Norcia and the Castelluccio Lentil Bloom: Guide

Norcia is a small walled town in the mountains of south-eastern Umbria, known for St Benedict, who according to tradition was born here, and for its cured meats and black truffles. Above it, the village of Castelluccio looks over the Piano Grande, a high plain where lentils and wildflowers usually bloom in a patchwork of colour from late June to the first half of July. The area was badly hit by the earthquakes of 2016; Norcia’s rebuilt basilica reopened at the end of October 2025, while reconstruction elsewhere is still under way.

Norcia today

On 30 October 2016, a strong earthquake struck the area, following earlier tremors that summer. In Norcia, the 14th-century Basilica of San Benedetto on the main square collapsed, leaving only its façade standing. Reconstruction of the basilica began at the end of 2021, reusing catalogued stone from the original building and adding modern earthquake protection. The rebuilt church was rededicated and reopened at the end of October 2025, according to the Italian government’s reconstruction office (sisma2016.gov.it).

Other buildings in Norcia and in the surrounding villages are at different stages of repair. Some churches and museums may still be closed or under scaffolding. Check opening details locally before planning your day around a single site.

What to see in Norcia

• Piazza San Benedetto: the main square with the basilica, a statue of St Benedict and the town hall.
• The town walls: Norcia’s walls are almost intact; walk the ring road around them for a sense of the town’s shape.
• Food shops: the town’s norcinerie, butchers’ shops specialising in cured pork, line the streets around the square. The word norcino for a pork butcher in Italian comes from Norcia.
• The surrounding valleys: Norcia sits on a plain ringed by mountains, with quiet roads to hamlets and abbeys nearby.

Castelluccio and the Piano Grande

Castelluccio sits on a hilltop at around 1,450 metres, overlooking the Piano Grande, a wide, treeless upland plain within the Monti Sibillini National Park. Farmers grow Castelluccio lentils here, a protected product. When they bloom, mixed with poppies, cornflowers, mustard and other wild flowers, the plain becomes a mosaic of red, blue, yellow and white.

When to go

The bloom (fioritura) usually starts in late June and peaks into the first half of July. The exact timing changes with the weather; follow local updates. Early mornings and evenings bring the best light and fewer people.

Access during the bloom

In 2026, the municipality ran shuttle buses on the busiest weekends at the end of June and in early July, banned parking for cars in Castelluccio on those days and directed visitors to car parks outside the village. On weekdays, access stayed open, but parking or stopping on the fields was not allowed. Expect similar rules in future years and check announcements on the Municipality of Norcia website before travelling.

Please respect the fields: the lentils are a farmers’ crop. Walk only on paths and field edges, and do not pick flowers.

The village

Castelluccio itself was badly damaged in 2016, and reconstruction is a long process. Some food stands, restaurants and shops have operated from temporary buildings. Facilities can be limited outside the bloom season.

Walking and outdoor activities

The Monti Sibillini offer walks for all levels, from easy strolls on the plain to demanding mountain routes towards Monte Vettore. The plain is also popular for paragliding.

• Weather changes quickly in the mountains, even in summer. Bring layers, water and sun protection.
• Paths can be closed after earthquakes, landslides or storms. Check with the national park or local guides.
• Mobile reception is patchy in places.
• For serious routes, consider a local mountain guide.

Food

Norcia’s cooking is mountain food. Look for:

• Prosciutto di Norcia and other cured meats;
• black truffle, shaved over pasta or eggs in season;
• lentil soup made with Castelluccio lentils;
• pecorino and ricotta from the mountain pastures.

Norcia holds a black truffle fair in late winter. For more, read our guides to truffles and olive oil and what to eat in Umbria.

Getting there

By car: the most practical option. From Spoleto, the road east climbs through tunnels into the Valnerina and on to Norcia; from Norcia, a mountain road climbs to Castelluccio. In winter, snow and ice are possible on the higher roads.

By bus: buses link Norcia with Spoleto and other towns, but services are limited; Castelluccio has very little public transport.

Where to stay

Norcia has hotels, agriturismi and guesthouses, some newly rebuilt. During the bloom, book early. A night in Norcia lets you reach Castelluccio at sunrise, the calmest time on the plain.

Plan further

Norcia is often combined with Spoleto, linked by the Valnerina road. For a week’s route through Umbria, see our seven-day itinerary.