Best Birthday Ever- Spoleto, Umbria to Labro, Lazio

​We spent the night at the Hotel Gattapone in Spoleto which was a mid century architectural marvel.  It was right at the highest point in spoleto looking out at the massive Roman acqueduct and across the valley to the road up to Monteluco - a sacred hermitage where St Francis spent some time.  Gattapone was an architect/project manager in the 1300’s.  He was commissioned by the pope of the day to manage the construction of the Albornoz Rocca ( the big castle at the top of Spoleto) in 1362.  This castle was to protect the Via Flaminia and the city of Spoleto. 



 


So after breakfast with a view we head out towards the rail trail which crosses the mountain over to the Valnerina.   The rail trail another architectural wonder gave us a ride that truly was a dream.  Doug said it was the most amazing ride of that type he had ever done.  So much fun.  Steady grade climbing for a long way, having to stop to turn on your headlights for the many tunnels,  stunning views in every direction, crossing over on elevated bridges, exhilarating downhill on the other side.   







Then we rode through several beautiful villages in the Valnerina Valley including Scheggino (where we had our ritual caffe break) and Arrone and a lakeside resort town called Piediluco. 




We stopped in Arrone for a light lunch and took a photo of Doug and Shawn, a tribute to Doug’s Mom, Florence. 



Then after Pieduluco we spot our destination which I am pointing to.  We are staying in that castle at the tippy top of this town called Labro!


So of course castles are high to spot the barbarians coming or whatever flavor of invader of the day so a long steady climb ensues as us tourist invaders lay siege on the castello.   

We have truly entered a new kind of fairytale as we enter this historic edifice.   Some photos of what the innards look like and the views out our bedroom.   






We end the day with a birthday dinner at the local restaurant.  I would say, best birthday ever.  



Comments

  1. jeffAugust 25, 2022 at 8:04 AM

    Spectacular! Looks like you liberated a nice bottle of wine too ;)

    ReplyDelete

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