Cammino di San Benedetto Stage 1: Norcia to Cascia

The route of Cammino di San Benedetto Stage 1

The stage starts in Norcia, on the slopes of the Sibillini Mountains. It first crosses the Santa Scolastica plain, then crosses the mountains separating Norcia from Cascia with a gradual climb, and finally descends to Cascia.

The surface alternates long dirt sections and paved stretches. The route is almost entirely in the sun, with short shaded sections, and the fountains along the way make it possible to refill water. For this reason it is best to start early in the summer months and bring sun protection. The best time of year runs from May to September.

Between one hamlet and the next the route passes small villages, each with its own corners and little churches. The next day the walk continues from Cascia toward Monteleone di Spoleto, as described on the page Cammino di San Benedetto - Stage 02.

Cammino di San Benedetto Stage 1: technical data

• Start: Norcia
• Finish: Cascia
• Route type: one-way, not a loop
• Trail code: CSB
• Length: about 17.3 km
• Difficulty: E (hiking grade, CAI scale)
• Highest point: about 1,008 m
• Lowest point: about 582 m
• Elevation change: about 535 m of ascent and 473 m of descent

Near the start in Norcia there are several parking areas, between about 130 and 480 m away. Among them is Piazzale Melvin Jones, about 244 m away.

Map of Cammino di San Benedetto Stage 1

On the map the stage is a single line running from Norcia to Cascia, with no loops or variants. Churches, hamlets, fountains, drinking water points, a shelter and a picnic table are marked along the track. The map helps with planning water refills, because the drinking water points are numerous and spread along the whole route.

Points of interest on Cammino di San Benedetto Stage 1

In Norcia the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea and the Basilica of San Benedetto are marked. The 2016 earthquake caused the collapse of the basilica, which was rebuilt and reopened for worship on October 30 and 31, 2025. Along the route are the Santuario della Madonna Adolorata and the Chiesa di Santa Caterina, as well as another unnamed church.

The route passes the hamlets of Popoli, Piediripa, Ocricchio, Fogliano and Palmaiolo. Popoli was hit by the 2016 earthquake. Other marked features include a fountain with a funerary lion, a shelter and a picnic table.