The approach to the Duomo, down a long, shelving
flight of steps, with the view of the Romanesque façade set against
the wooded hills, is unrivalled in Italy. It was this magical
view which persuaded Giancarlo Menotti to establish his Festival
of Two Worlds in Spoleto. The façade of the Duomo has eight rose
windows, a mosaic dated 1207 and a Renaissance portico flanked
by two charming pulpits. The bland Baroque interior contains
wonderful frescoes by Filippo Lippi of the Life of the Virgin
in the apse. They are some of his most beautiful creations, especially
the Annunciation on the left, and were painted shortly before
his death in 1469. There are interesting paintings at the foot
of each aisle, a remarkably early Crucifix by Alberto Sotio dated
1187 on the left, and a Madonna and Child by Pinturicchio on
the right. The Sacristy in the left aisle has fine carved woodwork
and a very rare letter written by St Francis.
Address
Piazza del Duomo
Getting
there
It is situated on a ledge below via Saffi
between the Roman Amphitheatre and the Papal fortress
Opening times
Open daily Mar-Oct 8am-1pm & 3-6.30pm;
Nov-Feb 8am-1pm & 3-5.30pm
