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La Valnerina

This is most probably the most magical and secret part of Umbria, unknown to many tourists and only a few minutes by coach from Spoleto. It's a narrow and steep valley covered by thick forests. At the bottom of the valley runs the river Nera which is sided by small typical medieval towns and beautiful ancient abbies. Its artistic and architectural importance is just as famous as its environmental one, in fact, each individual town maintains its original medieval structure and here can be found old roman churches like in the towns of Vallo di Nera, Castel San Felice and Ponte.

Uno scorcio di Vallo di Nera

Abbazia di Sant'eutizio

Equally important and worthy of a visit are the Abbazia di San Pietro in Valle ( Abbey of Saint Peter in Valley) particularly important during the Longobarda Era, and the Abbazia di Sant' Eutizio (Abbey of Saint Eutizio) home to one of the first surgical schools of Italy before the turning of the first millennium. Easily accessible from Valnerina are such other beautiful places like Norcia, Castelluccio and the National Park of Sibillini.

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NORCIA

Norcia: Il Comune e la chiesa di S. Benedetto	It is known as the gastronomic capital of Italy due to the local production of certified delicatessen, cheeses and also for its specialty: black truffles. However, Norcia is also famous for being the city of San Benedetto ( Saint Benedict) the Patron Saint of Europe, and for being the most important town inside the National Park of the Mounts Sibillini. Located on an elevated plain sorrounded by mountains, Norcia is 40 minutes by coach from Spoleto. Although a medieval town, Norcia's origins are ancient and very likely date back to Etrurian times. Monuments to see are: the Gothic Basilica di San Benedetto (Basilique of Saint Benedict), the Basilica di Santa Scolastica, the Fortress of La Castellina and the townhall.
Norcia's art of making delicatessen, in Italian "norcineria", is probably one of the oldest in Italy. Tastings of the Prosciutto (raw ham), salsicce (Italian style sausages) and other delicatessen made from wild boar meat cannot be missed. From the forests sorrounding the city come the tasty black truffles, a rarety, a specialty and also one of the basic ingredients for many Italian dishes.	Norcia: una famosa e antica "norcineraria" nel centro storico
Nearby Norcia there is Cascia mostly famous for Saint Rita to whom the Basilique is dedicated. Cascia is also very famous for its pecorino, cheese made from sheep's milk.

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MONTE SIBILLINI E CASTELLUCCIO

The plain of Castelluccio is one of the most beautiful Italian natural areas. The plain is of Carsica time origin and is sorrounded by the mountains of the Sibillini National Park, it is located at 1400m above sea level and it is a plain of about 20 square metres in extension. The plain is herded by sheep which milk gives the delicious cheeses and dairy products of the Umbria region.

Pecore al pascolo nel Piano di Castelluccio

Also, on thisvery plain, the lentils of Castelluccio are grown, these, known to be the most delicious in Italy. In the summer the plain is a beautiful spot where the small town on top of the mountain can be admired and also a place to enjoying the colourful fields, covered in flowers. Next to the town there is Mount Vettore (2248 m), the highest peak of the park, where tourists can enjoy daily trips and hikes, here just like on all the other mountains. In the winter, on the Mountains nearby, the skiing resort of Forca Canipine hosts a very pleasant skiing season. Wild animals such as the gray wolf and hawks can be seen in the National Park.

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TERNI E CASCATA DELLE MARMORE

La Cascata delle Marmore

The industrial city of terni is a joyful and lively city centre only 20 minutes away from Spoleto by train. Terni is the worldly capital of lovers for Saint Valentine lived in this very city around the III century and Valentine's Day is a particularly important and strongly celebrated day for, Saint Valentine, is also the Patron Saint of the city. Terni is well renowned for its bakeries and the creativity of its aritsans in baking the most unusual pastries of the region. Not to miss when visiting Terni is the waterfall of the Marmore, created in Roman Time by veering the course of the river Velino thus creating the Highest waterfall of Italy.

Also around that area the Lake Piediluco is worthy of a visit. Nearby the waterfall it is possible to practice rafting on the River Nera.

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