Objective: to highlight a small gem of Italian civil engineering. Based on a specific project: the enhancement of old railway line Spoleto-Norcia and the conversion of its route into a cycle path. To immerse yourself, at a slow pace, in the green heart of Umbria.
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On foot or by bike along the route of the old Spoleto-Norcia railway line
Abandoned, but never forgotten, the infrastructures connect today, as yesterday, Norcie with the many villages of Valnerine and the plain of Spoleto. No longer with electric tractors, but with a cycle tourist route resulting from meticulous redevelopment and conservation work.
Starting from an existing infrastructure, an itinerary has been created to be travelled on foot or by bike, immersed in nature and the history, memory and surprising landscapes of Umbria.
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Spoleto-Norcia railway: a masterpiece of engineering
Inaugurated in 1926, after 13 years of work, the Spoleto-Norcia narrow-gauge electrified railway was decommissioned on July 31, 1968. Although short, 51 km longwas considered at the time a true technical masterpiece and an immense human effort.
The “Gothard of Umbria”
To cover the mountainous route and bridge the difference in altitude, they were built 19 galleriesincluding one exceeds near Caprareccia, almost 2 kilometers long. And then, 24 bridges And A viaduct futuristic engineering and great architectural value, with various helical sections.
It is no coincidence that the Spoleto-Norcia railway was also called the Saint-Gothard of Umbria.
“Among the Italian mountain railways, some of which have unfortunately been dismantled, the Spoleto-Norcia railway has always represented, by unanimous opinion, and not only in Italy, the greatest effort in terms of railway technology. A little small Gotthard Umbria» ” said Giovanni Koenig, Italian architect, designer, architectural historian and director of the Institute of Art History in Florence between 1960 and 1990.
“Perhaps because it is also the most daring of the last railway projects, it is difficult. So much so that no one today could think of making a similar effort from scratch. But this example of railway technology remains, precisely, as a monument to bear witness to a particularly happy moment in the way of building railway “works of art”. This is why it must be preserved as an artistic and landscape heritage, precisely because the landscape Center of the Italian Apennines It is characterized by this continuous relationship between nature and the work of man.
From railway to cycle path
Since the early 2000s, the Spoleto Norcia Railway she came back to life. In the 2006 The municipality of Spoleto has started the work of “securing” the disused road between Spoleto and Piedipaterno. The first 34 kilometers of the soft mobility route were inaugurated in 2014.
Today, the permanent cycle-pedestrian route allows, with some diversions, to go from Spoleto to Piedipaterno and then to cover the last stretch (about 4 km) from Serravalle to Norcia.
The railway museum
Almost in parallel, from 2010, work began on the recovery of some service buildings, such as warehouses and stations located along the railway line.
Above all, the building that housed the old Spoleto train station now houses the Railway Museum and Railway Documentation Centera place of memory where souvenirs, documents, parts of plants, objects and photographs are preserved and exhibited.
The Spoleto-Norcia cycle path
The entrance to the cycle path is located near the crossroads of Spoleto Northjust outside the town, along the road that leads to Forca di Cerro.
The first eight kilometres or so are uphill, constant but with a slight average gradient (three percent). Nothing tiring for those with trained legs or who choose to ride an electric bike. In both cases, it is best to choose a mountain bike or a gravel model, as the terrain is dirty and largely compact, but sometimes rough and bumpy, especially after a storm.
Between tunnels, viaducts and trenches
Once you have rounded the hill, you reach the first of the two Cortaccione galleries then the viaduct of the same name, the highest of the entire route: five arches with a maximum height of 60 meters.
Continuing up, beyond the first arch of the Caprareccia Viaduct the cycle path enters a helical trench which leads to the viaduct then to the Borgiano Pit to the first of one of the disused stations of the old railway line.
At this point, here is the second one tunnel crossingsaid of Caprareccia: penetrates the rock and emerges above the Valnerine exactly 1936 meters after the entrance.
The entire route takes place in total darkness, with no artificial lighting or openings to the outside. As soon as you enter, you find yourself plunged into darkness, which requires the use of lights on your helmet or bike. But what is also striking is the sudden drop in temperature as you cross the belly of the mountain. At least until the exit portal begins to appear, a luminous point that grows larger as the distance decreases.
The Valnerine
Beyond the Caprareccia Tunnel, The Spoleto-Norcia cycle path descends through thick holm oak forests. And once again, viaducts and spiral tunnelslike those of Tassinaro And Vallegiana lead to Saint Anatolia of Narco (from where you can cross the Nera river cycle path, which leads to the Marmore waterfall).
In seven kilometers you travel a height difference of almost 350 meterswith tracks close to 4.5 percent (exceptional for a railway). Holy Anatolia The cycle path becomes flat again in the section that runs along the Nera River.
Here the gaze is lost in the sight of villages ancient perched on the hills. It is worth the detour to visit Church of Saints Felice and Mauroat the foot of San Felice Castlea Benedictine monastery from the 5th century BC which preserves 15th century frescoes and a precious crypt.
Still along the Nera, without any particular difficulty, you can reach the small center of Nera Valley, now fully recovered from damage suffered in the 2016 earthquake.
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Taken back the Spoleto Norcia cycle path and after passing two more small tunnels, it's time to Borgo Cerreto And Triponzoaccess doors to Corno River Valley.
It is a valley enclosed between steep rock faces, known for an ancient sheep path, the Steering wheel cut off, of pre-Roman origin. Before the end of the gorge, the entrance into the Balza Gallery II It is partially blocked by a landslide, so it is impassable. You then have to take a section of national road until Serravalle take the dirt road again Spoleto Norcia cycle path on the old railway line.
Arrival in Norcia
HAS Serravalle the route of the old railway continue straight along the axis of Sordo Stream until Norcia, which is about seven kilometers away.
By taking the cycle path, the Sibillini Mountains and then I Plans of Castelluccio before entering the historic center of Norcia, with the Place Saint-Benoîtthe front part of the Cathedral recovered after the considerable damage of the 2016 earthquake… and the many visitors who visit these wounded but very fascinating lands every year.
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Tips before traveling
There Spoleto Norcia cycle path It is achievable by everyone. From a cycling point of view, the most enjoyable part is also the most demanding. It is the one that connects Spoleto to Valnerina, about 26 km long, in which stretches of dirt alternate with detours on little-used paved roads.
Spoleto-Norcia by mountain bike: a three-day party
In addition to being a permanent route, the SpoletoNorcia MTB is also a party, a great cycling event that attracts enthusiasts and champions of sport and entertainment. It takes place in Spoleto between the end of August and the beginning of September and consists of different races, divided into five routes open to all, of varying difficulty, and a rich three-day program with events, tastings and initiatives at the Village. of La SpoletoNorcia in the heart of the city.
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The village seat is Garibaldi Squarewhich throughout the event comes alive with oil tastings at the Pietro Coricelli stand, streetfood stations, pinsa, beer and the large farmers' market of Coldiretti Campagna Amica. The beauties of the city form the backdrop: the Cathedral, the alleys of the center, the shops and then the guided tours of the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Theater, the Railway Museum…
All the details of the La SpoletoNorcia MTB program are available on the website
