Pssst! Backpackers…we have a secret for you! The magical land of Narnia exists – it’s located in an ancient Italian hilltown in the centre of the peninsula. While you may not find talking animals and mythical beasts, visit Narni and you will find lush greenery, natural pools, nearby waterfalls, and art and architecture that tell the tale of its history and heritage.
What is Narni, Umbria
Historically known as Narnia in Latin, Narni is a nature lover’s paradise. Located in the province of Terni, on the hilltop above the Nera River at an altitude of 240m above sea level, it’s close to some beautiful attractions.
This gem in Umbria is a lesser-known town compared to its Perugian and Assisiani neighbours, but that’s not a reason to skip it! Narni is highly worth visiting for its historic medieval towns and fortresses, surrounding nature, and food.
Read our full guide on Umbria to learn more about what this region has to offer.
How to get to Narni
The good news is that the regional train services have several stops in the province of Terni reaching Narni and its neighbouring attractions. While going by car is recommended, and just easier overall, public transit can still take you where you want to go!
How to get to Narni by car
Narni is located in Umbria near the city of Terni, not far from the border with the region of Lazio. It is 15km from Terni, and about 85km north of Rome. Reaching the town by car is fairly simple and probably the best option available.
There is a huge parking next to the town walls, which is free of charge. Check the map below for the exact location.
How to get to Narni by train
If you’re in Rome, heading to Narni is easy to reach, it’s just one hour away! Take the regional train to Narni Amelia, then walk towards the bus stop Narni Parco Suffragio (2.2km – about 35 min on foot) and take either the E629 or E630 bus for 2 stops, getting off at Piazza Garibaldi Duomo. This is the main piazza in the old city centre of Narni.
The bus ticket cost is €1.30 EUR/$ 1.40 USD. The cost of the regional train ticket depends on where you’re travelling from. For example from the Termini station in Rome, the cost is €7.75 EUR ($ 8 USD) one way.
Best things to do in Narni
Narni is an interesting town both under its cultural and its natural sides.
There are quite a few fun things to see and do in and around Narni. Here is a complete list to give you some fun ideas of where to go and what to see.
Narni – Visit the old city centre
Explore Narni’s old medieval streets and take in all its beauty! Walk towards Piazza Garibaldi and make your way to Piazza Cavour to visit the San Giovenale Cathedral with its stunning 13th-century façade. From Piazza Mazzini walk towards Piazza XII Giugno, to check out the Church of Saint Domenico. This 12th-century church is home to artworks such as “The Annunciation” by Benozzo Gozzoli.
Narni’s Palazzo Comunale, also called Palazzo del Podestà or Palazzo del Vicario, is an important symbol of the town. The main area of this Palazzo houses some archaeological finds discovered around Narni as well as a Roman tomb.
Narni Sotterranea – Explore the underground city
Visits to the underground city of Narni are available only with a tour guide. At the ticket office, be sure to ask when the next tour is and sign up if you’re planning on going. The tour lasts about an hour and visitors are given a headset that they can listen to in Italian, English, French or German. When you visit, you get a glimpse of ancient Narni, how it was, and the culture and traditions of its people.
The opening hours depend on the month you are visiting. Check out their website to know when it is open to reserve your spot when you go. Tickets are €12 EUR ($12.50 USD).
Note: taking photos is not allowed in Narni Sotterranea
Palazzo Eroli and Rocca Albornoziana
When visiting Narni, there is a beautiful Palazzo Eroli museum with a great collection of artworks including works from Domenico Ghirlandaio and Benozzo Gozzoli. You can purchase a combined ticket for €9 EUR ($9.50 USD) and see both the museum and the Rocca Albornoziana. While the museum is worth the visit, well-curated and is home to a great collection of works (including an ancient Egyptian mummy, Roman artifacts, and more), we found the Rocca to be disappointing.
