Croce: Castle, Church Art and Trails

Croce combines a fortification, sacred art, and trails through the districts of Caldarola. The focal points are Castello di Croce and Chiesa di Santa Croce; the circular route “Le vie dei castelli” also passes through Vestignano, Croce, Pievefavera, and Valcimarra.

Castello di Croce

Castello di Croce is a fortification of the da Varano family. Its entrance has a pointed arch and leads into a small inner courtyard with a cistern. The sequence from the distinctive entrance to the inner courtyard makes the site tangible through specific architectural details. The pointed arch, inner courtyard, and cistern are the essential structural details of Castello di Croce.

Defensive Wall and Visible Fortifications

The eastern defensive wall of Castello di Croce is considered the largest among the castles in the surrounding area. In the municipality of Caldarola, the remains of the fortifications at Croce are still visible despite the earthquakes. Both aspects draw attention to the site’s architectural presence and give the exploration of Croce a concrete architectural focus.

Chiesa di Santa Croce

Chiesa di Santa Croce probably has very ancient origins dating back to the time of the Benedictines. Around 1600, Simone De Magistris created a fresco there depicting Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Venantius.

Further Traces of Sacred History

During restoration work in 2003, 15th-century frescoes were discovered in Chiesa di Santa Croce. They depict Christ being carried by God the Father, as well as a depiction of a saint. The southern part of Castello di Croce is occupied by a church that may have been established only later. In the nearby village of Castiglione di Croce, Chiesa di San Sebastiano was first mentioned in a document in 1527. The sacred evidence around Croce therefore comes from several periods and is spread across Croce and Castiglione di Croce.

Trails through the Municipality

The Cammino Francescano della Marca passes through the entire municipality of Caldarola and also reaches the ancient Castello di Croce. The Cammino is 167 kilometres long in total; 24 percent runs on paths, 36 percent on unpaved roads, and 40 percent on asphalt. The different surfaces are relevant when planning individual stages because the 167-kilometre route includes several types of paths. The circular route “Le vie dei castelli” passes through the picturesque districts of Vestignano, Croce, Pievefavera, and Valcimarra. The Cammino connects the entire municipality of Caldarola with Castello di Croce, while the circular route connects four districts.

More Destinations

Find more destinations at San Severino Marche, Caldarola, Sefro, Contrada di Forano, Sant'angelo In Pontano, Recanati, San Ginesio and Corridonia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Macerata.