Popoli between cultural history, landscapes and cycling routes

Popoli combines historical evidence with the Santa Scolastica plain and two cycling routes. The town is designated as a historically evolved settlement core within the landscape unit of Norcia. Latin inscriptions, a Hellenistic necropolis, the San Pietro cultural heritage site and the connection to the Cammino di San Benedetto offer travellers a range of cultural points of reference. In addition, there are two cycling routes that place Popoli on different route itineraries.

Historical traces in Popoli

The antiquity of Popoli is evidenced by Latin inscriptions. A find from 2003 is particularly illustrative: in the Popoli district, a funerary bed dating from the first half of the 1st century BC was found in a chamber tomb. It was decorated with 20 terracotta appliqués depicting Hecate, a standing female figure, Erotes and a male head.

The Hellenistic necropolis of Popoli is also one of the town’s historical subjects. It yielded rich grave goods. The grave goods from the necropolis date from the period between the end of the 3rd and the 1st century BC. In addition, San Pietro in Popoli is designated as a cultural heritage site of particular historical and cultural interest. For those interested in culture, this creates a picture that brings together archaeological evidence, inscriptions and a designated sacred building.

Surrounding landscape

The Santa Scolastica plain is a fertile, gently sloping area at an elevation of 750 to 580 m and forms the bed of a former lake in the Norcia Basin.

The wider regional surroundings of Popoli include Rocca di Arquata Castle, Monte Utero, Monte Patino, Monte delle Rose, Monte Guaidone, the Chiostro di San Francesco Palace, the Chiostro di San Pietro Palace and Castel di Luco Castle. The regional perspective thus extends from castles and palaces to several mountain peaks, without grouping these places into a single town centre.

Popoli on different cycling routes

The Loop B11 cycling circuit runs via Norcia, Popoli, Nottoria, San Pellegrino and Ponte di Santa Croce before returning to Norcia. Its route places Popoli on a circuit that begins in Norcia and returns there.

The longer Bici&Grill mountain bike route runs through the districts of Popoli, Piediripa, Nottoria, Paganelli and San Pellegrino. It also follows 7 km of gravel track along the former Spoleto–Norcia railway line and then continues along a path through the districts of Popoli and Piediripa.

Pilgrimage connection and personal travel planning

In Popoli, a sign instructs pilgrims on the Cammino di San Benedetto to continue straight ahead. 65 steps to the left is a spring called Acqua Santa di Popoli.

More places for your travel planning

Discover more destinations: Campi, Ripaioli, Trevi, Panicarola, Chiugiana-La Commenda, Citta Della Pieve, Mercatello and Fratticiola Selvatica.

For the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.