Popoli: History, Pilgrimage Route and Cycling Routes

Popoli can be explored through three themes: historical evidence, cycling routes and a point of reference for pilgrims. If you are looking for a hotel in Popoli, these aspects can help you decide which side of the destination matters for your trip planning. The archaeological information ranges from a broad date range to a specific, described tomb find. The cycling routes differ in the places they pass through and in one specified section of the route. This allows you to consider cultural history, cycling and the Cammino di San Benedetto as distinct areas of interest.

Historical evidence and archaeological finds

Within the geographical area of Norcia, Popoli is identified as a historic settlement. Latin inscriptions attest to the ancient origins of Popoli. The Hellenistic necropolis also forms part of the archaeological picture of the town: it yielded rich grave goods dating from the end of the 3rd to the 1st century BC. This date range provides a broad timeframe for the tomb finds.

One individual find is dated more precisely: in 2003, a funerary bed from the first half of the 1st century BC was found in a chamber tomb in the hamlet of Popoli. It was decorated with 20 terracotta appliqués. They depicted Hecate, a standing female figure, Erotes and a male head. The specific number and named motifs make the find tangible as an individual object. For cultural-history trip planning, this specific find, with its precisely described imagery, complements the general information about the necropolis.

San Pietro in Popoli is designated a cultural asset of particular historical and cultural interest. Along with the inscriptions and archaeological finds, this designation offers another point of reference for travelers who want to explore Popoli through its cultural heritage.

Cycling routes with different itineraries

Two cycling routes are described. The B11 loop runs through Norcia, Popoli, Nottoria, San Pellegrino and Ponte di Santa Croce, before returning to Norcia. Its itinerary links a sequence of named places with a return to Norcia.

The longer Bici&Grill mountain-biking route passes through the hamlets of Popoli, Piediripa, Nottoria, Paganelli and San Pellegrino. A 7 km gravel section runs along the old Spoleto–Norcia railway line; the route then follows a path through the hamlets of Popoli and Piediripa. The main difference between the two routes lies in their itineraries: the B11 loop is described as a circular route returning to Norcia, while Bici&Grill features a gravel section followed by a path through two hamlets. The Bici&Grill tour requires a reservation. Confirm your reservation before making firm plans, and check the condition of the route before setting out, as infrastructure conditions can change.

Finding your way on the Cammino di San Benedetto

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 of the sign. If you include this landmark in your plans, confirm the signposting and the spring’s location on site. The direction and the specified number of steps provide two concrete points of reference for finding your way.

The Santa Scolastica Plain

In the Norcia Basin, the Santa Scolastica Plain forms the bed of a former lake. The fertile, gently sloping plain lies at an elevation of between 580 and 750 meters. Its elevation, slope and geological history add a landscape dimension alongside Popoli’s historical themes. Travelers who also want to take the landscape of the Norcia Basin into account when planning their trip will find a different perspective here from that offered by inscriptions, grave goods or the cycling routes described above.

Discover more destinations: Citerna, Cibottola, San Secondo, Deruta, San Marco, San Terenziano, Triponzo, Colombella

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