THE OLIVE BELT TRAILS
Protection, cataloguing and promotion
Walking among olive trees in Umbria. Immerse yourself in a landscape that is unique in the world and recognised as a FAO world heritage site. The “Olive Belt Trails” project aims at promoting the Assisi-Spoleto Olive Belt by digitally mapping the route across it, by cataloguing and protecting its historic, artistic and environmental heritage, by enhancing and fostering appreciation of the region and promoting tourism linked with the olive oil tradition. The area includes about 90 km with extremely varying landscapes all sharing a single tradition: the culture of olive trees and extra virgin olive oil.
01.
SPOLETO -PORETA
“The trail of the fortresses”
Spoleto – Poreta is the first section of the trails in the Assisi – Spoleto Olive Belt. It is called “the trail of the fortresses” or castles because it connects two strongholds, one at the start, the Albornoz Fortress, and one at the end of the trail, the small fort in the village of Poreta, once a crucial stronghold of the Spoleto Valley However, this name is not exhaustive, as this 23-kilometre section is full of villas, monuments, works of art and visionary buildings that have left their mark on a truly unique landscape that captivates visitors.
03.
TREVI - SASSOVIVO
“The mountain trail”
Trevi – Sassovivo is the third section of the Trails in the Assisi – Spoleto Olive Belt. This is known as the “mountain trail”, because the route exits Trevi to climb up to the highest point in Roviglieto, 700 metres above sea level. Compared to other trails, this is more difficult both due to the gradient and the rough terrain. Yet, it is uniquely mesmerising. You will immerse yourselves in extraordinary landscapes, in art gems concealed by time, in wonderful man-made buildings that will leave you in awe.
05.
SPELLO - ASSISI
The “Seraphic” trail
Spello – Assisi is the fifth and last section of the Olive Belt Trails. It is called the “Seraphic trail” because the route connects Spello to the town of St. Francis, with long stretches following the same roads he travelled. The first section makes for a pleasant walk with long flat stretches skirting Mount Subasio. However, the intermediate section starts going uphill, leading travellers into the woods and on trails, up to the Eremo delle Carceri in Assisi. From there, after a short stretch uphill, the trail plunges down again towards Assisi’s town centre and St. Francis’ Wood, where the Olive Belt Trails end.
A Route Over 90 Km Long
The “Olive Belt Trails” are divided into five routes, each with different features and different levels of difficulty. The average time required for each section is about eight hours.
The highest point of the route is below 800 metres. However, we always recommend good trekking gear and caution for those who want to follow the trail.
A Heritage of Art and Knowledge
The foothill area connecting Spoleto to Assisi is unique in terms of history and culture, featuring an invaluable historic and artistic heritage often unknown to many.
Monastic retreats, Benedictine abbeys, churches, bridges, fortresses, castles, shrines: the points of interest scattered along the trails form a wonderful and unique whole that is innate to the layout of the region.
The Olive Belt Territories
The six municipalities crossed by paths
