Matelica: Roman Traces, Nature and Verdicchio

Culture among theatres, squares and Roman traces

Matelica combines clearly datable architectural history with archaeological evidence and vibrant art in public spaces. The Teatro G. Piermarini was designed around 1805 by Giuseppe Piermarini and inaugurated in 1812.

Excavations in Piazza G. Garibaldi uncovered a large Roman residential complex with mosaic floors, colonnades and baths with stepped pools clad in marble and mosaics. The square also preserves a Roman mosaic floor discovered in 1972. At the Domus romana, three adjoining rooms and part of a fourth, featuring polychrome geometric mosaic floors, were discovered beneath the courtyard of a palace.

The Museo Piersanti preserves a wooden crucifix of Sant'Eutizio dating from between 1160 and 1170. The Church of San Francesco was built around the middle of the 13th century and preserves the Romanesque portal of the original structure.

Braccano offers another form of art experience: the village is a freely accessible open-air gallery with colourful murals. The murals were created by students of the academies of Brera, Macerata and Urbino, as well as by established artists. Piazza Enrico Mattei is also home to an octagonal white-stone fountain built in 1587 and decorated with four statues of sea deities. For those interested in culture, the Teatro G. Piermarini, Museo Piersanti, San Francesco and the murals in Braccano each offer a distinct focus.

A natural setting of forests, vistas and water

The Riserva Naturale Regionale del Monte San Vicino e del Monte Canfaito also includes Matelica. The nature reserve was established in 2009 and covers approximately 1,500 hectares. Its defining features include beech forests, panoramic landscapes, and anthropological and archaeological assets.

A trail follows a stream fed by a spring to the waterfall at the Gola di Jana. For planning purposes, the protected area and the trail to the Gola di Jana can be treated as separate nature attractions in Matelica.

Pilgrimage history and routes through the wine-growing area

Near Braccano lies the Abbazia di Santa Maria di Rotis, which can be reached via a hiking trail. In the Middle Ages, the abbey's monastery was a stop for pilgrims.

Cyclists will find a dedicated attraction in the Ciclovia dell'Esino between Matelica and Esanatoglia. The route passes through cultivation areas of Verdicchio di Matelica DOC and DOCG and offers views of Monte San Vicino, Monte Gemmo and Monte Corsegno. The Verdicchio di Matelica area includes the wine “Verdicchio di Matelica DOC” and “Verdicchio di Matelica Riserva DOCG”, each with its own production regulations.

More destinations

More destinations to choose from: Porto Recanati, Monte San Giusto, Capriglia, Croce, Mogliano Macerata, Gagliole, Pioraco, Appignano

To the main travel overview: Macerata.