Basilica of San Salvatore
A rare 8th/9th-century Lombardic jewel and UNESCO site, offering a glimpse into unique architecture despite ongoing renovations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Facade is always visible
Basilica of San Salvatore
Best Time
Facade is always visible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare 8th/9th-century Lombardic jewel and UNESCO site, offering a glimpse into unique architecture despite ongoing renovations.
"A rare jewel, unique architecture, and UNESCO heritage, though currently closed for renovation."
Check Renovation Updates
Confirm current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike up to the basilica can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exterior Facade
Admire the simple yet elegant Lombardic architecture of this rare 8th/9th-century jewel.
Interior View Through Glass
From the cemetery
Catch a glimpse of the unique interior architecture, a testament to its historical significance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Renovation Status
Accessing the Facade
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Renovation Updates
Confirm current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike up to the basilica can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Use Cemetery Entrance
Enter the cemetery via the main path and turn right for the best access to the facade.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Renovation Updates
Confirm current renovation status before visiting to manage expectations. +1
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike up to the basilica can be steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Use Cemetery Entrance
Enter the cemetery via the main path and turn right for the best access to the facade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors acknowledge the Basilica of San Salvatore as a historically significant and architecturally unique building, a rare example of Lombardic design and a UNESCO site. However, its current closure for renovation means interior access is limited to viewing through glass from the cemetery, with scaffolding often present. The exterior facade is praised for its beauty, but the overall experience is tempered by the inability to fully explore the interior.
"Cant wait to restore this rare jewel. Probably most important historical building in Spoleto area, built in 8 or 9th century by Langobards and there is only one more in the world. So unique architecture and under UNESCO heritage protection.
Will come back in 10 years to check! For now you can only have wishfull thoughts behind glass at the door."
Rok Stražar
"Unfortunately, the basilica is currently under renovation. Access to the glass overlooking the nave is from the cemetery. Scaffolding is also present inside during the renovation, making it difficult to see much. You can only admire the building's façade. Google Maps incorrectly points you to the rear of the basilica. To reach the front of the basilica and the glass entrance, enter the cemetery via the main path and turn right."
Anna Gruszczynska
"It is under renovation and therefore closed but the facade is magnificent: simple and very elegant"
Cristiana Corona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Basilica of San Salvatore is located on a hill above Spoleto. Access involves a hike, which can be steep but is shaded. It's recommended to enter the cemetery via the main path and turn right to reach the basilica's facade and viewing area. +1
Information on specific parking near the basilica is limited due to its location and current renovation. It's advisable to park in Spoleto and be prepared for a walk uphill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, the Basilica of San Salvatore is closed for renovation. Interior access is limited to viewing through glass from the adjacent cemetery. +1
As the basilica is closed for renovation and only the exterior is visible, no tickets are required. Viewing the facade and interior through the glass is free.
The basilica is currently closed for renovation. The exterior facade and the viewing glass are accessible during daylight hours, but there are no official opening hours for the interior. +1
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
During renovation, you can admire the magnificent exterior facade of the basilica. The interior can be viewed through glass from the cemetery, though scaffolding may be present. +1
The hike up to the basilica can be steep, and access during renovation might be challenging. It's advisable to check for any specific accessibility information closer to your visit, though current conditions suggest limited accessibility.
Built in the 8th or 9th century by the Lombards, it is considered one of the most important historical buildings in the Spoleto area and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's noted for its unique architecture, with only one other similar basilica existing globally.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior facade offers a beautiful architectural subject. For interior shots, the viewing glass from the cemetery provides a unique perspective, though lighting and scaffolding may be factors. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a steep hike to reach the basilica, so comfortable footwear is essential. Understanding that the site is under restoration will help manage expectations, allowing you to appreciate the ongoing efforts to preserve this ancient structure. The historical context of its construction by the Lombards adds another layer of intrigue for any history enthusiast.
Day-Trippers from Spoleto
Remember to access the viewing area via the cemetery entrance and turn right. This allows you to see the basilica's unique architecture and catch a glimpse of the interior through the glass. It's a good opportunity for photography of the facade and to appreciate a significant piece of local history, even without full interior access.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Lombardic Architecture
Visitors can currently appreciate the basilica's exterior and gain a limited view of the interior through glass panels located in the adjacent cemetery. This viewing method, while not ideal, allows a glimpse into the basilica's historical structure, even with the presence of scaffolding. The dedication to preserving such a unique piece of history is evident, even during this extensive restoration period.
For those interested in early medieval architecture, the Basilica of San Salvatore, even in its current state, offers a valuable insight. Its historical context as a Lombardic construction makes it a crucial site for understanding the architectural evolution of the region. Planning a visit to see its completed restoration in the future would be a rewarding experience for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Navigating the Renovation
Access to the viewing area is primarily through the cemetery. Visitors should enter the cemetery via the main path and then turn right to find the glass panels that offer a look into the basilica. It's important to note that Google Maps might direct you to the rear of the building, so following these specific directions is crucial for reaching the correct viewing point.
Despite the closure, the exterior facade remains a point of admiration, described as magnificent and elegant. The hike up to the basilica can be steep, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit