Nothing comes from diamonds, flowers come from manure
Via del Campo, Fabrizio de André
A field of flowers makes spring. It is in this period that the landscapes of Italy are transformed into works of art that seem to have been created on purpose by nature to embrace the small inland towns nestled between mountains and hills. And the Facebook community of Borghi in camper did not miss the opportunity to indicate the best place to visit among the flowered villages between Bellagio, Castelluccio of Norcia e Navelli. The place in the province of Perugia won the hearts of the group, with a landslide victory over the other two. And it's no surprise, since the blooms that carpet the plateau attract thousands of visitors and photography enthusiasts every year.
Let's see in detail these three flowered villages with a high rate of emotions, capable of offering slow and fully lived experiences outside.
Castelluccio of Norcia (PG)
The wounds of the 2016 earthquake are still visible in the town framed by the Sibillini Mountains, but reconstruction is underway and tourism is taking on more than ever the contours of a gesture of solidarity. Perched at 1.452 meters above sea level, Castelluccio di Norcia dominates the plateau of the same name where every year, between the end of May and mid-July, a mosaic of colors paints the valley with shades of red, yellow, blu e violet, thanks to the flowering of lentils and other wild flowers. In the village, after having stocked up on typical products – starting with the Lenticchia di Castelluccio di Norcia PGI – don’t forget to take a walk up to the Belvedere: from up there you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the plain, especially at sunset.
Read also: Umbria by camper: 8-day trip from Feltre to Lake Fiastra
Il secret of Castelluccio
To characterize the flowering of the Castelluccio plain are the unpredictability and changeability. In fact, the period can vary even by weeks based on the weather conditions, creating from time to time a polychrome expanse with different characteristics. In addition to the white-blue shades, other species create an ever-changing chromatic concert, with non-synchronous blooms that create alternations of colors: purple orchids, tulips Detective stories, wild mustard ochre, red poppies e blue cornflowers. The contrast between the colors of the flowers and the green of the surrounding slopes creates a landscape as evocative as it is ephemeral and unrepeatable.
Bellagio (CO)
Overlooking the waters of Lake Como right at the crossroads of its three branches, Bellagio in spring it transforms into an explosion of colours who return to paint its wonderful gardens. Those of Villa Melzi, for example, enchant with azaleas, camellias e rhododendrons which are reflected in the waters creating a spectacle of rare beauty.
The narrow streets of the village, the flower-filled stairways and the lakeside shaded by the magnolias offer romantic views: a perfect harmony between nature and architecture, which makes Bellagio a dream destination for those who love villages and spring blooms.
Read also: Fantastic weekend stay in Como and the lake
Navelli (AQ)
In the heart of Abruzzo, the small Navelli hides a fragrant treasure: the saffron, whose blooms dye the fields purple between October and November. But it is in spring the medieval village dresses up in bright colors: walking through its stone streets you can admire flowered balconies and views that seem to come from a Renaissance painting. The main square, with its authentic atmosphere, is the perfect place to taste local products and immerse yourself in the history of a place that smells of tradition.
Read also: Trip to Navelli for the Saffron Days in Autumn
EVENTS – Flowery Villages
BELLAGIO – FROM MARCH TO OCTOBER
I Gardens of Villa Melzi d'Eril are accessible to visitors from the end of March to the end of October, and in good weather they can remain open until the first weekend of November. The routes range from botanical heritage to architecture, from works of art to the camellia, a symbolic flower of oriental culture and spring.
CASTELLUCCIO DI NORCIA – JUNE
La celebration dedicated to flowering It generally falls between the third and last Sunday of June (note: it is not regularly organized every year). During the weekends of the event, access to the village is regulated and it may be necessary to book a shuttle to reach the plain.
NAVELLI – AUGUST
Navelli It is famous for the production of saffron, which flowers and is harvested at the beginning of autumn. The reference gastronomic event is the Chickpea and Saffron Festival, which occurs in the month of August: for the occasion, workshops are organized on the collection and processing of red gold, tastings of typical dishes and folkloristic shows that tell the history and culture of the area.
