NORCIA
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At 604 m above sea-level, in the most mountainous and picturesque corner of Umbria, Norcia, 4900 inhabitants, is a well-known holiday resort.
Standing in a fertile plain surrounded by the Sibilline mountains, which account for the pleasant climate even during the hottest months, Norcia and the Valnerina are the natural choice of people who want to escape from the stress and noise of big cities and commune with Nature.
We should underline the local tourist and sports facilities, thanks to which Norcia is frequently chosen as the ideal site for pre-season training camps by top sports clubs.
The smooth, beautiful slopes of Castelluccio are perfect for skiing of all kinds, as well as being highly suitable for hang-gliding.
Norcia is often described as "the little capita of the mountain" on account of the excellent hotel facilities, wide choice of services, and thriving economy, largely based on traditional "Norcineria" food products, as well as being a centre for folklore, fairs and frequent musical events.
Without doubt Norcia is a paradise for the gourmet, celebrated far and wide for its pork sausages, black truffles, cheeses and the lentils which are the basic ingredients of the genuine, savoury local cuisine.
Despite an air of nineteenth century neatness, the town bears the marks of a long and colourful history.
The major monuments, the typical town plan, intact city walls, and an abundant richness of art and archives, both ancient and modem, are adequate proofs of a noble past, even if much has been dispersed.
The town was a Sabine stronghold, and the municipality remained extant, though Romanisation has had profound effects. At the beginning of the Middle Ages, the territory around Norcia constituted a province. The name of "Vetusta", which is inscribed on the main city gate, was given to the city by Gregorio Magno, a biographer of the most important inhabitants of the area: SS. Benedict and Scolastica were born here in the 5th century. In earlier times Norcia was renowned as the birthplace of the Republican hero, Q. Sertorio, and the mother of the Emperor Vespasian, Vespasia Polla.
Norcia is European city council, and not without reason, for St. Benedict is the patron saint of the European community.
The local town council is happy to provide any visitor who asks a symbolic document, "Citizenship of Europe".
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