March is coming to Castelluccio di Norcia and did you know that in a few days the SPONTANEOUS FLOWERING will start? What flowers will you find?
Daffodils:
White and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom between late March and early April.
Buttercup:
Yellow, red or white cup-shaped flowers that bloom in spring.
Primroses:
Yellow, orange or white bell-shaped flowers that bloom in spring.
Anemones:
Red, white or blue star-shaped flowers that bloom in spring.
Orchids:
In the Sibillini Mountains there are about 50 different species of wild orchids with flowers of different shapes and colours growing in meadows and forests.
Violets:
Small purple flowers that grow in meadows and woods.
Other wild flowers can also be found in addition to these species, such as
- Gentian
- Saxifrages
- Martagon lilies
- Carducci
- Poppy
What is the spontaneous flowering of Castelluccio di Norcia?
The flowering of Castelluccio is a unique event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. But why are there so many flowers? And above all, when does it happen?
Several types of flowers
Contrary to popular belief, it is not just the lentil that gives the plateau its colour. In fact, the palette of colours is made up of different species of wild flowers that, together with the lentil, bloom spontaneously at different times between late spring and early summer. If you want to see the ‘colour lines’, you must come after mid-June. If you want to see all the wild flowers at their best, you must come from mid-April, when the first wild flowers appear, which you will not find in June and July.
Cultivation of lentils
The cultivation of lentils, which has always been a fundamental tradition of the local community, has favoured the presence of these species of flowers. In fact, in order to conserve the land and avoid the use of pesticides, the farmers have always allowed other plants to grow in the soil in order to create an optimal environment for the development of the lentil, which usually reaches maturity around mid-August, when the wild flowers have already ‘wilted’ and therefore pose no problem for cultivation.
Climate and soil
The harsh winter climate and limestone soils of the plateau create an ideal environment for these wildflowers to grow.
Flowering time
Flowering does not occur at one time, but over several weeks, from mid-April to the end of July. This makes it possible to admire an ever-changing array of colours, with new shades being added day by day.
Biodiversity
The flowering of Castelluccio is an important example of biodiversity. The presence of different species of wild flowers contributes to the maintenance of a healthy and rich ecosystem.
The flowering of Castelluccio di Norcia is a spectacular event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. The best time to admire the SPONTANEOUS FLOWERING is usually from mid-April to mid-May, but can vary depending on weather conditions. Spontaneous flowering does NOT occur in fields where lentils, roveja or other cereals are grown. Cultivated fields usually flower between mid-June and mid-July.
Tips for visiting Castelluccio di Norcia’s spontaneous flowering:
- Get there early in the morning: the sunlight is better for taking pictures and there are fewer people around.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The paths in Pian Grande are unpaved and can be a little tiring.
- Bring something to eat and drink: the Piangrande is a 7-10 km long area (depending on where you look) where there are no shops.
- Respect the environment: do not trample flowers and do not litter.
On this page you’ll also find the best itineraries for an easy walk, within everyone’s reach, to visit the spontaneous flowering of Castelluccio di Norcia and the Sibillini Mountains.
MAP UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The most important advice is: BOOK YOUR ROOM at Villa Tardioli and if you want to taste the local dishes, the RISTORANTE CIOCCORA E MISTERINO
Contact us to reserve a room or to dine at the Restaurant
The rooms of Villa Tardioli are located in the centre of the small village of Castelluccio di Norcia, and the restaurant Cioccora e Misterino, on the ground floor, accepts bookings for individuals, small and large groups.
For any last minute enquiries, we would always advise you to contact us by telephone on one of the numbers listed below:
+39 0743665186 – +39 3208960904 – +39 3661880700
