Characteristic venues

The national park's natural charms are enhanced by the diffused presence of numerous points of interest of medieval origin.
These sites of both historical and architectural interest are situated in strategic positions along the main walkways.
From among the more interesting of these sites, we recommend:
Norcia (Pg), Amandola (Civitanova Marche) and Arquata del Tronto (Ap). This approach provides access to the Monte Sibilla where, according to legend, a famous oracle once lived.
Yes, natural beauty abounds, but there is also a great deal to absorb in terms of history, tradition and creative inspiration. The park's various allures are more strongly felt in some areas than others, with each area offering something unique. There are therefore four "versions" of the park, as detailed below:

The Floral
Comprises the central zone of the park, the Valle del Fiastrone, the impressive Grotta dei Frati, the ancient and compelling Clareni monastery dating back to the year 1000A.D.
Continuing along upstream on the Monte del lago di Fiastra, the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains are mirrored in the clear waters of the lake. From here, hikers can reach the Valle dell'Acquasanta with its splendid waterfalls and the Grotta dell'Orso, evidence to the fact that bears once flourished in the Sibillini.

The Historical
The region is richly adorned with the castles and family towers which the valley's inhabitants once erected to defend themselves against repeated Saracen raids.

The Sacred
The village of Norcia, birthplace of Europe's patron saint S. Benedetto, is the very heart of this section of the park. It is famous for its lovely historical center, the piazza in front of the church dedicated to the saint (14th - 18th century) the 18th-century cathedral among other historical structures.

The Magical
During the Middle Ages, the Sibillini were acknowledged throughout Europe as kingdom of demons, necromancers, fairies and ghosts. Among the numerous legends that have grown up around the area, the most famous is perhaps that of the "Illustrious Prophetess" who lived in a cave in the mountain of the same name. It is believed it was she whose lifeless body was ordered drawn by buffalo through the reddish waters of the "demonic" lake situated high in a cleft of the valley.

Accommodations
Arrangements are available at the Casale nel Parco di Federica Censurati, Norcia (Pg), ph. 0743/816481
Alternatively, an Azienda agrituristica (farm stay facility) at Santa Vittoria in Matenano (Ap) provides rooms and meals, ph. 0734/255212

Contacts:
ph 0737/972711
www.sibillini.net

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