Narni is a city and hill town in the south of the Italian region of Umbria. It lays claim to being the geographical center of Italy, although this claim is also made by nearby Rieti. It rose to importance in ancient Roman times by being on the Via Flaminia, the road that traversed the Apennine Mountains from Rome to Rimini (Ariminum) on the Adriatic coast. In Roman times, the city was known as Narnia, but it's not certain that this is where C.S. Lewis got the name for his Chronicles of Narnia from.

Get in

By car

From Rome take the A1 Autostrada as far as Orte. Then head east on the E45 highway and Narni is about 25 km.

By train

There are trains from Rome on the line to Ancona. If coming from the north (e.g. Florence), you can change at Orte station.

Get around

Narni Scalo station is a few kilometres from the main town. Bus services are available.

See

• 1 Bridge of Augustus (Ponte d'Augusto). This ruined bridge is believed to be the largest Roman bridge ever constructed. It was built to carry the Via Flaminia 30m over the River Nera. About half of it remains. 
• 2 City Museum in Palazzo Eroli (Museo della città di Narni), Via Aurelio Saffi. 10:30AM–1PM 3–5:30PM Monday, Tuesday Closed. This is mainly known for housing a famous altarpiece by Domenico Bigordi known as il Ghirlandaio, but there are also prehistoric, Roman and medieval items as well as other paintings. 10.30-13.00 and 15.30-18.00, with variations according to the time of year. The museum's logo has attracted considerable attention from design enthusiasts, combining an M for museum, and an E for Eroli into what appears to be a bridge. Admission €5. 
• 3 Underground Narni, via di San Bernardo, ☏ +39 0744 722292. The city has several interesting underground sites, including a medieval cistern, a Roman aqueduct, and lower areas of churches. Organized tours are offered. 
• 4 Church of Santa Maria Impensole. Constructed over an ancient Roman Temple. Notables medieval frescoes and sculptural stone decorations (updated Feb 2016)
• 5 Albornoz' Castle. Saturday afternoon from 15:00 to 17:00. Sunday and holidays from 10:30 to 17:00. overlooking the town, now hosting temporary exhibitions. (updated Feb 2016)

Sleep

• Hotel Loggia dei Priori, Vicolo del Comune, 4, ☏ +39 0744 726843, fax: +39 0744 726843. (updated Feb 2016)