With yesterday's election of Pope Benedict XVI, would not this be a good time to visit the town of Norcia, birthplace of St. Benedict, located in the southeast quadrant of Umbria?

Visit the Basilica of St. Benedict, right in the main square of town, and see the many other churches (many of which are closed) in the compact, Medieval town. Enjoy the bright sunshine and refreshing mountain air of this cheerful and pious resort. Enjoy a pasta dish with truffles, or a pork sandwich from one of the local salumerie. Norcia is a great place for R&R.

How does one get there? Take any train from Rome to Spoleto (itself a fantastic destination), then the Spoletina intercity bus to Norcia in one hour departing directly from the Spoleto train station. The bus ride to Norcia is scenic.

www.trenitalia.com
www.spoletina.it

NOTE: in a similar spirit, the Monastery of St. Benedict in Subiaco (east of Rome) should not be missed.

I am going to be in Norcia in September for a week with a walking tour. Looking forward to all that you mentioned. I am spending the night before the tour in Spoleto. If you know of any helpful hints for the area (restaurants, etc) let me know.

Another St. Benedict site is Mt. Oliveto Maggiore near Buonconvento in southern Tuscany. There is a wonderful cycle of freacoes depicting the life of St. Benedict. My favorite is the one depicting the "loose" women , led by a Maltese dog, being turned away at the gates of the monastery.
Jeanne