The transition from Antiquity to Medieval times can be well traced with world heritage sites. You start in Split where you get a last peek of Roman culture in Diocletian's Palace. Ravenna comes next and you already start noticing that a major culture shift has taken place. Everything is a lot smaller all the while less worldly and more religious. With the Longobards you complete the transition to the Medieval Age with small and mostly simple churches remaining.

As a short stop over on my way from Assisi to Rome I visited the Basilica San Salvatore in Spoleto. I was really lucky as the chapel is currently (April 2018) closed due to renovations. However for Easter they opened the door so you could take a look. There wasn't all that much to see, though, as it's a fairly plain chapel with simple painted decorations.

A few years before I had been to Santa Giulia museum in Brescia, originally built as a monastery by the Longobards. In comparison I found the site more interesting and accessible. A highlight is the oratory that was added in later centuries. Also, my understanding is that the nearby Roman ruins are also included in the inscribed site.

Getting There

Brescia is conviently located on the major North Italian railwail line running from Torino to Venezia offering easy access to all sites of the Milan and the Veneto hotspots. It's also from here that you can catch the train to Valcamonica.

Spoleto can be reached from Rome on a day trip. It can even be combined with a visit to Assisi on the same day if you manage your time well. From Spoleto there is also a train to Ancona given you access to the sites there (Urbino, San Marino).

While You Are There

Both Brescia and Spoleto host nice old towns and are well worth a visit.