Memories are Made of This

Leaving Spello after 3 months was not easy. We had tried our best to live the Italian life, integrate into the local community and taste the pleasures of the land and the grape. Saying goodbye to our new friends was the hardest thing; so many people asked us to come back, and I am certain we will do so.

Orvieto: bell tower

As we crossed Umbria’s border for the first time in 3 months, we reflected on the things that we will remember about our experience. The smell of woodsmoke in the air; the sight of the smoke from the fires of trimmed olive branches curling upwards; the sound of the bells chiming harmoniously and the earthy taste of truffles.

The art: from the frescoes…

Spello: Chapel of St Anna, fresco detail

….to the simple chapels….

Spello: chapel, detail

….to the grandest cathedrals.

Spoleto: Duomo, marble angel

The architecture: from ancient monuments, built to glorify God….

Assisi: Basilica of St Francis

Orvieto: Cathedral facade detail

….to the wonderful hill towns in stone and brick….

Spello walls: the lookout

Spello: street view

The stunning Umbrian mountains and countryside: the “green heart of Italy.”

Monte Subasio: view

The weather: every day was different. We had torrential rain, hailstones the size of acorns, storms and sun, sun, sun. The sky was a constant, moving picture….

Spello: Sky from apartment

Spello: Sky from apartment

The food: local, seasonal, delicious….

Ravioli with tomatoes and olives.

Potato rosti with brie, walnuts and radicchio.

The artisan food shops such as the local bakery. The window display changed regularly….

Spello: Bakery

The wine: new varieties of grapes to try….

Montefalco winery: wine jug

….and the remnants of a good night out….

Spello: sad, empty bottles

Nature: the flowers, wild and cultivated.

Spello: Spring flowers

Spello: flower

And who could forget the Infiorata? Carpets of flowers in every street and square in Spello’s old town.

Spello: Infiorata, flower carpet

The beauty of the trees, bursting into life….

Spello: Spring buds

….and promising edibles to come….

Spello: Olive Tree

Fonti del Clitunno: Water weeds beneath the surface of the lake

Most of all it was the people of Spello that we will remember. Their generosity, their warmth, their patience with our piecemeal Italian, their sharing and their humour will not be easily forgotten.

Spello, Magic Spello, we have left a little piece of our hearts with you, until we return.

Spello: one of the town gates