The ancient hilltop town of Norcia in the central Italian region of Umbria lies about a two-hour drive northeast of Rome. Famous as the birt
Despite the fame of Assisi, as well as that of the summer arts festival in nearby Spoleto, the central Italian region of Umbria is comparatively little known.
Though less celebrated than famous gourmet destinations such as Emilia-Romagna or Tuscany, Umbria is much loved by the Italians themselves. They come for its delicious black truffles, but also for the bounty of Norcia, renowned for its charcuterie. In the Middle Ages, its farmers became known as excellent producers of ham and sausage (they fed their pigs on wild acorns). Many traveled to neighboring regions, which is why one of the Italian words for "butcher" eventually became norcino.
Palazzo Seneca is Andrew Harper's favorite discovery from his recent trip to Umbria. "Charming, exceptionally well managed 24-room
The August 2012 issue of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, the most respected publication in luxury travel, profiles several small, gracious hotels in the central Italian region of Umbria.
"Imaginatively modernized 13th-century convent (18 rooms) ideally located high above Assisi, the hilltop birthplace of St. Francis. Dramatic,
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