As you come out of the long tunnel connecting the North Umbrian Valley to the Nera River Valley, you’ve left civilization behind and entered another world: of wooded gorges, craggy limestone cliffs and medieval hill towns hanging precariously off stony outcrops. Most of these villages are now nearly abandoned: hardy farmers, resilient shepherds once took on the challenges of eking out a living here. They had little choice…
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Warmer weather prompted our first motorcycle “uscita” this year and what better destination than the panoramic Valnerina? Hanging on the mountainside in the Val Nerina, Sant’ Anatolia di Narco is one of Umbria’s many “hidden gems” and we headed there, curious to visit the new hemp museum, il Museo della Canapa. After a tour there with appassioned young custodian, Eva, we headed outside the medieval walls to explore the stunning 12th-c Benedictine abbey church on the banks of the Nera River. What treasures in this tiny mountain village!
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