The exterior architecture of the Rocca is both fascinating and intriguing. However, since you need a car to reach it from the town of Narni and visits are only possible with a guide, we found it not worth the trip. If you’re in Narni for a short time, we recommend visiting the museum and the underground city instead.
Le Mole di Narni
The Mole di Narni is a beautiful oasis that is located close to the Nera gorge, just a few kilometers from Narni and Stifone. When you’re there, you can enjoy a drink at the small caffè nearby and sit by the crystal turquoise water. Due to the dangers of the sluice upstream that is opened at set times during the day, swimming isn’t allowed. Some people try to sneak a dip and go through the fence that divides the seating area from the water, but there is staff that patrols the area to discourage this kind of activity.
This is a beautiful spot to visit and hang out for a bit. Spending the entire day here will feel long (and hot) since there is only one small caffè (which is more of an outdoor hut than a bar or restaurant), there are no washrooms, and no other attractions nearby on foot. Head there in the morning to enjoy the breeze and tranquility of the water then head to Stifone for a dip!
To visit this beautiful spot, take the regional train from Narni Amelia to Nera Montoro, then walk for about 800m (9 minutes). Or take your car, it’s easy to get to and there is a free parking lot close by. It’s small, so go there early.
NOTE: As of 2024, the Mole di Narni is temporarily closed due to construction works related to the upstream dam and hydroelectric power plant. These works are expected to take several years to complete.
Mulino dei Marchesi Eroli
Standing on the banks of the Nera river is the Mulino dei Marchesi Eroli, or mill of the Marquis Eroli, near the Bridge of Augustus and the Abbey of Saint Cassian. The mill was owned by the family of the Marchesi Eroli, from which it gets its name. It is
In the eighteenth century, the mill takes on a historically important role as one of the destinations of the Grand Tour. This “tour” was a cultural tour of Europe only undertaken, especially in this period, by young men of the upper class as a part of their worldly education. Due to its importance in history and culture, the mill is a protected site by the Italian Ministry of Culture.
Bridge of Augustus
Near the mill is the Bridge of Augustus. The Roman Emperor Augustus had the Bridge built in his name in 27 CE, creating an easier route to connect Rome to Fano – a province in the neighbouring region of le Marche. In 1000 BCE, the bridge was partially destroyed by a flood, leaving it in the physical state that we see today.
Natural pools in Stifone
Just a few minutes by car from le Mole di Narni is the small town of Stifone. Here you’ll find charming narrow streets filled with flowers and a bridge that crosses the spring and a path to walk along the water. The water is so blue and clean and you can even take a dip for free!
If you want to go on one of the most beautiful treks in Umbria, try this incredible route along the Nera river, which runs along the former Orte-Rome railway, which has been transformed into a bicycle path. You can take this route either on foot or with your bike, passing through wonderful places and silent villages, all the way to the Mole, in Nera Montoro.
If you take the train from Narni Amelia to Nera Montoro, you can walk 1.9km (25 minutes) to a neighbouring small town called Stifone and see their beautiful natural pool. If you go by car, look for parking along the side of the road. It’s a super small town, but the water is turquoise blue, super clean and just overall really beautiful. The town is charming and quaint if you walk through the small streets.
The Marmore waterfalls
The Marmore waterfalls have beautiful trails. We recommend going twice, once during the day and walking along the trails, and a second time at night to catch them lit up in the dark sky.
Read our full guide on how to plan your visit to the waterfalls, ticket costs, and logistics.
Where to stay in Narni
ON A BUDGET: Montanari Agrivillage – Starting at about 25€ a night per person, this agriturismo is the cheapest option in town. Locanda Fosca Umbra is another relatively affordable option.
MID-RANGE: This price range offers the widest selection of accommodations. We particularly recommend checking out Narnia Loft, Mimma Bed&Flavour, and Scappo in Umbria, La Casa di Sophie.
LUXURY: The best value for money in the luxury category is Attico delle Arvolte. If you’re looking for the most luxurius accommodation in Narni, check out La Corte di Narnia – Villa.
