An immersive experience in the green heart of Umbria, this trekking will lead you to the discovery of places imbued with history and spirituality, crossing landscapes of rare beauty. The excursion unfolds between ancient hermitages set in nature, testimonies of a contemplative life that merges with the majesty of the surrounding area. The route also offers the opportunity to get to know the tradition of Norcineria, local gastronomic excellence, and to admire the suggestive plain of Campi di Norcia, with its changing colors.
Information on the path
The path, designed for adults, develops on a variable distance between 12 and 15 kilometers, adaptable according to the specific activities planned and the weather conditions. The difference in height oscillates between 400 and 700 meters, making the excursion suitable for those who have good physical preparation and love to walk. Along the path, there is the possibility of making a refreshment break at a characteristic restaurant, an opportunity to savor the typical products of the area (parking is not mandatory, but highly recommended to enrich the experience).
The excursion is mainly designed for an adult audience, eager to combine the love for trekking with the discovery of the local cultural and gastronomic heritage. Children can participate only if they are already used to walking similar distances and with significant differences in height; The recommended minimum age is 11 years old, to ensure that they can fully enjoy the experience without excessive fatigue.
Destination of the walk
The beating heart of this itinerary is the Abbey of Sant’Eutizio, a monastic complex of great charm and historical importance. This sacred place, immersed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, represents a fundamental step to understand the deep spirituality that animates these places. A visit to the abbey offers the opportunity to admire its architecture, rich in history, and to immerse yourself in the silence that has characterized it for centuries.
This trek represents a unique opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and regenerate in contact with nature and history. A path that stimulates the senses, nourishes the spirit and leaves an indelible memory of the beauty and traditions of the most authentic Umbria.
The trekking of the hermitages takes place in the valley of Castoriana, in Norcia. The route is about 6 km long and includes a visit to the hermitages of Madonna della Croce, San Macario and San Fiorenzo.
Hermitage of Our Lady of the Cross
The first hermitage you meet along the way is that of Madonna della Croce. Here the participants could meet Sister Laura. The hermitage is a place of peace and tranquility, surrounded by nature.
Chapel of San Macario
After visiting the hermitage of Madonna della Croce, the trek continues through a mainly wooded path to the Chapel of San Macario. This chapel was built in the thirteenth century and houses the relics of St. Macarius.
Hermitage of San Fiorenzo
This stage is made only with the 15 km route and for this reason with this mode the difference in height increases considerably. It represents the last stop before arriving at the Abbey of Sant’Eutizio. In the Hermitage of San Fiorenzo the participants could continue the hermit Taddeo, who will guide them to discover the hermitage. The hermitage is a place of great charm, with its caves and cells.
The trekking of the hermitages is a unique experience to discover the beauty of nature and the history of this area of Umbria.
Why are we talking about Norcineria?
Along the route of the hermitage trek, the tradition of butchery manifests itself as a local gastronomic excellence, offering the opportunity to taste and discover the authentic flavors of the area during stops.
The term ‘butcher’, originally linked to the processing of pork typical of Norcia, has historically extended to indicate also figures skilled in small surgical operations and in the treatment of some pathologies, creating an unexpected combination between the gastronomic tradition and the first forms of medical practice. We’ll talk about this extensively along the way.
