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Norma in the Lepini Mountains: the village overlooking the Garden of Ninfa
Norma stands in the Lepini Mountains, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Pontine Marshes (Agro Pontino) and the Garden of Ninfa (Oasi di Ninfa). The breathtaking panorama is one of the primary reasons to visit the village. There is however another historical motivation: Norma came into being following the destruction of Norba. Just a few miles away, the archaeological excavations of the ancient Roman city tell of a violent end.
The fall of Norba and the birth of Norma
Norba was razed to the ground by Sulla’s troops in 81 BC, and was never rebuilt. The few survivors moved further uphill to the rocky crag, where Norma stands today. In the following centuries, this new settlement evolved into a proper town. It is one of the rare instances where a modern village rose directly from the ashes of its predecessor.
What to see
The archaeological site of Norba is the main attraction, featuring cyclopean walls, ancient gates, and the remains of temples. In the village, visitors can visit the Church of the Annunziata and the Madonna del Rifugio Sanctuary. There is also a Chocolate Museum, celebrating the local artisanal tradition.
