Norcia

Piazza San Benedetto in Norcia, the city main square

Flowering in the Pian Grande of Castelluccio di Norcia

Norcia is a town in the province of Perugia, in southeastern Umbria. Unlike many ancient towns, it is located in a wide plain abutting the Monti Sibillini, a subrange of the Apennines with some of its highest peaks, near the Sordo River, a small stream that eventually flows into the Nera. The town is popularly associated with the Valnerina (the valley of that river). The area is known for its air and scenery, and is a base for mountaineering and hiking. It is also widely known for hunting, especially of the wild boar, and for sausages and ham made from wild boar and pork. Such products have been named after Norcia; in Italian, they are called "norcineria".

Umbria Highlights

Conversations

Meet the Enterprising Young Falconer in Umbria Who Can’t Be Pigeonholed

Italy’s pigeon problem is for the birds. Some say hiring a falconer like Leonardo Sciarra is the answer.

Inspired Stays

Sina Brufani: Perugia’s Undisputed Grande Dame

There are some fabulous hotels and agriturismi in the countryside surrounding Perugia, but the Sina Brufani, which turns 140 this year, is the five-star standout of the historic city.

Conversations

Loretta Lovisa Talks Orvieto Lace and Her Spin on Fendi’s “It” Bag

Traditional Orvieto lace artisan Loretta Lovisa was recently tapped to create a locally inspired iteration of the luxury brand Fendi’s famous Baguette.

Italy in Brief

Basilica di San Benedetto under construction in 2020

7 Years Post-Earthquake, Norcia’s Iconic Local Basilica Holds First Mass Since 2016

Exactly seven years after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck central Italy, the Basilica di San Benedetto in Norcia, a small Umbrian town near the epicenter, held its first mass since the disaster.

Travel

Where to Find (Some) of the Most Beautiful Mosaics in Italy

With a major six-year restoration of the Florence Baptistery's dome mosaics now underway, we’ve rounded up some other standout mosaic cycles around Italy to mark the occasion.

What you can't miss in Umbria

Where is Norcia

Top Experiences in Umbria

Best places to stay in Umbria

House for Rent

Exclusive villa-holiday rentals in Umbria - Great value

Umbria, Perugia Province, Perugia

Bed and Breakfast

GENIUS LOCI COUNTRY INN

Bevagna

Agriturismo

Agriturismo L'Ariete

Montone

Properties for sale in Umbria

Country Home - Restored in Castiglione del Lago

1950000

Country Home - Restored in Citta della Pieve

1790000

Country Home - Restored in Magione

570000

Apartment in Panicale

3500000

Country Home - To Restore in Gualdo Cattaneo

780000

Country Home - To Restore in Castel Viscardo

650000

Country Home - Restored in Castiglione del Lago

2200000

Country Home - Restored in Citta della Pieve

1700000

Recipes From Umbria

Recipes

Lumachine alla Schegginese: Trout Pasta From Rural Umbria

This dish is a specialty of the tiny hill town of Scheggino in Umbria, known for its delicious freshwater trout.

Recipes

Brustengolo: Apple Nut Polenta Cake

This not-too-sweet autumn treat from Umbria is packed with fruit, nuts and zesty flavor.

Recipes

Ciaramicola: Easter Lemon-Spice Cake for Lovers

Ciaramicola, a lemon spice cake, covered with meringue and topped with sprinkles, is a classic Easter cake from the Perugia province of Umbria. It is customary for a woman to give one to her lover or fiancé on Easter morning as a symbol of her affection.

Recipes

Scafata - Fava Bean Stew

Our food writer Cindy Swain shares her best recipe for the tasty scafata, a bean dish made with fava beans, swiss chard and onion.

Recipes

Zuppa di Vongole e Fagioli (Clam Stew with Beans)

This week Amy Gulick shares a recipe that takes inspiration from the classic 'vongole'(clam) dish from the Campagnia region. A hearty clam soup with beans that will make anyone's mouth water.

What others are saying about Umbria

@deana.pitt asks:

Hi, I'm looking for some accurate information regarding the bus from Orvieto to Bagnoregio. I've tried the Cotral website, but the search never works for me. I found an typed schedule from a blog, but have no idea if it is still current or accurate.

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@Lisa DeNunzio asks:

Ciao tutti. We have a home in Umbria, and I would like to know if you need solar energy to operate your pool? We do not have a heated pool and are not interested in installing solar panels due to the cost. Currently we have 4 solar panels and 6 batteries that have been there since we purchased

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@lynn.petrelli asks:

I am trying to find my Italian roots. I have documents for my grandfather but I want to find his parents and grandparents.

I have names in my grandmother's line but I need help to validate my findings. What sources can I use while I am in Italy.

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