Introduction
Besides being departure point for Valnerina and Monti Sibillini, and boasting many churches and museums, Norcia’s main attraction is its food. Wild boar, lentils, cheese, ham, prosciutto, chocolate, farro, mushroom and black truffles. Hunting truffles has become an art and a tourist tour. Since the Roman times Norcia has based its diet on pork as a food source and specialized on the different varieties of this meat. Norcia is recognized around the country for being the main centre for pork products and is famed for being the home city of the patron saint of Europe, Saint Benedict.
The city sits mostly on plain, Buses arrive at Porta Massari (Porta Ascolana). Most of its streets are pedestrian but you will find parking outside the walls and close to Porta Massari.
What to See and Do
Norcia was the birthplace of the patron saint of Europe, and the basilica erected in his honour, the Basilica di San Benedetto, is on the piazza of the same name. It has the shape of a Latin cross, a many-sided apse, a 14th century bell tower and frescoes by Michelangelo Carducci inhabitant of the town. Among the frescoes is the Resurrezione di Lazaro and San Benedetto e Totila done by Filippo Napoletano. Twice a day on Sundays the Benedictine monks captivate the audience with their chants.
The Museo della Castellina Civico e Diocesano, located on the same square, displays a few Roman historical objects and local art. Its entrance ticket gives you access to the Roman crypt of Porta Ascolana which is the vestiges of a little Roman necropolis.
By the museum is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Argentea erected in the 16th century. The building underwent modifications in the 18th century. However, it has kept its original doors. Its interiors are embellished by pieces of art by Flemish artists.
On the same piazza the Palazzo Comunale has a part which was built in the 14th century and others in the 18th century. The Teatro Civico is an example of fine arts construction erected in 1872 and reconstructed in 1952 by inhabitants of Norcia as a fire had badly damaged it. More performances are offered at the Auditorium di San Francesco on Via Renzi.
The Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero is held at the end of February and beginning of March. Throughout the mostra sellers flock to Norcia and let visitors sample the best Italian cuisine.
Casa del Parco provides travellers with information about Monti Sibillini, tours with guide, means of transport, strolling maps and summer excursions. To Monti Sibillini they offer a tour with guide in English.
Where (and What ) to Eat
Norcineria is a word that has spread in Italy meaning butchers. In Norcia, from where the word originates, norcinerias also specialize on selling dried meats. Other typical food of this food centre are cinghiale, lentils, and pecorino cheese.
Ristorante Granaro del Monte is a famed restaurant in the area which has been serving excellent food for one century and a half. The warm fireplace that heats the huge dining rooms inside is prefect for freezing winters and in the summer there is an open air dining area. You should definitely try the house speciality: the veal dish covered with butter, black truffles and red wine.
Go to Ristorante Albergo Benito to savour local meat and truffles.
Norcia overflows with shops offering pork products which come in different varieties.
Norciafood sends its products to any corner of the globe and sells all varieties of pork products in its large shop.
Brancaleone da Norcia also ships its products which include pork in all its varieties and local products such as lentils and jam.
Chocolateria Vetusta Nursia is located 1 kilometre from Norcia on the way to Castelluccio. Here you can purchase any well priced local products except meat. And you are offered samples of its products. They also have another shop in Norcia on Via Mazzini; however, its prices are higher.
How to Get to/away
BY BUS: near Porta Ascolana is the bus stop. From Spoleto (length: 1 hour, services: 5 a day), from Perugia (length: 2 hours, services: 1 a day), to Castelluccio (length: 40 minutes, services:2 on Thursday only with day return).
BY TRAIN: the Spoleto railway station is the nearest one to Norcia.
