The hilltop town of Norcia is famous for its charcuterie, Pecorino cheese and black truffles, as well as for being the birthplace of St. Benedict. The 24-room Palazzo Seneca is set within a renovated 16th-century stone palace and is an exceptionally well-managed property that offers alert and generous hospitality.
The public areas contain an inviting lounge with a vast stone fireplace, and a beautiful wood-paneled library. A wellness center in the basement includes Jacuzzi, sauna and steam. Our Junior Suite, #100, was small but charming, with a four-poster bed, a coffered and beamed ceiling, and oak parquet floors. The bath was faced in chocolate-brown travertine and was appointed with an oversize shower.
On our first evening, we enjoyed an excellent dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, Vespasia, which serves updated versions of local classics. We particularly relished two lamb dishes: lamb shank with gremolata (a condiment of lemon zest, garlic, parsley and olive oil) and a casserole of lamb cooked with potatoes and black truffles. We left the hotel with every intention of returning soon to take cooking lessons and to go truffle-hunting.
Superior King Room, $440; Junior Suite, $520. Via Cesare Battisti 12. Tel. (39) 0743-817434.
Download a complimentary copy of the 2013 Grand Awards issue.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
