Castelsantangelo Sul Nera: History, Nera Springs and Nature

Between the Nera Valley and the highlands

Castelsantangelo Sul Nera lies at an altitude of about 760 metres between the upper Nera Valley, the slope of Cornaccione and Monte Cardosa. The fortification walls already give the town a historic character: parts of them still preserve battlements and crenellations.

Water, animals and trails

On the southern slope of Cornaccione, between Castelsantangelo sul Nera and Vallinfante, the wildlife-park-like Centro Faunistico Il Cervo covers about 29 hectares. It is home to red deer and roe deer in near-natural conditions, roaming semi-freely.

The springs of the Nera emerge in the meadows of Vallinfante, just above Castelsantangelo sul Nera. The path there is considered easy and accessible, and is also suitable for walks with the family. The route of the “Museo dell’Acqua all’aperto” illustrates the historic relationship between the Nera and the local community through mills, sawmills, trout farms and hydroelectric power stations.

The Fonte della Salute picnic area on the banks of the Nera has tables, benches, a drinking fountain and permanently installed barbecue facilities. For centuries, the Fonte di San Lorenzo served as a watering place for animals while grazing and during the course of transhumance routes. Transhumance refers to the seasonal movement between different grazing areas.

Churches and living memory

Several religious buildings link different eras: the Church of San Martino in Gualdo was built at the end of the 13th century in the Romanesque style. San Sebastiano was built in 1528 in a simple, linear architectural style; Santo Stefano has a stone baptismal font from the 14th century. Santa Maria in the hamlet of Vallinfante dates from the 13th century and has a richly decorated Baroque wooden altar from the 17th century.

Local memory includes the Battle of Pian Perduto, fought against Norcia in July 1522. It is also commemorated in a poem written in octaves by Berrettaccia, a shepherd and poet from Castelsantangelo sul Nera.

For centuries, Gualdo and Castelluccio came to Castelsantangelo sul Nera on the first Sunday in July to take part in a procession, Mass, singing, dancing and banquets. Local history, religious practice and communal celebration come together here.

Regional trails for your planning

Regional products and cycling also have a specific connection to the town: the two-day route “I Prodotti IGP delle Marche”, focused on regional food products, also passes through Castelsantangelo sul Nera. Castelsantangelo sul Nera is also the final stage of the cycling route “La Grande Via del Parco dei Monti Sibillini”. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can choose to focus on churches and memory, springs and waterscapes, regional products or a cycling stage.

More places for planning your trip

Pieve Torina, Pollenza, Potenza Picena, Strada, Urbisaglia, Apiro, Civitanova Alta, Frontignano

For the higher-level travel overview: Macerata.