Best Things to Do in Narni
Narni was part of our one-week road trip in Umbria. Narni urged us to discover its undiscovered treasures with its rich history, medieval beauty, and enchanted scenery. We loved Narni as soon as we stepped in because of its old stone buildings, little cobblestone lanes, and the air-borne historical echoes. The town offers plenty to pique your interest, regardless of your interests. It’s ideal for history lovers, travel photographers, etc.
So come along as we outline the best things to do in Narni where you will discover the medieval charm, ancient ruins, and hidden gems in this captivating Italian town full of history and adventure.
How to get to Narni
Plane to Narni
The nearest international airport is the Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO) located in Rome which is situated 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Narni. Roma Termini, Rome’s main rail terminal, has a direct connection with Fiumicino Airport that can promptly take you directly to Narni-Amelia (Narni Scalo). The scenic train trip across the Italian countryside can take as little as five hours or up to two hours.
Train to Narni
Narni is fortunate to have Narni-Amelia, its own train station, located not far from the town’s historic core. Trenitalia has trains to link Narni with important cities like Rome, Florence, and Perugia. Those coming from Rome may take the train directly from Roma Termini; the trip takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. On route to Narni, this train service provides a practical and effective method of getting around, enabling passengers to admire the stunning scenery of Umbria.
Car to Narni
It’s easy to drive to Narni from Rome or Florence by car. Driving from Rome, follow the A1 Autostrada del Sole north to Florence, exiting at Orte. Traveling to Narni is around 20 kilometers southwest of Orte and takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic circumstances, if one follows the obvious signs. For those who want flexibility and freedom, the trip offers a chance to view the stunning Umbrian landscape, which is interspersed with medieval villages and vineyards.
Bus to Narni
By Bus Narni is well-served by an extensive system of bus services connecting the town with nearby areas and cities. Direct buses to Narni run by operators such as Cotral depart from Rome’s Tiburtina station. This bus trip provides another kind of transportation; it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to go to Narni and gives passengers the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of central Italy while they are traveling.
RENT A CAR Umbria
The best way to experience Umbria is to rent your own car! We recommend booking well in advance using price comparison sites like rental cars if traveling in the peak summer season.
Short History of Narni
Narni, in central Italy’s Umbria, holds a rich history dating back to Neolithic and Bronze Age communities. Renamed Narnia by the Romans around 299 BCE, it was a vital Roman municipality on the Via Flaminia. After the Western Roman Empire fell, Narni was fortified against barbarian invasions and later ruled by the Lombards, Franks, and eventually joined the Papal States in the eighth century. It thrived as an agricultural and commercial hub in the Middle Ages. Renaissance and subsequent political changes, including Napoleon’s era and Italy’s unification, shaped its history. Today, visitors explore its Roman bridge remains, medieval architecture like Narni Cathedral and Palazzo dei Priori, and its cultural significance inspired C. S. Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’
What to do in Narni
Fun Facts about Narni
- Found in the 1970s, Narni is home to the intriguing “Narni Sotterranea” subterranean complex. The Inquisition utilized rooms, a Roman cistern, and a church are among these subterranean chambers.
- Roman engineering is on show in the remnants of the Ponte di Augusto, an old Roman bridge. One of the biggest Roman bridges, constructed in 27 BCE, most of it has since crumbled.
- The long-living inhabitant of Narni is a crocodile, not a human! In the Church of San Domenico hangs an 18th-century preserved crocodile. It was a pet, so the legend goes, that broke out and terrified the community before being apprehended.
- With the “Corsa all’Anello” (Race of the Ring) every spring, Narni honors its medieval past. Knights on horseback attempting to spear the ring and other medieval-themed events are part of this historical recreation.
- Beyond C.S. Lewis, Narni is connected to Dante Alighieri, who made reference to the town in his “Divine Comedy.” He makes mention to the river Nera, which runs close to Narni, in “Purgatorio.
Narni Old Town
Narni occupies a hill above the Nera River valley and the old town is compact as a medieval maze of narrow stone paved streets, elegant palazzos, historical attractions and picturesque squares. In the ancient town of Narni, you may well begin your journey at Piazza dei Priori, with the Palazzo dei Priori which gave the heart of the medieval municipal authority. Walk down the narrow streets and you will might find some shops, coffee houses and artists’ studios where you can actually feel the atmosphere of this ancient town.
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 2, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Narni Sotterranea – The Underground City
Visit the mysterious Narni Sotterranea at Narni, a series of underground chambers and tunnels discovered only in the 1970s. The tunnels, chambers, and cisterns unearthed in Narni are awesome evidence of the Roman and medieval fortifications in the area. During the nighttime guided tours, people discover Roman mosaics, old antique structures and relics, and a creepy atmosphere in the place employed for both official and covert use.
Address: Via S. Bernardo, 12, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 11 AM–4 PM
Tickets: €12 for adults, €8 for children
Palazzo Eroli
Together with Rocca Albornoziana, these two structures are perhaps the most apparent in the landscape of Narni. The members of the Eroli family contributed to the further development of the fortification, which was built by Cardinal Albornoz in the fourteenth century. Presently, it is used as a museum featuring weapons, pieces from the medieval age, and vast views of Narni and the surrounding countryside. Learn about Narni’s warfare and political history by visiting the Castle towers, the fort, and the walled gardens.
