The Sibillini Mountains are one of the major mountain groups of the Apennine mountain ranges. Most of the peaks are over 2,000 metres, with Monte Vettore the highest at 2,476 metres.
Since 1993 the area has been part of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini. The U-shaped valleys and glacial depressions are due to the action of ice age glaciers.
The high plains that look like huge bowls between the mountains are spectacular in any season, but in late spring and early summer the bowls are full of flowers, gentians, daffodils, violets, poppies and many more.
This is not my photo, we were there too early in the season to see the flowers bloom.
We visited in late May. We drove up through the mountains and came upon the vast green plain.
The colours were just beginning to appear.
Castelluccio is a tiny village dating from the 13th century with stunning views over the mountains and valleys. The village was badly damaged by earthquakes in 2016. It is slowly being rebuilt.
Castelluccio was packed with visitors the day we were there. I guess it is a gathering point for the activities in the area. It is also full of small shops and temporary stands selling local products.
As well as pork and wild boar products the area is famous for growing lentils, so we bought some of those along with local cheese and salami…all delicious.
This wonderful scenic route is one of the most spectacular in Italy. Take the drive between Spoleto and Norcia, you won’t be disappointed.