What about Spoleto and the Umbria?
 

I am planning a visit to Italy in mid March and want to visit the Umbria region. Does anyone have thoughts on Spoleto, places to stay, sites ect. I am renting a car, therefore will not be dependent on the train. All responses are appreciated.

We stayed in Spoleto a while back. It was in the upper part of the town, which is dead at night. It turns out that all the night life takes place at the bottom of the hill. There were a couple of impressive churches but I especially remember the cemetary which was like a small town with individual one room houses (the crypts), some with curtains and a chair for family visits.

Spoleto is a real charmer, delightful as a base for exploring the region. You should also see Norcia, Narni, Amelia, Trevi, Foligno, Montefalco, Bevagna, Spello, Assisi, Perugia, Gubbia, Todi and Orvieto. For hotels in Orvieto, I like the Gattapone and the Palazzo Dragoni. A good budget hotel is Il Panciolle.

Thanks for the info - am considering staying at the Pallazo Dragoni. Do you think that is the best choice? Thanks

Be sure to take the walk that circles completely around the outside of the town, with spectacular views of the gorge.

cnn: Spoleto is a great little walled village. The cobblestoned lanes and stairways (Spoleto goes straight up) are charming. The castel at the top of the hill (1359 and, by now, probably restored) is interesting. But the real attraction is the Ponte della Torre, the huge, marvelous bridge built on a Roman Aquaduct. The views down to the river and into the valley as you cross the bridge are spectacular.
Stop at the Romanesque Duomo on the way up or down. It's worth a visit.
The Gattapone is the best hotel, but the Dell'Angelo offers clean, small rooms which are perfectly satisfactory and this little hotel is in the center of town. Have a grreat trip.

Palazzo Dragoni is the best choice to be close to the Duomo. Gattapone is excellent, but isolated and much less practical logistically. There are a couple of excellent restaurants within 300 yards of the Palazzo Dragoni.

Look at slowtrav.com for lots of great info on Umbria, and links to even more.
Don't forget to post a report when you return.
thanks & good luck,
j

Thanks all, will report when I return!