The springs have been a venerated site since the Roman era, once housing a sanctuary dedicated to the god Clitumnus.
Lord Byron famously described the springs in 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' during his travels through Italy.
The water temperature remains constant at approximately 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
The Tempietto del Clitunno is one of seven sites in the 'Longobards in Italy: Places of the Power' UNESCO serial site.
The spring water is naturally purified as it filters through the limestone layers of the surrounding mountains before reaching the surface.
Fonti del Clitunno is a natural spring park featuring a crystalline lake fed by underground water sources emerging from the base of limestone hills. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape, recognized for its historical significance as an inspiration for Roman poets including Virgil, Propertius, and Byron. The park encompasses an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, characterized by weeping willows and poplar trees surrounding the pond. It serves as a protected sanctuary for various waterfowl, most notably resident white swans. A small temple, the Tempietto del Clitunno, is located near the park boundaries and dates back to the Longobard period. The park infrastructure includes pedestrian gravel pathways, wooden bridges, and an on-site restaurant overlooking the water. It is situated directly along the historic Via Flaminia, connecting Spoleto and Foligno in the Umbria region.
The wooden footbridge located in the center of the park, providing an unobstructed view of the reflection of the weeping willows in the pond.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid high humidity and mosquitos common in the damp environment.
Bring a camera with a polarizer filter to manage the intense reflections off the clear, mirror-like water.
Plan for a leisurely pace; the pathways are flat and easy to navigate but intended for observation rather than vigorous activity.
Attempting to touch or approach the nesting swans, as they can be territorial.
The park is generally open daily, but may have reduced access during the winter months or periods of heavy rainfall.
Maintain a quiet volume to respect the local wildlife and other visitors; do not feed the swans human food.
