In South-east Umbria, very close to the Tuscany border, is the gastronomic town of Norcia! This picturesque location is the perfect spot to travel to for a day trip. Located in the province of Perugia and close to Valerina, Norcia is also well known for its local hiking and mountaineering trails. Book into a villa rental in Umbria where you can relax in scenic surroundings and explore the surrounding towns and places of interest at your ease.
Wild boar roam here and although are quite heavily hunted, some are especially trained to hunt for the elusive black truffles that grow in old forests in the area. Taste the sublime flavours of cured pork cuts and ham that are produced in Norcia by true artisan customs. This famous pork producing town has earned itself the nickname of being the pork capital of Italy!
Wild boar roam here and although are quite heavily hunted, some are especially trained to hunt for the elusive black truffles that grow in old forests in the area. Taste the sublime flavours of cured pork cuts and ham that are produced in Norcia by true artisan customs. This famous pork producing town has earned itself the nickname of being the pork capital of Italy!
Between the months of January and April every year, a popular truffle festival takes place where tourists can taste this exquisite and expensive food in local dishes. Other sublime treats you can enjoy during this time is the local home-made pistachio ice-cream and other local Slow Foods.
There’s evidence of human settlements here dating as far back as the Neolithic Age. Norcia is also said to be the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine monastic brotherhood. Visit the old historic centre which boasts of a beautiful basilica built in honour of the saint.
There’s evidence of human settlements here dating as far back as the Neolithic Age. Norcia is also said to be the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine monastic brotherhood. Visit the old historic centre which boasts of a beautiful basilica built in honour of the saint.
The historic centre of Norcia is almost flat, which is unusual for towns in Umbria. It’s encased by a splendid huge 14th century wall that somehow managed to survive the wrath of three devastating earthquakes that struck the area over the centuries.
There’s a well preserved fortress still standing in Norcia that was purposely built in the 16th century to be the residence of Papal governors. Today, part of it is the museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts which is well worth a look around in the afternoon.
Come and see the welcoming town of Norcia and get ready to savour some mouth-watering food!
There’s a well preserved fortress still standing in Norcia that was purposely built in the 16th century to be the residence of Papal governors. Today, part of it is the museum of Roman and Medieval artefacts which is well worth a look around in the afternoon.
Come and see the welcoming town of Norcia and get ready to savour some mouth-watering food!
Photo credits
picture 1: Stephen G Graham / CC BY 3.0;
picture 1: Stephen G Graham / CC BY 3.0;