The Umbria region continues to be a popular destination for foreigners interested in the region’s magnificent landscapes, rich historical heritage, and the famous Italian charming culture. The Nera Valley in Umbria has often been compared to more affluent Italian regions such as Tuscany and other quaint rural towns with a high quality of life, thanks to its rich culture, exotic cuisine, and of course its wine. It is little wonder that this region has emerged as a popular choice for foreigners seeking for the best tourist resort, a retirement home, or an ideal property for sale in Umbria.
The Nera Valley, locally known as Valnerina is actually a valley along the Black River, which starts from Le Marche in the Sibillini Mountains in Umbria and flows to River Tiber at Orte. The valley stretches over the three provinces of Terni, Macerata, and Perugia through narrow and winding mountainous passes. The valley hosts key urban and rural tourism and commercial centres including Ferentillo, Scheggino, and Visso with close proximity to Spoleto, Norcia, and Cascia. Besides its picturesque mountainous landscape, Nera Valley is also well known in popular media. It was featured in Roberto Benigni’s production of “Life is Beautiful” movie and has even been depicted in the making of Pinocchio. The name Nera Valley is prominently used in the famous video game known as Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. There are many reasons why Nera Valley continues to be a popular choice for foreigners looking for houses for sale in Umbria Italy.
Cascia is one of the most attractive towns or communes in the province of Perugia. It lies in the south-eastern mountainous corner of Umbria. Cascia has a long history dating back to its origin as a Roman settlement known as Carsulae before being demolished by an earthquake in the 1st century BC. It was also the home of Saint Rita of Cascia who was born at Cascia in 1381 and lived in the same city until her death in 1457. Besides its picturesque landscape and historical monuments, Cascia continues to draw hordes of tourists through its rich cuisine and rich wine selections.
Norcia is another famous destination for foreigners in south-eastern Umbria region. It is located in a wide plain overlooking the scenic Sibillini Mountain close to the Sordo River. The town is one of the most famous locations in the Nera Valley and a popular site for mountaineering, biking, and wild boar hunting. The region boasts of a variety of boar and pork products locally known as “norcineria”.
A major attraction in the Umbria is the Cascata delle Marmore or the Marmore’s Waterfalls. This is actually a man-made waterfall that was built by the Roamans in ancient times. At over 165 metres high, it is the tallest fall in Italy and undoubtedly the world’s tallest man-made waterfall.
A discussion of Nera Valley would not be complete without mentioning its rich food and wine traditions. The region’s food and wine are just as important as its panoramic landscapes and monuments. From locally grown mushrooms and wild asparagus to black truffles of Norcia and seasoned cheeses, the Nera Valley has a rich selection of mouth-watering dishes. The region also boasts of a wide range of extraordinary DOC and DOCG certified wines.
