Serravalle di Norcia
At a glance
- Municipality
- Norcia
- Province
- Perugia
- Region
- Umbria
Serravalle di Norcia is a small hamlet in the municipality of Norcia, in the province of Perugia, in Umbria. It lies about 6 kilometers from Norcia, where the road from Cascia comes out and the Sordo and Corno rivers meet. In the area it is the reference point for rafting on the Corno: the trips are suitable for all ages.
The village has little to offer those looking for great monuments, but it has a recognizable historic layout. It preserves the features of a coaching inn and is a triangular castle dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. The oldest core leans against Monte Pennacchia, and several caves open in the rock face.
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
Things to see in Serravalle di Norcia
A visit revolves around the old village and its caves. The oldest core stands to the left of the bridge over the Corno and rests against Monte Pennacchia. Many buildings are joined directly to the rock, but today most are abandoned and in poor condition. The caves are visible when arriving from Cascia. They may have been cave dwellings and, until recently, were used to shelter animals and fodder.
The center of the hamlet of Capitrocco, one of the five clusters that make up Serravalle, is the parish church of San Pietro. The building looks like a 19th-century house and has a 19th-century bell tower. In 2019 the church was unusable: before visiting, it is worth checking whether it is open.
The village was almost completely rebuilt after serious damage in the 1979 earthquake. Here and there, however, early 16th-century lintels, stone windows and a few other ornaments survive. Near the village is the small station of the former Spoleto–Norcia railway, now used by the rafting center. For the monuments of the main town, see the page things to do in Norcia.
Nature and trails near Serravalle di Norcia
Rafting on the Corno River is the main activity. The Corno is a river about 60 km long, the main tributary of the Nera, and the rafting stretch is not very difficult. Trips are by reservation, usually from April to early November. They are designed for beginners and families too and include an initial briefing and a guide on board the raft.
The most striking stretch is the Biselli gorge. Here the river passes beneath towering overhanging rocks. Along the way there is a stop for a swim and to drink water from a spring that flows out of the rock. Toward the end a natural diving board lets the boldest jump in.
Besides rafting, the area offers inflatable canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking, paragliding, an adventure course, archery, caving and donkey trekking. Along the dirt tracks there are also a Tibetan rope bridge and a zip line. Anglers will find a suitable stretch: downstream of the confluence with the Sordo, the Corno is a trout river with plenty of water.
On foot or by bike there is the route along the former railway line. From Norcia it is 6 km, completely flat, to the former Serravalle station, with a short tunnel, and the return is by the same route. The elevation gain is practically zero, so the route suits families with children. Road cyclists, on the other hand, need to watch out for traffic, which can be heavy between Serravalle and Cascia and between Norcia and Serravalle.
Where to stay in Serravalle di Norcia
Serravalle is very small, so places to stay are mostly in the surrounding area. Casali di Serravalle is a hamlet 4 km from Norcia, on the road to Spoleto. An agriturismo (farm stay) is listed there. Cascia, about a quarter of an hour by car from Serravalle, also has agriturismi and vacation rentals.
The widest choice is in Norcia, about 6 km away: the list is on the page where to stay in Norcia. For campervans, overnight parking is possible near the rafting center, with permission and without services.
Where to eat in Serravalle di Norcia
For meals it is best to look mainly to Norcia, a few minutes away by car. The historic center has many tasting rooms serving local cured meats and cheeses. For restaurants and other places to eat, see the dedicated Norcia page.
Local food of Serravalle di Norcia
Serravalle has no documented products of its own, but it is part of the Norcia area, famous for pork processing. In the early Middle Ages pig farming was already a means of livelihood and trade for local farmers. The term "norcineria" comes from that tradition. Products to taste in the area include Norcia truffle, norcineria products and pasta alla norcina. For shopping, see the page Norcia food: norcinerie and local products.
Weather and how to get to Serravalle di Norcia
Serravalle is reached by car along the state road between the Valnerina and Norcia. The route passes through a series of tunnels, then the valley opens up. From the A1 highway, exit at Orte and continue toward Spoleto, Cerreto di Spoleto and Serravalle di Norcia. Norcia is about 10 minutes away, Cascia 15, and Visso half an hour.
The climate of Norcia has always been harsh: already in Roman times the area was known for it. Before setting out, it is worth checking the forecast, especially for river activities.