While staying in Pievebovigliana, our friends took us to the Sibillini Mountains National Park – Parco Nazionale dei MontiSibillini
Monti Sibillini are a mountain group and are part of the central Apennines, situated between eastern Umbria and Le Marche encompassing the provinces of Macerata, Fermo, Ascoli Piceno and Perugia
The area is paradise for anyone interested in outdoor activities and wildlife. Walking trails crisscross the area. Rifugi (mountain huts) welcome hikers every few kilometres with a restaurant and a warm bed (most open summer only; maps are available at local tourist offices).
There’s a good driving-circle around the mountains, which you can easily reach from Norcia (in Umbria) or Ascoli Piceno, Macerata or Ancona.
Our first stop was Cascia where we visited the beautiful Shrine to Santa Rita.
Then it was coffee and some shopping in some of the many stores offering gifts, souvenirs, clothes, foods and much much more.
Then we drove to Rocco Piceno, where we walked up to the church at the top of the mountain.
We then drove on to Norcia, simply gorgeous. You could easily spend a full day or stay over in Norcia.
We ate the best pasta in one of the many restaurants.
Then watched Medieval festivities in the main piazza.
Norcia is known for its air and scenery, and is a base for mountaineering and hiking. It is also widely known for hunting, especially of the wild boar (cinghiale), and for sausages and ham made from wild boar and pork, to the point that Norcia has given its name to such products: in Italian, norcineria.
From there we drove over more mountains to Castellucio. A very quaint village needing a little attention.
Then we returned to Varnelli’s bar for a wine or gelato to recap the great day that we all had.
Lovely shots of this area of Italy. Loved the trees planted in the map of Italy.
It looks so quaint and parochial. The mountains look very picturesque in this area.
We did not get to Perugia when visiting Italy.
Thanx Gail. I always appreciate your feed back. It truly is a lovely area. I have also been there when it was quite cold and I loved it
Very very beautiful! Thank you!
Thanx Roberto It truly is a beautiful area
Hi Lyn,
You hit on quite a few places we don’t know yet as well as some we visit regularly. Norcia is one of our favorites, as is Castellucio. You said the lattter needed work and they have in fact been doing a lot to improve the walkways around the ancient houses. Let’s just hope they don’t lose the character in the process.
Hi Debbie Great to hear from you. I have been up to the area a couple of times and just love it especially Norcia. We sure did fit in a lot in 1 day
What a wonderful post, I have not been to this area but after seeing your wonderful photos will put it on my map for future visits. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful time there.
I remember Norcia! The scenery was amazing and I loved the little shops with the vast array of cold meats on display. It was a wonderful day out..
I cant believe how many great pictures you took. It just makes you want to go back for another trip. JD.
Hi. Thanx. Its easy to have great photos when the subject is so good
Stunning photos – gorgeous views. Kay
Thanx Kay
great area to visit, looks so inviting, I’ve only seen these names on Italy’s map, but never been myself to this region
I really enjoy and prefer to stay in the regional areas. The cities are great ti vusit
Another wonderful Italian destination to put on our list of places to explore, not quite sure how we’ll fit in everything – will just have to keep returning to Italy :-)
Yes i know what you mean. Can you ever get enough of Italy. I do not think so
Lovely to see this beautiful area of Italy again. I don’t get down there very often from Veneto but I know it’s very special. Glad to have found your blog! Ciao Catherine
How lovely = living in Veneto. I am also glad you found my blog ciao Lyn
OMG! That Italy map on the mountain is my dream place to see. Did you stay only in Pievebovigliana or here too?
The first time I stayed for a month in Castelraimondo and then the following year I stayed for a month in Pievebovigliano. Then the following year I had another 2 weeks in Castelraimondo. I visited the surrounding areas many times. I was living the dream. Mind you I lived the dream again last year in Bagni di Lucca On 09/09/2015 6:41 PM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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I will check Castelraimondo tonight after work :D So happy you lived the dream. !
Thanks Ishita. I hope to do it again soon