Popoli: Historical Traces and Cycling Routes

Historical Traces in Popoli

Popoli is designated as a historically developed settlement centre in the landscape unit of Norcia. The antiquity of Popoli is documented by Latin inscriptions. San Pietro in Popoli is designated as a cultural asset of particular historical and cultural interest. Those interested in culture can explore the Latin inscriptions, San Pietro and the Hellenistic necropolis in Popoli.

Archaeological Finds from the Necropolis

The Hellenistic necropolis of Popoli yielded rich grave goods. The grave goods from the necropolis of Popoli date from the end of the 3rd to the 1st century BC. In the Popoli district, a funerary bed dating from the first half of the 1st century BC was found in a chamber tomb in 2003. The funerary bed was decorated with 20 terracotta appliqués. The appliqués depicted Hecate, a standing female figure, Erotes and a male head.

Castles, Palaces and Mountains in the Wider Surrounding Region

The Rocca di Arquata castle is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The Castel di Luco castle is also located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. Monte Utero is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The summit of Monte Patino is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The summit of Monte delle Rose is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The summit of Monte Guaidone is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The Chiostro di San Francesco palace is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli. The Chiostro di San Pietro palace is located in the wider surrounding region of Popoli.

The Santa Scolastica Plain

The Santa Scolastica Plain is a fertile, gently sloping area at an elevation of 750 to 580 m and forms the bed of a former lake in the Norcia Basin.

Cycling Routes between Norcia and Popoli

The Loop B11 cycling circuit passes through Norcia, Popoli, Nottoria, San Pellegrino and Ponte di Santa Croce before returning to Norcia. On Loop B11, you can therefore plan Norcia as the starting and finishing point of the described circuit. The longer Bici&Grill mountain-bike route passes through the districts of Popoli, Piediripa, Nottoria, Paganelli and San Pellegrino. The Bici&Grill route includes 7 km of gravel along the former Spoleto–Norcia railway line; it then follows a path through the districts of Popoli and Piediripa. The change in surface can be considered as a separate section of the ride. This transition is a concrete planning consideration when choosing a bicycle and dividing up the daily route. Planned breaks can also be scheduled around the longer ride and its different sections.

A Signpost for Pilgrims

In Popoli, a sign directs pilgrims on the Cammino di San Benedetto to continue straight ahead. A spring called Acqua Santa di Popoli is located 65 steps to the left.

Further destinations in the same higher-level area: Savelli, Norcia, Preci, Castelluccio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Perugia.