Norcia between mountains, history and culinary delights

Norcia lies in the heart of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini. In the surrounding area, the mountains rise to more than 2,000 metres – a setting for a journey that brings together nature, history and regional cuisine. Norcia inApp guides visitors through the historic centre along three themed itineraries focusing on the town’s historical, artistic and spiritual heritage.

Nature, outdoor activities and winter trails

The Sentiero Natura di Norcia is a 4.5-kilometre tourist hiking trail. The route is designed to take approximately two and a half hours; its main themes are archaeology and history. In this way, the trail combines physical activity with a closer look at the area’s past.

Norcia also offers a range of cycling opportunities. Mountain-bike routes are available for all levels of difficulty, from easy paths along the former Spoleto–Norcia railway line to more technically demanding routes through the valleys. Bicycles and equipment can be hired. In winter, activities in Norcia include snowshoe hikes through forests and valleys, guided excursions along snow-covered trails and panoramic walks.

History in squares, at gates and in exhibitions

La Castellina stands on the western side of Piazza San Benedetto. The Renaissance fortress was later used first as a residence, then as the seat of the town administration and finally as the Museo Civico e Diocesano. The museum was established after adaptation works completed in 1979.

The Porta Ascolana is home to a permanent archaeological exhibition in a building incorporating the remains of a Roman cryptoporticus in the southern part of Norcia. It documents a hut settlement dating from the 9th to the 8th century BC, as well as a necropolis from the 6th to the 3rd century BC. The Portico delle Misure, attached to the Basilica di San Benedetto, was built from 1570 by the town and ecclesiastical authorities as a covered grain market. Nine stone measuring vessels have been preserved there, some still with metal spatulas attached to the wall.

The historic townscape also includes the medieval town walls with their towers and gates. Along the circuit of the walls, they remain fully preserved in their characteristic heart shape. The Complesso di San Francesco, dating from the 14th century, now houses the auditorium, the town library and the historical archive. This archive preserves valuable records of Norcia and the surrounding area dating back to the 13th century. It contains more than 12,000 items dating from the 13th century to the 1960s.

Churches and distinctive buildings

The Church of San Giovanni is one of the oldest churches in Norcia. Its surviving features include a wooden ceiling and the Renaissance altar Della Madonna della Palla from 1469, a work by Giovanni Dalmata. The Oratorio di Sant'Agostinuccio has a richly gilded and painted 16th-century ceiling, as well as wooden choir stalls for members of the brotherhood.

The Church of Sant'Agostino features a Gothic main portal from the 14th century. Above it is a 16th-century fresco depicting Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, the Madonna with the blessing Christ Child and Saint Augustine. The Tempietto, formerly known as “la màina”, is considered the most original and best-preserved building in Norcia. In 1354, Vanni della Tuccia decorated it with zoomorphic, anthropomorphic, geometric, symbolic and esoteric low-relief carvings.

Almost ten years after the 2016 earthquake, Norcia’s Teatro Civico was returned to the town.

Norcineria and black truffles

Norcia’s culinary identity is closely linked to Prosciutto di Norcia IGP. This renowned product belongs to a Norcineria tradition rooted in Norcia for centuries, referring to the traditional processing of pork. Another characteristic product is the black truffle, Tuber melanosporum Vittadini. It is regarded as one of the most authentic symbols of Norcia and grows wild in oak, holm oak, Turkey oak and hazel forests on well-drained calcareous soils.

Getting to Norcia

The nearest railway station to Norcia is in Spoleto. The Norcia Link bus service connects the station with the centre of Norcia in approximately one hour.

More destinations for planning your trip: Parlesca, Perugia, Pietralunga, Scheggia E Pascelupo, Grutti, Colfiorito, Ponticelli, Strettura.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.