Norma is a balcony set on a spur of the Lepini Mountains, the “rave,” rising steeply for over 400 meters and overlooking the Pontine Plain, embracing the view from Nettuno to Terracina and the Pontine Islands.
The village originates from ancient Norba, the “stone city,” founded during the period of Volscian invasions. It was founded in the early 5th century B.C. as a fortress, situated on a plateau overlooking the Pontine Plain. In the Archaeological Park of the Ancient City of Norba, enclosed by imposing polygonal walls, you will see remains of streets, terraces, temples, and public and private buildings.
Archaeological Park of the Ancient City of Norba, Porta Maggiore – photo www.comune.norma.lt.it
The polygonal walls are constructed with large blocks of limestone, without the use of lime. They encircle the city along a path of about 2.5 km. Today, the access to the archaeological area is through the Porta Maggiore, the most monumental compared to Porta Ninfina, Porta Serrone di Bove, and Porta Signina.
Ancient City of Norba
There are two acropolises, the smaller and the larger, located on two nearby heights. Among these, you’ll find the remains of the “castle of waters,” probably one of the earliest examples of a thermal baths, with cisterns, wells, and ambulacra. The history of Norba is narrated inside the Annibale Gabriele Saggi Civic Archaeological Museum through artifacts, models, video reconstructions with interactive stations, and virtual reality.
church of Santa Maria above Monte Mirteto, courtyard – photo www.comune.norma.lt.it
Among lesser-known places is the rock church of Santa Maria above Monte Mirteto in a completely uninhabited area. Also known as the church of San Michele Arcangelo or Sant’Angelo del Mirteto, its remains stand on the hillside overlooking Ninfa. It is a karst cave transformed into a church in 1183. This rock church inspired the construction of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Monte Mirteto, founded by Pope Gregory IX.
church of Santa Maria above Monte Mirteto , cave – photo www.comune.norma.lt.it
On the rock of the cave are the remains of frescoes, including those depicting the Madonna enthroned between St. Michael the Archangel and St. Lucia. Inside the cave, the central recess houses a precious primitive altar built with local materials. Abandoned for decades, the monument is preserved by the volunteers of the Cultural Association “Opera di Sant’Angelo a Monte Mirteto.” The place is rugged and can be visited only with the guidance of volunteers.
Chocolate Museum in Norma – Facebook @museodelcioccolato
A tasty “gem” in Norma is the Chocolate Museum, the first of its kind in Italy. The tours inside introduce you to the evolution of the “food of the Gods,” a fascinating story that begins with the Maya tradition and continues to the present day. It is a chocolate factory that has become a museum divided into three sections. In the first, you trace the history of cocoa and chocolate consumption. The second is dedicated to cocoa cultivation techniques, while the last consists of a collection of objects, memorabilia, and curiosities related to the chocolate industry and trade. It’s impossible to resist the tasting at the end of the
paragliding in Norma – photo Facebook @parapendionorma
Norma is the chosen destination for paragliders, an unforgettable experience allowing you to soar over the Pontine Plain, the Lepini Mountains, and the oasis of Ninfa!