iamq

We'll be in Umbria while the Spoleto festival in on. We'd really like to visit Spoleto, but aren't too keen getting caught up in the festival or the performances. Have any fodorites been to Spoleto during the festival? Would it stil be possible to get a feel for the town and see the worthwhile attractions while the festival is going while not necessarily partaking in the fesetival itself? I guess a morning visit would be good.

I don't want to get festivaled out. The Mercato in Bevagna and the Infiorata in Spello are planned for already. We actually planned our trip around these two events and are staying in Spello so we can actually see the infiorata go up and come down.

Thanks for you ideas and suggestions.

Jean

I haven't been to Spoleto during the festival but have stayed in Spoleto twice. How would you be getting there? If driving, I would think parking would be incredibly difficult. If training, FYI the station is about 1 km. from the bottom of the town, but there is a bus.

I'm a fan of Spoleto, but I think it would be hard to see and appreciate amid enormous crowds. Some things that are open at other times of the year will be closed to be used as venues for the Festival, like the Roman theater and parts of the fortress. I agree that, if you were to go, an early morning visit would be best. Head up to the top of the town first to see the main sights (like the Ponte, Duomo, Piazza San Pietro, Museo Diocesano) and then stay in the town until the crowds are beyond your tolerance level.

Two restaurants if you stay for lunch:

If the weather's nice, Il Tartufo (Piazza Garibaldi) has some outdoor tables. It's more upscale and can be expensive depending on what you order. (Truffles!) It might be hard to get in during the festival without a reservation.

Osterio del Trivio (via del Trivio) is very informal, casual, family-owned and run. Traditional Umbrian food, like a very good home-cooked meal.

iamq

Thanks Jean. We'll have a car, but we are training to Perugia, so I suppose we could take the train to Spoleto as well.

You make a good point about the various sights of interes being used as venues. It would be a drag not to be able to see them.

The festival starts on the 24 June. We arrive Rome 21 June, spend the night in Orvieto and then drive on too our place in Spello on the 22nd. We could spend some time in Spoleto on the 22nd en route to our apartment before the festival starts.
That might work?

iamq

ttt

Jean

I think I'd give it a shot. Over two visits a few years apart, we still haven't seen the Roman theater which has been closed for repairs both times. Because we travel outside of the main tourist season (usually late October, early November), there is ALWAYS something we wanted to see that is closed for restoration. It used to drive us crazy, but now we just anticipate it. Viva Italia!

iamq

Thanks Jean.

Brigolante

I actually much prefer Spoleto during the festival...even if you don't plan on catching any performances, the festive atmosphere and lively passeggiata (I have never found the center uncomfortably crowded during the festival) lends a lighter hearted feel to this otherwise staid town.

Enjoy Umbria!
Rebecca

iamq

Thanks Rebecca. I think we will give it a shot. Our itinerary is quickly filling up! I love it.