"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Norcia

Urban Resilience and Energy: Norcia, severely affected by the 2016 earthquake, stands as an example of a resilient community. All new public buildings are constructed in compliance with CAM (Minimum Environmental Criteria), approaching Near-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards and utilizing PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funds for reconstruction. The "Norcia Smart City" program (in partnership with the Universities of Perugia, IUAV, and Sapienza) involves the creation of a "Smart Grid" for air quality monitoring and the use of sensors in "Smart Buildings" (home automation). The installation of wind turbines is strictly prohibited (Resolution 2004-2008) to protect the area's scenic landscape; instead, the municipality incentivizes concealed domestic systems, such as photovoltaic roof tiles and biomass installations.

Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility: Despite ongoing construction work, the municipality is preparing for the post-earthquake future: funding (€800,000) has been secured for a new intermodal parking facility located 200 meters from Porta Romana, equipped with bicycle parking and e-bike charging stations. €3.7 million has been obtained for the first phase of pedestrianizing the historic center. Urban sidewalks are entirely free of architectural barriers. Norcia also hosts the local hospital, featuring an emergency service (118), air ambulance capabilities, and departments upgraded under the new Healthcare Plan. Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: Local agriculture focuses on high quality rather than intensive farming. School canteens promote the use of local and organic products, featuring specialties such as the prized black truffle, Castelluccio lentils (IGP), Norcia ham (IGP), black pig products, honey, grass peas (*cicerchia*), and spelt. While the earthquake severely damaged many of the town's famous *Norcineria* shops and cultural sites (such as the Castellina Museum, the Cryptoporticus, and the Ancient Crafts Center), merchants have relocated their businesses to safe facilities to keep the identity of the "Natural Shopping District" alive.

Slow Tourism and Hospitality: Tourism is a key pillar of the local economy (forming an integrated Tourism-Environment-Culture-Agriculture value chain). Norcia offers an incredible network of "slow tourism" routes: the *Sentiero Italia*, the former Spoleto-Norcia railway, the Benedictine Routes of the Valnerina, the Way of St. Benedict, and the Europe 1 Trail. During the peak season of the Castelluccio flowering (which sees up to 20,000 daily visitors), integrated parking and shuttle bus systems are implemented. The non-hotel accommodation sector is experiencing a strong recovery and continuous evolution following the earthquake.

Digital and Social Integration: The Municipality is implementing comprehensive 100 Mbps Wi-Fi coverage and fiber-optic connectivity across the entire territory (Open Fiber Project 2022). Digital services have been launched via the "IO" app, and a DIGIPASS service point has been opened to assist the public. Social and family policies are of great importance: the Municipality allocates additional funds for childcare facilities (including the only nursery school in the Valnerina area), services for people with disabilities, and support for vulnerable groups (such as food vouchers and post-earthquake rent reimbursements).

List of Events

The town's revival relies on the swift restoration of local celebrations and traditions:

Nero Norcia (Premium Black Truffle Exhibition and Market): A flagship event and key showcase held over the last weekend of February and the first weekend of March; it is essential for promoting the area's agri-food products and fostering an appreciation for fine food.

Benedictine March: Solemn celebrations (both religious and civic) honoring Saint Benedict, the principal patron saint of Europe and the founder of the town.

Feast of Saint Anthony and the Bells: Traditional rituals kept alive by the local community.

Village-Level Folkloric Celebrations: Initiatives such as the "Pasquarelle" festival and tree-related rituals (e.g., *I Fauni* and the *Piantata del Majo*).