usually arrange to be picked up at the station and taken to your apartment, free of charge. Also, on the day of your departure, you can usually arrange to be dropped off at the station free of charge. Depends on availability of Laurie's taxi service !
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.
Mobile phone available on request for refundable deposit of 100 euros.
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.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: Euros €
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
9 Oct 08
1 Nov 08
590£ 457
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 Nov 08
1 Dec 08
530£ 411
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 Dec 08
1 Apr 09
460£ 357
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 Apr 09
1 May 09
550£ 426
0-
0-
2 Nights
1 May 09
1 Nov 09
710£ 550
0-
0-
2 Nights
41
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.
Discounts available for bookings of 3 weeks or more or for booking more than 1 apartment simultaneously.
Beware of owners who ask you to pay for heating separately. Often you'll end up paying as much as you're paying in rent .
Bookings that include Christmas Day or New Years Day should not have Christmas Day as their arrival day.
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/5532
Click to view availability for this property.
Please enquire about availability and I will get back to you immediately or as soon as I can. At the same time, I will send you Booking Information that contains details of how to attract a discount etc and my website address, which contains more photos and information of many other apartments in and around central Spoleto and Umbria.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/5532
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