I’m planning to do one day in Assisi and one say in Spello and Montefalco this summer. It’s going to have to be a Saturday and Sunday. I’m a bit worried about Assisi on a Sunday because I’m wondering if it will be more crowded and harder to get into churches because of Sunday mass. On the other hand, I’m wondering if Spello and Montefalco are more shut down on Sundays. Any advice?
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11647 posts
No, Spello and/or Montefalco will not be shut down on Sundays.
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Colorado Mountains, USA
8027 posts
Based on the Sunday that we were in Spello this past October, Sunday might be one of the busier days. Streets had lots of pedestrians, and while we were able to get a table for lunch, only by sharing it with another, unknown twosome, others were turned away at restaurants.
The big church was open for Mass only, until noon. Tourists were constantly being turned away by “bouncers” at the door, and there was a large crowd gathered around, out front. The Baglioni Chapel in that Church of Santa Maria Maggiore has truly remarkable frescoes by Pinturicchio, and they charge a worthwhile small fee to see them, after Mass has let out. The bells at noon are maybe the loudest bells anywhere, especially if you’re just out front.
We went through/past Montefalco several times during our weeklong stay in the area this past fall, and stopped one rainy afternoon for refreshments at a busy cafe. You might have reasons it’s on your agenda, but it was about the least inspiring of the hill towns we encountered.
If you have the time and interest, Bevagna, less than 5 miles northwest of Montefalco, was a much more enjoyable visit. The sights, genuine medieval atmosphere, bakeries, restaurants, everything, were wonderful. It’s actually not a hilltown, but situated in the wine valley - still a fantastic place. Maybe a tiny bit of that was it’s a change of pace from all the hill towns in the area, and the free parking was a nice touch, too.
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OP
9 posts
Thank you! That’s very helpful.