Address: Via Aurelio Saffi, 1, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 AM–1:30 PM, 2:30–7 PM, Tuesday closed, Sat and Sun 10 AM- 7 PM
Tickets: €9
The Albornoz Fortress or Rocca Di Narni
Another stunning medieval stronghold, Rocca di Narni (Rocca Albornoziana), with sweeping vistas from its high position. Constructed in the fourteenth century, it was a jail at first and then a town defense. Discover its military importance, see its walls and turrets, and take in breathtaking views of Narni and the Umbrian landscape today.
Address: Via di Feronia, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM, Tuesday closed
Tickets: €9
Abbey of San Cassiano
Located in lush foliage, the Abbey of San Cassiano is actually fairly close to Narni, maintaining a sacred ambiance. It was founded in the eighth century, and it has still a tranquil arcade, the Romanesque architecture of the church, and a beautiful cathedral with murals depicting the scenes from the life of St. Cassian. Stroll leisurely on the abbey and try to embrace the serenity and admire the feudal age workmanship here.
Address: Strada S. Casciano, 36, 05035 Narni Scalo, Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free entry
The Cathedral of San Giovenale
One can identify Romanesque style in the Cathedral of San Giovenale dedicated to the patron saint of Narni. Found at the heart of the old town is the cathedral, a 12th-century building that features of one of the best rose windows and is fronted by an incredible façade adorned by bold carvings. Visit to marvel at the place where Saint Giovenale’s relics are buried, medieval wall art, and arched roof.
Address: Via Roma, 29, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 8 AM–12:30 PM, 4–7 PM
Tickets: Free entry
The Augustus Bridge
Roman in design, the Ponte d’Augusto, or Augustus Bridge, previously crossed the Nera River. Part of the Via Flaminia, which linked Rome to the Adriatic coast, it was constructed in the first century BCE. Roman engineering skill is shown by the surviving arches and foundations, but they are mostly destroyed. To see the remnants of the bridge, go along the riverbanks and picture the busy commerce and transport that once used this historic route.
Address: Via Tre Ponti, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Sacro Speco di San Francesco
Just west of Narni, Saint Francis of Assisi is claimed to have lived and worshiped in the hallowed cave complex known as Sacro Speco di San Francesco. Within the complex are a church, rock-cut chambers, and a peaceful garden with a view of the valley. Visitors and pilgrims come to this hallowed place to contemplate the simplicity and devotion of Saint Francis’s life.
Address: 140, Strada Narni Sant'Urbano, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 8.30 AM - 7.30 PM
Tickets: Free entry
Ponte Cardona
Visitors may take in Narni’s architectural splendor and natural beauty at Ponte Cardona, a medieval bridge that spans the Nera River. Constructed in the fourteenth century, its stone pillars and pointed arches provide it the ideal setting for riverfront strolls and photography.
Address: Loc. S. Lucia, Str. dei Pini, 21, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Porta Ternana
One of Narni’s historic gates, Porta Ternana provides a view of the town’s medieval defenses. This beautifully maintained representation of Narni’s defensive architecture dates back to Roman times and was further strengthened throughout the Middle Ages. Enter the gate and look around the walls to get a sense of the humming bustle and strategic significance it once had.
Address: Via Roma, 112, 05035 Narni TR, Italy
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tickets: Free entry
How to get around Narni
Being a little, attractive town, Narni is really simple to go about. Here are the best methods for traveling around Narni whether you like driving, walking, or using public transit:
On Foot
Best seen on foot is Narni’s historic core. Walking is the most practical and pleasurable approach to seeing the town’s medieval beauty because of the small, meandering alleys and pedestrian-only areas. Easy walking distances separate important sites including Narni Sotterranea, the Cathedral of San Giovenale, and Piazza dei Priori.
Local Buses
Local buses link several portions of Narni and the surrounding area. Piazza Garibaldi is home to the primary bus stop in the town center. Reaching sights a little more out from the center, including the Abbey of San Cassiano or Sacro Speco di San Francesco, is made easy by buses. Regularly displayed at bus stations, the bus timetables are also available online and in local information offices.
Regional Buses
Regional buses run by firms like Cotral provide transportation to and from Narni for travels to neighboring towns and cities. Rome, Spoleto, and Terni are among the places these buses may take you. Piazza Garibaldi also houses the primary bus station for regional routes.
Taxis
There are taxis in Narni, and they may be a practical method to get around, particularly if you have a lot of baggage or have to go beyond normal bus hours. The major squares have taxi stands, or you may phone to reserve one. Even if they cost more than public transit, taxis provide comfort and quick ways to your destinations.
Biking
Narni has beautiful scenery and very little traffic, which makes riding a desirable way to move around. From nearby stores, you may hire bicycles and take your time seeing the town and its stunning surroundings. Reaching places like Ponte Cardona or the paths along the Nera River is very fun while biking.