What to eat when you visit Narni
In Narni, guanciale, manfricoli pasta and mushrooms and truffles reign king. At restaurants like La Bottega Del Giullare, you can find traditional local dishes like manfricoli pasta where that pasta is made with just water and flour (no egg), crostini (toasted sliced bread) with prune jam and crispy guanciale, tortino di funghi (mushroom tart with a potato base), and other tasty dishes, like i cappelli del prete (a sort of ravioli stuffed with cheese) served with a cream sauce, mushrooms and guanciale, at reasonable prices. A pasta dish is around €12 EUR ($13 USD).
If you’re looking for a snack, try the Fregnaccia street food. This little treat is made in two ways; sweet or salty. For the sweeter options, you can order it with Nutella or pistachios. For salty options, try it with pecorino cheese or mortadella. It’s like a crêpe that’s rolled up and baked. You can find this local snack in small caffè’s in the old city centre of the town and they cost around €2 EUR ($ 2.10 USD)
Best time to visit Narni
The best time to visit Narni is between spring and autumn, offering a range of pleasant weather conditions that cater to various preferences and activities.
Spring: April to June Spring in Narni is characterized by mild and comfortable temperatures, ranging from 20-26°C. This period is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring historic sites, and enjoying the lush, blooming landscapes.
The pleasant weather makes it an excellent time for sightseeing without the intense heat of summer. The vibrant spring scenery enhances the beauty of Narni, making it a perfect time for photography and leisurely strolls through the town and its surroundings.
Summer: July and August The summer months of July and August bring much warmer temperatures, often reaching 35-40°C, particularly in the Terni area due to its geographic location. While the heat can be intense, it’s also a great time to enjoy summer festivals, outdoor dining, and local markets.
If you can handle the higher temperatures, summer offers a lively and bustling atmosphere with plenty of cultural events and activities. For those seeking to cool off, nearby rivers and natural springs like the one in Stifone provide refreshing swimming opportunities.
Autumn: September and October Autumn is another excellent time to visit Narni, with temperatures cooling to a more comfortable range of 25-27°C. The weather during these months is perfect for outdoor exploration and enjoying the changing colors of the season. September and October offer a serene and picturesque setting, ideal for hiking, wine tasting, and participating in harvest festivals. The cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore Narni’s historic sites and enjoy the local cuisine without the summer crowds.
What to bring to visit Narni
Since Narni is quite closeby to several fun attractions, we recommend bringing the following items if you’re travelling in the summer:
- Bathing suit and towel (no changing rooms in Stifone, so wear them under your clothes or find a local caffè and ask to use the washroom to change) It’s polite to buy an espresso or water bottle (or anything really) before asking to do so.
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle – drinking water is available throughout most Italian cities and it’s free, so make sure to carry your own bottle and save some euros while wasting less plastic
- Snorkel mask – if you crave to explore the bottom of the Stifone springs
- Pack a camera – don’t miss out on these stunning italian views
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Download maps.me to help navigate your trip even offline
Our tips for exploring Narni
If you decide to go swimming in Stifone, know that there are no lifeguards or services on the premises since it is a natural pool. Swim at your own peril, and take precautions.
Go early in the morning to beat the heat and catch the Mole di Narni and natural pools of Stifone with almost nobody around!
If you go by car and are thinking of hitting a few spots we recommend going for a weekend to maximize your time. Start in Narni, and from there plan your excursions. To do some historical site-seeing, be sure to also check out the towns San Gemini and Terni, and take a walk or go canoeing in Piediluco Lake.
Read our full guide on the best things to visit in Umbria to learn more about other places to visit nearby and our guide on the Marmore waterfalls for easy planning!
Umbria awaits you! If you have tips on where to visit Umbria, share them with us in the comments.
Great article, with all the top places in Narni!
Thanks a lot, Lisa! Much appreciated.