Spoletto

Spoletto (Lat. Spoletium), an archiepiscopal city of ancient Umbria in the middle of Italy, is situated on a rocky hill, 75 miles by rail N. by E. of Rome. It is commanded by a citadel, which dates from the days of the Goths, and has a fine cathedral, built under the Lombard dukes, with frescoes by Lippo Lippi. The churches of SS. Domenico, Peter, Gregory, and Nicholas present interesting features. There is a monument of Victor Emmanuel (1892). Water is brought to the city by a 7th-century aqueduct, 270 feet high and 680 long. The ancient Spoletium had its origin in a Roman colony planted here about 240 B.C.; Hannibal (q.v.) was repulsed in an assault he made on the town (217 B.C.) after the battle of Lake Trasimene. Under the Lombards it became the capital of an independent duchy, and its dukes ruled over great part of Central Italy. Having been united to Tuscany, it was bequeathed by the Countess Matilda to the pope (1115). Spoletto has manufactures of woollens and hats. Pop. 7696.