What to eat and where
A range of eating establishments in Narni showcase the unique culinary customs of the Umbria area. The following restaurants in Narni are highly recommended:
At La Bottega Del Giullare, you can enjoy traditional local dishes such as manfricoli pasta, made simply with water and flour, crostini topped with prune jam and crispy guanciale, and tortino di funghi, a mushroom tart with a potato base.
Grano e Sale offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families or casual gatherings. Delicious pizzas, amazing first courses and meat. The kindness of the staff and the good quality/price ratio distinguish this restaurant.
Craving a tasty snack? Look no further than Fregnaccia, a delightful local food! This treat comes in two flavors to satisfy your sweet or savory cravings. For those with a sweet tooth, Nutella or pistachios are delicious fillings. If you prefer savory flavors, pecorino cheese or mortadella will hit the spot.
Where to Stay
Situated in a magnificently renovated mediaeval mansion, Hotel La Rocca combines old world beauty with contemporary conveniences. Elegantly appointed rooms, a restaurant offering Umbrian cuisine, and incredible views of the neighboring countryside are all attractions of this hotel. Its handy central position offers it an easy starting point for touring Narni.
In the center of Narni’s historic district is the quaint bed and breakfast Le Stanze del Giglio. There are large, elegantly furnished rooms at the B&B with contemporary conveniences. Every morning, guests may have a delectable handmade breakfast with locally produced goods and freshly crafted pastries.
Historic rural home turned boutique hotel Borgo della Marmotta is situated just outside of Narni. It provides a peaceful haven complete with exquisitely designed grounds, a swimming pool outside, and tastefully furnished rooms. Perfect for visitors looking for a quiet escape, the hotel’s restaurant offers delicious Umbrian food.
Family-run hotel Albergo Anita provides cozy and reasonably priced lodging in Narni. The hotel offers a pleasant environment along with tidy, well-kept rooms. Its handy location allows you to easily see the town’s attractions, and the employees are known for their kind welcome and assistance.
Day Trips from Narni
Natural pools in Stifone
Popular for its stunning natural pools with crystal-clear turquoise waters, Stifone is a charming town along the Nera River that provides a calm haven from the daily grind. It can be easily reached in fifteen minutes by car from Narni, which is about ten kilometers distant. When there, guests may take a cool dip in the glistening waters, stroll about the quaint town streets, take breathtaking pictures of the vivid waters and rustic background, and trek the adjacent picturesque trails. Bring your own lunch for the ideal day out since the pools are not served by cafés or restaurants. For negotiating the rocky sections around the pools, it is also advised to wear robust, water-resistant shoes. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards or services on the premises since it is a natural pool. Swim at your own responsibility, and take precautions.
Marmore Waterfalls
The Marmore Waterfalls are among the highest artificial waterfalls in the world, having been built by the ancient Romans. About 30 kilometers from Narni, the waterfalls are accessible by car in 30 to 40 minutes or by regional bus to Terni, then a short bus journey to the falls. From many vantage points, visitors may take in both broad and up-close views; they can also hike down the river and through verdant woods; and on some boat trips, they can see the cascades from the water. The daring can go canyoning, kayaking, and rafting. Additionally available are educational excursions that teach about the engineering and history of the falls. To maximize your visit, find out when the water is released for best viewing, dress comfortably, wear sturdy shoes, and pack a raincoat to shield yourself from the fall’s spray.
Narni with Kids
Families may enjoy activities in Narni that suit all ages. Children love the historic center because of its sensation of adventure offered by its medieval structures and tiny, meandering lanes. Through guided tours of its subterranean chambers and tunnels, Narni Sotterranea provides an engaging and instructive experience. The Augustus Bridge provides amazing panoramas of the Nera River along with a history lesson. The nearby countryside offers ideal outdoor activities like picnics, swimming in naturalistic pools, and family walks.
Definitely worth a quick visit are the Marmore Waterfalls. Together with playgrounds, picnic spots, and walking paths appropriate for children, the spectacular waterfalls and verdant surroundings provide an exciting day out. Furthermore, children may participate in informative tours and programs designed by the local museums and cultural institutions, which give practical learning opportunities about the history and customs of the area.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Narni?
April to June: Enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F). This is a perfect time to visit most of Italy.
July & August: Be prepared for the heat! Temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F), especially in Terni due to its location. Consider visiting a different region if you’re not a fan of scorching temperatures.
September & October: If you prefer warm weather without the summer heat, aim for September or October. Temperatures settle around a comfortable 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F).
Is Narni in Umbria worth visiting?
Narni is a place worth seeing, indeed. Rich history, breathtaking scenery, and cultural activities abound in this little medieval town. Important sites include the charming Nera River, Albornoz Fortress, and Narni Sotterranea. A must-see site in Umbria, it has a well-preserved ancient town, lively festivals, and delicious regional food.
What is Narni famous for?
Famous for its historical monuments and medieval architecture is Narni, particularly the subterranean city of Narni Sotterranea. It is furthermore credited as serving as the model for the made-up nation of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Along with famous sites like the Augustus Bridge and Albornoz Fortress, the town is home to the yearly “Corsa all’Anello” medieval festival.
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