Sarnano

What to know

Set on a hill at the foot of the Monti Sibillini, Sarnano is one of the most striking villages of the upper Macerata area, famous for its medieval historic centre with the warm tones of its terracotta. Founded in the 13th century as a free commune, it developed in a spiral around the top of the hill, with alleys, stairways and brick houses that converge towards the scenic Piazza Alta, the civic and religious heart of the village. Bound for centuries to the Papal State and to the agricultural and pastoral life of the mountains, Sarnano is also known for its thermal waters, exploited since antiquity for their curative properties and still appreciated today for the well-being they offer. The maze of little streets, arches and covered passages that climbs towards the summit creates an intimate atmosphere suspended in time, where every glimpse tells of centuries of history. Recognised among "The most beautiful villages of Italy" and awarded the Orange Flag of the Touring Club, the village is today a renowned tourist centre, able to combine thermal well-being, winter sports in the nearby resort of Sassotetto, excursions in the Sibillini Park and a historic centre of rare beauty, among the most photographed in the Marche. Surrounded by woods, meadows and mountains that change colour with the seasons, Sarnano lives in perfect harmony with the Apennine nature, offering those who visit the image of an authentic and welcoming village, where tradition, art and landscape blend into a whole of great charm, an ideal destination at any time of year for those seeking culture, well-being and open-air life all together.

What to see

The heart of the village is the scenic Piazza Alta, reached by climbing the terracotta alleys, onto which face the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo dei Priori with its tower and the church of Santa Maria di Piazza, rich in frescoes of great value. Worth seeing are the other churches of the centre, the civic museums, among them those dedicated to art, to birdlife and to ancient weapons, and the charming little waterfalls along the paths outside the village, where the clear water descends among the rocks in a landscape of rare beauty. All around, the Monti Sibillini National Park offers paths, waterfalls, gorges and the nearby ski resort of Sassotetto-Santa Maria Maddalena, a destination for winter sports and spectacular views towards the snow-capped peaks. The thermal waters, with their beneficial properties, complete the offering of well-being and relaxation, in an unspoilt natural setting. Sarnano is an ideal starting point for excursions, trekking, mountain biking and skiing, in a territory that unites unspoilt nature, sport and the charm of one of the most beautiful villages of the Apennines. Strolling among the brick streets, the stairways and the silent glimpses of the historic centre, the visitor is won over by the warm, enveloping atmosphere of the terracotta, by the play of light that at sunset sets the façades aglow and by a sense of quiet that invites you to slow down and enjoy every detail of this village suspended between sky and mountain, where every portal, every arch and every window tells of the ancient skill of those who built it over the centuries.

What to eat

The cuisine of Sarnano is the genuine fare of the Sibillini mountains, rich in hand-made pasta and high-altitude products, the fruit of a country and pastoral tradition handed down with pride from generation to generation. The signature dish is vincisgrassi, the sumptuous lasagne with ragù, together with tagliatelle, passatelli and tagliolini often enriched with truffle, which the surrounding woods yield in several varieties over the course of the year. Not to be missed are the local cured meats, first and foremost the spreadable ciauscolo IGP, and the sheep's cheeses of the Sibillini, with their bold taste and long maturing. Among the main courses are roast meats, game and dishes based on mushrooms, chestnuts and pulses, including the prized lentils grown on the mountain uplands. Wood-fired bread, honey, jams and the wild herbs of the meadows complete an authentic, zero-kilometre larder. Giving character to the dishes are the wines of the Colli Maceratesi, which gladly accompany the courses of the table. Among the desserts are crostate, ciambelloni and the traditional biscuits, simple and fragrant as home custom requires. The festivals and village feasts, linked to the seasonal flavours, offer the chance to discover these typical products in the farm holiday inns and trattorias of the village, in a warm and convivial atmosphere, where the warmth of the people and the sincere hospitality of the mountains turn every meal into a moment of genuine celebration and rediscovered pleasure.