Castelluccio, Mountain village in Norcia, Italy.
Castelluccio is a mountain village at 1,452 meters (4,767 feet) perched on a hilltop overlooking three plateaus—Piano Grande, Pian Piccolo, and Pian Perduto—within the Monti Sibillini National Park. The settlement consists of stone buildings scattered across the slope, surrounded by rolling fields that stretch toward the horizon.
The village was founded in the 13th century and later marked by earthquakes that shaped its history as an isolated mountain settlement. A major earthquake in 2016 caused extensive damage and permanently altered the appearance of the place.
The surrounding fields are known for lentils grown through traditional methods without chemicals for generations. This farming approach shapes how the landscape looks and forms part of local identity.
The village is accessible via mountain roads with several tight hairpin turns that become challenging during winter when snow covers the area. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and sometimes unpaved paths in the surrounding countryside.
From May through July, the plains below the village transform into a colorful wildflower display as poppies, cornflowers, and other wild plants bloom among the lentil fields. This annual natural display draws visitors and photographers to the region.
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