Narni is a small mountainous city of around 20,000 people located in the Italian province of Terni on the southern edge of the Umbria region, very close to the exact geographic center of Italy.
A brief history of Narni or Narnia
Although there is evidence of Neolithic remains in the area, the first historical document that we know of dates from 600 BC where Nequinum is mentioned. In 299 we know the city as Narnia, a Roman colony. The name comes from the nearby river Nar, which today is called Nera. Narni increased in importance with the construction of the Via Flaminia from Rome to Rimini. In the 12th and 14th centuries, Narni became part of the Papal State and developed an important school of painting and goldsmithing.
Getting to Narni by train
Narni can be reached on the train line from Rome to Ancona. The line from Rome to Florence stops at Orte, where you can get a connection. Narni station is outside the city, but served by local bus.
Get to Narni by car
The A1 Autostrada del Sole is the fast (and expensive) way to get there from Rome, leaving in Orte on the Orte-Terni connecting road. The free route is the E45 that goes from Terni-Cresena.
Regional events in Narni
Umbria Travel offers a limited calendar of events for Narni.
Interesting festival in Narni
In Narni, from April 25 to the following weekend, the Corsa all’Anello is celebrated: «Traditional festival whose roots go back to the Middle Ages, organized during the celebration in honor of the Patron Saint Giovanale. An impressive competition in which young people from the old neighborhoods participate, dressed in traditional costumes, trying to pass a spear through a ring that is held by ropes that extend through the houses of Via Maggiore.
What about CS Lewis’s Narnia?
More than 50 years ago, CS Lewis invented a place called Narnia. Factmonster presents a bit of speculation:
It has been said that Lewis discovered the name (Narnia) in an atlas as a child, although he may have mentioned the city in his university studies as well.
By chance, the modern city of Narni (as it is now known) pays tribute to a local saint known as “Blessed Lucia of Narnia.” Today, the Cathedral of the city of Narnia is next to a shrine to this Saint Lucia.
Staying in Narni
For its size, there are many places to stay in Narni, and the prices can be quite reasonable. Some are on the outskirts of town in the countryside, so pay attention to the location if you want to stay in town.
Things to do in Narni
There are several interesting buildings in Narni:
- The Cathedral
- Iglesia de San Francesco (siglo XIII)
- Palazzo dei Priori (1275)
- Town Hall (1273)
- Church of Santa Maria Impensole (1175)
- Towers of the Marzi (1400)
- Palacio Scotti (1500)
- Metro de San Domenico (siglo XIII)
- Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (1400)
- Bishop’s Palace (Palacio del Obispo)
- Arca-Corsini Palace
- Iglesia de Santa Restituita
- Palazzo Cardoli (siglo XV)
- Opera Beata Lucia (1700)
- Palazzo Capocaccia (1545)
- Iglesia de Sant’Agostino (siglo XIV)
- Church of Santa Margherita (1600)
- Castillo Albornoz (1370)
- Source of Feronia
There is also an interesting walk outside the city to the 1st century Ponte Cardona, part of the Roman Formina aqueduct. Along this tree-lined promenade, you will also pass the geographical center of Italy’s landmark.
Beyond the city, to the west, are the interesting ruins of Ocriculum, near the modern city of Otricoli.
If you like visiting ruins, especially underground places, Narni has a group of volunteers called Subterranea that offers tours. Lots of good information on the site about things to visit as well.
And finally, the nearby cities of Terni and Orte are also interesting places to visit.
