Spoleto caught my eye for one very interesting reason.
No, it wasn't this fort at the top of the town.
It's what I'm standing in front of as I take a photo of the fort. It's an escalator! It goes up to several different levels in the town. Wow, now if only more towns built on hills could install something like this, I'd be a very happy bunny!
Archway with statue across the street.
The Duomo, or Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.
We came out of the escalator at the Duomo level, but as we approached the church we were met by a lady who told us that filming was going on at the other end of the square, and that we couldn't go in that direction. We could only access the church interior, and then back to another level on the escalator, which was a bit annoying.
Anyway, the cathedral looked a bit plain upon first viewing. But then as we walked further down inside, it became clear that it is in fact an extremely ornate church!
Amazing painted ceilings.
Chapel of Sant'Anna, with frescoes dating from the late C16th, some of which have been carefully removed to uncover even older masterpieces dating back to the late C14th.
Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. I think this one is my favourite.
Back on the escalator we went up another level. I can't remember how many there were, but I think it was three.
Fontana di Piazza del Mercato (Fountain of the Market Piazza). We came out near this square and had a wander around.
Piazza del Mercato
Then up to the top level where the fort is, for amazing views out over the town and countryside. It's funny being level with the church tower.
The final access to the fort level was stairs, though I spied a lift (elevator!) saying it was only for use by the disabled. Well i considered myself an old lady with dodgy hips and knees who is perfectly entitled to use said lift, and so we did. Not that the fort was terribly exciting, it has a museum inside and we weren't interested in that.
And after that, we enjoyed taking the escalator back down, which took us to a level near to where we were parked. Perfect! 😀
Gosh Mandy I love the idea of that escalator - what a great idea and brilliant for people with dodgy knees like me!!! The views from the fort are just amazing. Stunning ceilings in the cathedral and the frescoes in the chapel are wonderful too! The churches etc in Italy are just so colourful compared to what we have over here. Lovely photos of you and your husband too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Caroline. I knew you'd like the escalator! It's a brlliant idea, isn't it? Yes the churches are really ornate, but they are all catholic churches which I think are generally a lot more OTT than protestant churches in their decoration. I enjoy having a wander around them.
DeleteAwesome post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Anne!
DeleteThat escalator really reminds me of the ones in Toledo-- such a brilliant idea for anyone with knees that don’t love steep climbs--I ’d be just as delighted to find one in Spoleto. The Duomo’s interior is breathtaking, especially those painted ceilings and chapels. Your photos capture the details so beautifully, from the frescoes to the piazza scenes.
ReplyDeleteI especially enjoyed seeing the shots of you and your husband.
Oh that’s good to know, I will put Toledo on my list of places to visit! We are going back to Spain in Sept, but just to Catalonia, so much less driving this trip!
DeleteDes paysages magnifiques et une dame si belle.
ReplyDeleteMerci cher monsieur xx 😁
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