Update: Norcia and the surrounding region suffered catastrophic earthquake damage in Spring 2016 and has not yet recovered.
Norcia was founded by the Sabines as early as 1300 BC, but later came under the control of Rome. The city’s greatest claim to fame however, is having been the birthplace of St. Benedict, the founding father of the Benedictine order of monks whose long history spans centuries of European history. In fact, today St. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe.
The drive to Norcia, which is situated in southeastern Umbria is very scenic as it is located in a plain surrounded by Monti Sibillini whose snow capped peaks loom over the town. Nero Norcia, also known as Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero Pregiato di Norcia e dei Prodotti Tipici is one of Italy’s most important black truffle markets.
Every year, Norcia hosts the Nero Norcia, or Black Truffle Festival, over two weekends at the end of February. Norcians are particularly proud of their black winter truffles and look forward to showing off their famous produce to an international audience each year. Although in general black truffles are not as highly prized as white truffles by most gourmets, they are none the less delicious and are commonly served shaved on top of pasta dishes or risottos. Black winter truffles grow in the surrounding countryside of Norcia beneath oak and walnut trees, and the black truffle season runs from December 1st to March 15th.
We wandered through the streets of Norcia admiring all the stands of gastronomic specialties on display, and realized that most streets seemed to lead back to the main square. The main square of Norcia has at its center the statue of St Benedict by Giuseppe Pinzi (1880), and contains all of the town's major monuments. The Basilica of St. Benedict faces onto the square with a Gothic facade.