Flowering Castelluccio when to go to admire the extraordinary Fiorita Castelluccio, the full calendar month by month of the blooms and how to reach the Piani di Castelluccio with the shuttles in summer 2023.
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Flowering Castelluccio
In the area of Pian Grande, a few kilometers from the historic center of Norcia, between May and July there is an unparalleled floral show: the flower blossom Castelluccio di Norcia of the cultivations of lentil, which is accompanied by those of the cohabitant flowers, that is the "infesting" that thrive in the cultivated fields in which - as in that of the lentil of Castelluccio - pesticides are not used.
A natural spectacle both "involuntary" and unique in its kind, that paints the Sibillini Mountains of multicoloured brushstrokes: from the red of the poppy to the blue of the cornflowers, passing through the yellow of the mustard. But when to go? When is the best time to admire flowering Castelluccio in all its splendor? Here is the calendar, month by month, not to miss the appointment with the Fiorita, extraordinary awakening of nature.
Multicolor orchid blooms in Ragnolo Prati – early May
Wild orchids are the first flowers to bloom in early May, on the northern side of the Sibillini National Park, on the meadows of Ragnolo. The Sibillini Mountains have 37 different types of multicoloured orchids, including the very particular monkey and bee orchids, which recall in shape and color the animals from which they derive the name.
Yellow blooms of mountain tulips – late May
Flowering Castelluccio more discreet, but equally fascinating, is that of the yellow tulips, on the Pian Grande. From the most open and pointed petals of the commonly known tulip, the yellow tulip is difficult to find and blooms mainly in the meadows and pastures of mountain mountain mountain. Placed in the list of endangered species from the Umbria region and protected by laws in many regions of northern Italy, this rare flower blooms right in the gatherings around Castelluccio di Norcia at the end of May.
Yellow and wild mustard blooms – mid-June
Since mid-June, yellow is added in the Pian Grande thanks to the delicate corollas of the wild mustard. The yellow clustered flowers have four petals and are characterized by a pleasant scent. At the end of summer they will turn into pods containing seeds.
The red blooms of the poppies – late June
As early as mid-May, the first red poppies began to flourish at the end of June. Plant "pioner", the poppy is one of the first to popular the uncultivated soils and can vent in the fields of the Pian Grande its natural tendency to "invade" the spaces, producing over a season even more than 400 flowers.
The blue blooms of the cornflowers – early July
When the Pian Grande seems to be already saturated with colour, here comes the flowering of the flowery flower, the last one to bloom because more needy of light than the other flowers. It is rare to be able to see this flower in its natural habitat, the field of cereals, since it is considered infesting and is generally extinguished by crops. A Castelluccio di Norcia instead it is possible to admire it, mixed with the expanses of lentils in bloom and part of the triple of colors that dyes the plain.
The white flowering of lentils – from May to July
Throughout the period from May to July, in this explosion flowering Castelluccio you must not forget the famous lentils! Aguzzando the view will be possible to see – among the yellow, red and blue petals – also the small white flowers of the fine legumes of Castelluccio. The IGP lentil, cultivated for centuries on the karst floors of Umbria at a height of about 1500 meters, is unique in its kind for ease of conservation and cooking and, despite here they produce a few hundred quintals per year, enjoys great fame throughout the country.
How to get to Castelluccio during Fiorita 2023
Closure of Central Sundays
For the year 2023, the following closures were established for the central Sundays of flowering: 25 June, 2 July, 9 July and 16 July. During these four days, the passage of cars and campers will be prohibited, while access to motorcycles, tourist buses and car residents, owners of commercial activities, people with motor difficulties or those with a special authorization will be allowed.
The closing will apply exclusively to unauthorized cars and campers. In particular, the entry door from Norcia will be affected by this regulation.
Regulation of the Other Entry Ports
As for the other two entrance doors to the Piani di Castelluccio (Castelsantangelo sul Nera e Arquata del Tronto), during the four closing days, only the cars (without campers) will be allowed for those who need to move from Castelsantangelo sul Nera to Arquata del Tronto or vice versa. However, parking and parking will be prohibited along the route.
From Castelsantangelo sul Nera, you can proceed in the direction of Arquata del Tronto using the provincial road, while from Arquata del Tronto in the direction of Castelsantangelo sul Nera, the transit will be deviated from the provincial road to the road "Delle Cavalle" (the deviations will be properly marked).
If the influx of cars coming from these two entrance doors should generate congestion of traffic, there may be a temporary limitation to transit at the active lock places during the indicated Sundays.
System of Car Parks and Shuttle Service
Therefore, for those wishing to reach Castelluccio with cars or campers during the four Sundays indicated, the only option allowed through all three entrance doors to the Piani di Castelluccio (Norcia, Castelsantangelo sul Nera and Arquata del Tronto) is to park at one of the nearby parking spaces (available for this purpose) and reach Castelluccio through a shuttle service (which will also allow the return to the parking space later).
Of course, once parked the car or camper at one of the nearby parking spaces, you can reach Castelluccio also on foot, by bicycle or with e-bike, if you wish.
Regulation of the Sabati
As regards the weekend Saturdays mentioned above, during the Saturday of 24 June, free transit will be allowed to all means, provided that the absolute ban on parking on the meadows. There will also be a car park nearby and shuttle service, which will allow you to enjoy the experience of flowering without worries.
The access method for the next three Saturdays (those of 1st, 8th and 15th July) will be established according to the conditions found on the previous Saturday. If there are no critical traffic-related situations, the same access mode will be confirmed on the previous Saturday.
Otherwise, the same procedure will apply for the four Sundays. However, during all four Saturdays indicated, the parking service nearby and shuttles will be available.
Booking of the Parks and Boats
To take advantage of the nearby parking system and shuttle service, it is essential to book a place for the car or camper at one of the parking spaces and, according to the number of passengers, the relative shuttle places. Reservation must be made via the Open Parks portal. During the reservation, the ticketing service will allow the payment of the parking and the shuttle. All detailed information on booking and payment methods are available on the same portal.
Free Access in Days Outside of Closes
It is important to note that in the days other than the closing Sundays, access will be allowed to all means and through all three entrance doors, without prejudice to the prohibition of stopping on the meadows.
Where to sleep in Norcia
Relais & Chateaux Seneca Palace
Housed in a building dating back to the 16th century, a short distance from the main square of Norcia, the Relais & Chateaux Seneca Palace welcomes you in a romantic atmosphere with wrought iron canopy beds, design bathrooms and a beautiful terrace overlooking the city. It is the only charming hotel in Umbria with starred refreshments, Vespasia, where you can taste specialties based on ingredients from local producers, such as sausages from Norcia, black truffle and the Braised calf with chickpeas from the Sibillini Mountains.
Farmhouse Casale In Parco Dei Monti Sibillini
TheFarmhouse Casale In Parco Dei Monti Sibillini is a welcoming structure with a rustic atmosphere, immersed in the beautiful natural landscape of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. It is one orA great starting point to visit Norcia, Castelluccio, Cascia, Spoleto and take long walks on the paths of the park. Superb breakfast with local products and homemade desserts.
Farmhouse Il Casale Degli Amici
3 km from the center of Norcia, theFarm Holidays Casale degli Amici is a structure of great atmosphere. Built in an old farmhouse perfectly renovated, it has simple but well-kept rooms, with period furniture, fireplaces and canopy beds in the suites.
