It is located inside Palazzo Seneca, a noble residence of the 16th century, in via Cesare Battisti 10 in Norcia (Umbria, Italy), in the historic center, a few meters from the famous San Benedetto place and the main street of the city.

The Palace was the residence of the Seneca family, an important artisan family who provided large orders to the Vatican.

It was later transformed into a Hotel della Posta and frequented by travelers who crossed the Apennines on horseback or by carriage who stopped here to sleep and eat well.

The Bianconi family bought this property at the end of the nineties and started a major renovation that lasted 7 years.

The whole property has been restored with great care and tastefully furnished.

The Vespasia Restaurant has its own dedicated entrance. It is on the right side, looking at the main entrance of the Palace.

It is accessed by a large dark iron gate behind which there is a stone passage that runs alongside Palazzo Seneca on the left and on the right, first the Auditorium of San Francesco and then the walls of an old monastery.

At the end of the passage there is a large window that enhances the terracotta columns supporting a beautiful wooden ceiling and tiles.

The floor is in original stone but the touch that makes the difference is given by the soft warm lights contained in 8 modern chandeliers made of shiny metal cylinders that seem to float in space.

On both sides there are leather sofas and armchairs, always made with an amazing taste by skilled Umbrian artisans.

On the left wall there are photos that do not represent, as often happens in these places, celebrities but the great friends of this project, that is the best small producers in the area, together with the ethical Manifesto of the Relais & Châteaux Association and the Vespasia.

To enter it is necessary to ring the bell located on the left. The welcome is smiling, hospitable, attentive and at the very same time simple, in line with the values of this land.

Once you have deposited your coat, if necessary, you will be accompanied to the main room of the restaurant immediately after a large wooden door.

Here, from time to time, you may find skilled hands on the piano that, accompanied by other hands on the double bass or guitar, create quality music. But we can guarantee you that in this place even silence is magical.

Since 2014, the Vespasia Restaurant has received a Michelin star which it has been able to maintain to this day. This quality certificate makes the restaurant one of the two most important gastronomic destinations in the Umbria region.

The Vespasia Restaurant is also part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association and the Buon Ricordo Restaurants.

This is the main room of the Vespasia restaurant. It opens with its four large wooden windows towards the pretty little backyard garden. Its circular tables sit under large orange chandeliers that produce a soft warm light. The seats of these tables can be large leather armchairs or traditional chairs with armrests in wood and leather. On the walls there are modern paintings that summarize the soul and colors of these places.

This is a more intimate room in the Vespasia restaurant. It has no windows facing outwards, the slit that overlooks the kitchen is curious, from which you can see the work of the Chefs. This room is characterized by a large wooden furniture that contains our spirits, wines and glasses, four large white chandeliers and by the large black fireplace.

It is almost surprising to discover this peaceful place in the historic center.

This is a small green oasis where, in the summer, the scents of the small garden, with the aromatic herbs used in the kitchen, help to enrich the experience with delicate scents. From here you can see the roofs and the towers of the historic center. Beyond, between the houses, a glimpse of the nearby countryside. If you arrive in time for an aperitif, during the summer months, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset, between the mountains overlooking the water meadows. The large terrace above the garden also offers a breathtaking view. It is accessed by a graceful terracotta staircase.

If you want to combine duty with pleasure, organizing a small event, a seminar or a business meeting with us, we inform you that we have some spaces dedicated to these functions, well equipped and able to combine privacy and technology. Do not hesitate to contact us or go to the website: palazzoseneca.com

If you want to stay overnight, you can continue the experience in an equal special location without even having to go out. This is the Relais & Châteaux Palazzo Seneca, a unique place. The five types of rooms are very different from each other but all of quality in the materials used and in the attention to every detail. To find out more, do not hesitate to contact us or go to the website: palazzoseneca.com

If you want to relax during your stay at  the Relais & Châteaux Palazzo Seneca, you can access the small SPA, where the cellars of the palace was once located. Here you can use the sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi or book personalized treatments. Do not hesitate to contact us to find out more, or visit the site: palazzoseneca.com