Antico Monastero Santa Maria Inter Angelos

At the top of a little winding road with spectacular views of Spoleto's bridge and fortress, is the tranquil Antico Monastero Santa Maria Inter Angelos. This 13th century monastery was originally home to a community of Sisters once known as the Poor Clares, the 2nd order of St Francis. Today, it is a unique and beautiful hotel/agriturismo and one of the highlights of our trip. It has been lovingly restored by its present owners from its medieval beginnings to 21st century comfort with taste and with great respect for its venerable past. Our room was comfortable and spacious with 2 windows and with exposed beams on its high ceilings. It was thoroughly modern and yet retained an aura of calm and of a time long past. The views were stunning, the vibe was other worldly. Breakfast was buffet style, coffee was good and plentiful and service (in excellent English) was attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The gardens included a pretty terrace and various nature trails. An easy 3km walking path wound its way over an ancient bridge, through old olive groves and past time-worn stone grottos into nearby Spoleto. Thank you to owners Marguerite and Louise, and to Claudia, for their warm welcome and for their gracious hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 nights with them.