Norcia

Norcia is a small mountain town in eastern Umbria, famed across Italy for its exceptional pork butchers (norcini) and black truffles. It is also the birthplace of Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism.

Things to do

• Shop the salumerie on Piazza San Benedetto — Browse world-famous cured meats and truffle products at the butcher shops around the central square.
• Visit the Basilica of San Benedetto — The Gothic church marks the birthplace of Saint Benedict, an important site of pilgrimage.
• Explore the Castellina fortress — The central fortress now houses a museum on the 2016 earthquake and local heritage.
• Hike in the Sibillini Mountains National Park — Norcia is the main gateway to stunning mountain trails and the Piano Grande plateau.
• Attend the Nero Norcia Truffle Festival — Held in February, this festival celebrates the prized black truffle with tastings and markets.

Food to try

• Mazzafegato — A traditional pork liver sausage spiced with pine nuts, raisins, and orange peel — a Norcia specialty.
• Prosciutto di Norcia IGP — Protected-origin cured ham with a deep, complex flavor, aged in mountain air.
• Lenticchie di Castelluccio — Tiny, flavorful lentils grown on the Piano Grande plateau, often served as a simple soup.
• Truffled Scrambled Eggs — Fresh eggs cooked simply with shaved black truffle — the local way to taste truffle at its best.

Local customs & good to know

• Earthquake damage is visible — The 2016 earthquake severely damaged Norcia — show respect for ongoing reconstruction efforts.
• Buy truffle products from reputable shops — Avoid cheap truffle oil — look for fresh or freeze-dried truffle sold by certified local producers.
• Norcia closes early — This is a small mountain town; most restaurants and shops close by 9pm, so plan meals early.