Norcia, located in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, is one of the main tourist centers in Central Italy. Surrounded by green valleys and high peaks, the city boasts a significant historical and artistic heritage.
Founded by the Sabines, its development began in the 5th century BC, under the Etruscan name Norsia, meaning “fortune.” Historians such as Livy, Plutarch, and Virgil mentioned Norcia in their works, with Virgil citing it in the Aeneid. In 205 BC, Norcia, allied with Rome, sent volunteers to Scipio during the Second Punic War. Under Roman rule, it became first a Prefecture then a Municipium of the Fourth Sabine Region. During the barbarian invasions, it was plundered by the Goths and Lombards, later it became part of the Duchy of Spoleto until the Saracen invasion in the 9th century.
In 962, Norcia was separated from the Kingdom of Italy and annexed to the Papal States. During the Middle Ages, despite proclaiming itself a Free Commune (12th century), it faced conflicts with Spoleto and nearby territories. Prone to earthquakes, Norcia was devastated in 1238, causing thousands of deaths. For defense, the Sabine walls were reinforced by Pope Julius III, who built the Fortezza della Castellina.
In 1569, under Pope Gregory XIII, Norcia was elevated to Prefecture, gaining jurisdiction over Cerreto, Visso, Cascia, and Monteleone. Norcia is Famous for the birthplace of Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, it was declared an Episcopal See in 1821 indeed by Pope Pius VII and later renamed “The Commune of Europe”.