Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero
Every February, Norcia transforms into the truffle capital of Umbria during its celebrated Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Nero — a weekend market dedicated entirely to the prized black Périgord-style truffle (Tuber melanosporum) that grows in the Sibillini foothills. Farmers, traders and chefs converge on Piazza San Benedetto and the surrounding streets for tastings, competitions and an atmosphere tha
What happens at the market
Stalls line the piazza selling whole truffles by weight, truffle oils, truffle honey, truffle cheese and truffle-laced everything. Prices are significantly lower than in tourist shops elsewhere in Italy because you are buying direct from the people who dug them out of the ground that week.
Local restaurants set up outdoor stands serving bruschetta smothered in black truffle paste and tagliatelle al tartufo for just a few euros — this is the single best value truffle eating experience in Italy.
Beyond the stalls
The market also features truffle-dog demonstrations in the fields just outside the walls, where trained Lagotto Romagnolo dogs sniff out buried specimens — a genuinely thrilling spectacle for children and adults alike.
Local producers compete for the best truffle of the season, judged on aroma, size and shape. Even if you arrive with no intention of buying, the judging ceremony draws a crowd and is free to watch.
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