We're going to be in Umbria this spring and I'm thinking about driving over Mt Subasio from Spello to Assisi. A few blogs that I've read have raved about the wildflowers and views from the drive and some mention that part of the road is gravel. Does anyone have direct experience driving that road in spring/summer? Is it worth the drive?
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1049 posts
OMG!!!! Do it! Stop frequently and walk around. Look for cows, sheeps, dogs, horses and people hand-gliding. The views cannot be duplicated, the air is unbelievably fresh and clean - even if a cow left you a present :)
There's a little village you'll pass on the way up from Spello (sorry, can't get my brain to give me the name). This is a great place to walk around - just a few apartments surrounding a small cafe and coffee bar. Beautiful views and so very welcoming! What an amazing place to retire - or at least escape to!
Enjoy . . . I'm sure you will.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City USA/Birmenstorf, Switzerland
453 posts
Robert, it sounds fantastic!. But how is the road? Driveable in the average rental car? Also did you make it to the hermitage as you get closer to Assisi. Is it worth seeing or is it more of the touristy stuff you see in Assisi.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1049 posts
Hi - yes it is driveable but very slowly because of the rocks and holes. Don't let that stop you. The Hermitage is on the way - I spend at least 30 minutes there every year. The silence, the atmosphere, the history and the views bring such a wonderful sense of peace. I don't think Francis' sense of environmental preservation was an accident - he lived in an area that is very nearly what the Garden of Eden must have been like.
If you are there between July 3 and July 19 come to one or more of our free concerts in Assisi. Our music festival )opera, Broadway, sacred, jazz, choral, chamber music) has been there for 17 years now. You'll see schedules and posters all over the place. Or let me know you're coming and I'll gladly meet you!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33183 posts
Check your rental car fine print. You may have a clause prohibiting driving on unmade roads.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
106 posts
I will be driving to Assisi from Siena and was interested to read Marcus' post. Mt. Subasio sounds like an amazing spot to visit after Assisi and before returning to Siena.
Do any of you know if I can simply navigate to "Monte Subasio" in my GPS, or do I need a destination - the name of a restaurant or business of some sort? According to Google maps the road from Assisi to the mountain is SP 251.
As usual, insight from the Forum is always appreciated.
Thank you.