Castelluccio
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 4 February 2022
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The village of Castelluccio is one of the most extraordinary places not only in Umbria, but the whole of Italy itself.
Otherwise known as Castelluccio di Norcia (the town of Norcia itself is around 30 kilometres away) to distinguish it from many other villages of the same name, it's situated within the Province of Perugia and rises to an elevation of 1,452 metres above sea level. What is remarkable about Castelluccio however, is the incredible display of colour that occurs on the plains next to the village. |
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A combination of poppies, rapeseed and lentils create a kaleidoscopic effect that stretches out as far as the eye can see across the beautiful plains of the Piano Grande just below the village. Even though the plains themselves are beautiful all year round, most people are attracted by those vibrant colours and you have to get it right to see the area in full bloom.
Generally-speaking, this occurs around the end of June or the beginning of July, but there is no hard and fast rule around this. To be fully prepared, it's often a good idea to find the number of a friendly hotel or shopkeeper in the area who can advise on the very latest situation on the plains. They'll be able to advise you whether or not the bloom has started and when it's likely to be in full flourish.
Another important aspect of Castelluccio is that the village itself suffered severe damage from a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in 2016 and 2017. The village is very small with no more than 120 residents but you can still see the effects of the earthquake on the village centre. However, from a personal point of view, my main take away from visiting Castelluccio was the character and resilience of the people who have managed to bounce back from the earthquake and slowly rebuild their lives. Among their endeavours are the continuation of the production of lentils that not only help to create those magical colours, but that are renowned throughout Italy as being of the very highest quality.
At the edge of the village there are a number of vendors selling the lentils alongside other local produce such as salami and truffles. Due to the devastation of the earthquake, there is little in the village itself to hold your attention but on the road that leads up to it there's a complex of shops and restaurants that afford wonderful views across the plains.
Without question, the best way to reach Castelluccio is by road. Once you reach the town of Norcia, you steadily climb the mountain roads and can enjoy one of the prettiest driving routes in Italy. Continue north from Castelluccio and you arrive at the equally-spectacular Monti Sibillini National Park, or if you double-back then head east, you can cross into the neighbouring region of Marche.
Generally-speaking, this occurs around the end of June or the beginning of July, but there is no hard and fast rule around this. To be fully prepared, it's often a good idea to find the number of a friendly hotel or shopkeeper in the area who can advise on the very latest situation on the plains. They'll be able to advise you whether or not the bloom has started and when it's likely to be in full flourish.
Another important aspect of Castelluccio is that the village itself suffered severe damage from a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in 2016 and 2017. The village is very small with no more than 120 residents but you can still see the effects of the earthquake on the village centre. However, from a personal point of view, my main take away from visiting Castelluccio was the character and resilience of the people who have managed to bounce back from the earthquake and slowly rebuild their lives. Among their endeavours are the continuation of the production of lentils that not only help to create those magical colours, but that are renowned throughout Italy as being of the very highest quality.
At the edge of the village there are a number of vendors selling the lentils alongside other local produce such as salami and truffles. Due to the devastation of the earthquake, there is little in the village itself to hold your attention but on the road that leads up to it there's a complex of shops and restaurants that afford wonderful views across the plains.
Without question, the best way to reach Castelluccio is by road. Once you reach the town of Norcia, you steadily climb the mountain roads and can enjoy one of the prettiest driving routes in Italy. Continue north from Castelluccio and you arrive at the equally-spectacular Monti Sibillini National Park, or if you double-back then head east, you can cross into the neighbouring region of Marche.
Castelluccio - frazione di Norcia
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Comune: Norcia
Province: Perugia Region: Umbria Elevation: 1,452 metres Highlights: Piano Grande - multi-coloured fields, lentils Close by: Monti Sibillini National Park, Preci, Cascia, Ascoli Piceno Recommended stay: Relais & Chateaux Palazzo Seneca (26 km) |
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