Do you know Umbria, the heart of Italy?
It’s so beautiful and it deserves to be explored. I want to introduce you two small villages of this particular region: Norcia and Castelluccio.
NORCIA
It’s in the south-west, near the Marche region, on Monti Sibillini. The “norcinerie” were born here: small delicatessen with local products such as meats, cheeses, truffles, olive oil, wine, vegetables. The main street of the village smells of these delicacies: shop after shop, taste after taste you’ll arrive to the main square and to the principal church.
Norcia, the main square
PHOTO CREDITS: SILVIA CARTOTTO
Some tips for your meals
Cantina de Norsia, for example, is a typical tavern with wooden furniture and a simple menu: I suggest you to try the farecchiata (sliced polenta toasted in a pan), with anchovies, then the cheese pie, the soup with lentil and sausage. If you have time and are very hungry, don’t miss the soup with dumplings, chick peas and sausage. And the price is good: a highly recommended restaurant!
I would like to recommend you also some good shopping: buy some truffle salami and strangozzi, a type of pasta, but remember to avoid central areas. The best shopping is always in the shops far from the center.
Norcineria in Norcia, Umbria
PHOTO CREDITS: SILVIA CARTOTTO
CASTELLUCCIO
We are at about 30 km from Norcia, so near to the Marche region and on Monti Sibillini. Castelluccio is located on a hill near an expanse of cultivation’s fields: the landscape is wonderful during the spring. In this area the famous “Castelluccio lentil IGP” is in fact cultivated and the colours of the fields are unique.
Castelluccio, Umbria
PHOTO CREDITS: SILVIA CARTOTTO
Along the street that brings you to the top of village, you’ll be able to find a very nice thing: Italy made by firs, on the hill on the left of the road. I don’t know who has planted them there, but I think that is very pretty. Don’t you think?
Italy made by firs in Castelluccio
PHOTO CREDITS: SILVIA CARTOTTO
A suggestive landscape
Castelluccio is a quite desolate village, I know: but I think that you should go there also for its exclusive and suggestive landscape. The plain is immense and you’ll feel in another world, trust me: maybe winter is not the perfect season to visit it, but in spring the fields and all the flowers are amazing!
If you’re looking for an hotel, Palazzo Seneca Maison and Gourmet, located in Norcia, is perfect to visit this area of Umbria: a special place to stay in the heart of Italy.
