| The Italian region of eastern Umbria is an exotic mix of | | | | architectural pride is the great Gothic-style church that |
| flora and fauna, cured meat delicacies, and a beautiful, | | | | is named after St. Benedict. It is the focal point of the |
| Gothic-style St. Benedict church. Eastern Umbria is | | | | piazza at the core of the city that bears this name. |
| known as the land of Saints and Salamis. | | | | Due to multiple earthquakes, the church retains only |
| The official capital city of Umbria is Perugia, however | | | | some of its original exterior façade, but careful |
| the walled city of Norcia enjoys the reputation of being | | | | restoration has made sure that the cross-shaped |
| the culinary capital of the region. In the area's untamed | | | | building, with its polygonal apsis and beautiful ogival |
| and mountainous east, beneath the well-known | | | | portal, has kept its awesome frescoes and paintings. |
| Appennines, the forests give shelter to game birds; its | | | | These harken back to the 16th and 17th centuries. |
| rivers are well-stocked with trout; and, the pork and | | | | Underneath the cathedral lie the supposed remains of |
| truffles are the best in the world. | | | | the saint's home-place. The Church of St. Augustine |
| The Norcinerie | | | | dates back to the 1300s. Inside you will find a fresco |
| Norcia is well-known for its grocery stores, most | | | | depicting the Holy Mother and Child. The one-time |
| especially the pork butcher shops (norcinerie), which still | | | | fortress Castellina currently houses the Municipal |
| stay true to centuries-old practices in killing and | | | | Diocesan Museum and also dates back to the |
| butchering the pigs. These practices date back to the | | | | Renaissance era. |
| Middle Ages. In the markets, you'll find pork items like | | | | Pastoral Settings and Pristine Nature |
| prosciutto ham, pancetta bacon, as well as innumerable | | | | Around Norcia, you'll find paths for trekking among the |
| salami and sausage varieties. | | | | verdant Umbrian ranges. Begin by walking from the |
| The shop interiors are awe-inspiring! Watch out for the | | | | town of Serravalle, which is close-by, after taking in the |
| stuffed boar's head, hunks of prosciutti hanging from | | | | feel of Italian country life by roaming the narrow |
| hooks, shelves full of salami, and the scent of mounds | | | | pathways of this postcard-perfect village. Springtime |
| of cheeses wafting through the air. At ground level, | | | | offers the sight of fields full of glorious floral displays on |
| you'll see sacks of locally-grown legume varieties like | | | | the Plain of Castelluccio. |
| black-eyed peas and pale cannelloni. To sample the | | | | At the Parco Nazionale Monti Sibillini, located close to |
| finest of lentils, request "lenticchia de Castelluccio di | | | | the village of Visso, the walking path meanders through |
| Norcia". | | | | the woods of the Apennine mountains as you climb |
| Mix and match any of these delicious items for an | | | | through the Valle di Visso, then proceed back down |
| impromptu snack that you can prepare using popular | | | | into the valley of Preci. Another favourite walk takes |
| panini breads. Norcia is also famous for its truffles. | | | | you to one of Europe's highest plateaus, the Piano |
| They are a mainstay of menu items, and you can | | | | Grande, with sits amidst many mountains, including the |
| bring home the taste in a bottled version. Delectable | | | | 2400m Monte Vettore. For hundreds of years the |
| truffle-based sauces may serve as a pasta sauce | | | | Castelluccio farmers have planted their fields to |
| component in combination with anchovies, garlic, and | | | | produce the special lentils found in Norcia's specialty |
| olive oil. | | | | grocery stores. |
| Cathedrals and So Much More! | | | | Your trip to eastern Umbria will create lasting |
| Norcia is home to Saint Benedict, founder of the | | | | memories. If your quest is for Saints, Salamis or pristine |
| Benedictines, an order of monks. The city's inspiring | | | | Scenery, you are sure to be pleased. |