Muccia: Culture, Landscape and Local Festivals

Muccia amid mountains and sacred history

Muccia is characterized by sacred buildings, high-altitude landscapes and connections to the Chienti River. The Santuario della Madonna di Col de’ Venti stands on the ridge of Monte di Muccia at an altitude of 750 metres. The present-day church of the Santuario was built in 1894. Following severe damage caused by the 2016 earthquake, the Santuario remains unusable.

In the Maddalena district of Muccia, an archaeological plateau bears evidence of use over a long period. The Antica Fiera della Maddalena also takes place there every year on the Sunday closest to 23 July.

Churches, Villas and a Museum

Villa La Maddalena was built in its present form in the first half of the 17th century on an older settlement site. The villa complex includes the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena; its walls are completely decorated.

The archaeological museum “Muccia: antico crocevia dell’Appennino” is located in the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Varano. The church has an octagonal floor plan and was built near Muccia by the Varano, the lords of Camerino. It houses important works by Andrea de Magistris.

Il Mulino Da Varano has been documented since 1502. The complex stood at the point where the waters of the Chienti River reunited near the town walls of Muccia.

Ruins, Views and Hiking Routes

The Castello di Prefoglio is a medieval fortification that probably dates back to the 13th century; today, only a few ruins remain visible.

The tower at Massaprofoglio is known as “Torraccia” and stands at an altitude of 808 metres. From Torraccia, there is a view of the upper Chienti Valley, which is largely covered by natural forests and where remnants of Mediterranean maquis can be seen.

A Via-Lauretana hike begins at the Santuario del Beato Rizzerio di Muccia and follows the Chienti River to Muccia. Massaprofoglio is also a starting point for a hike up Monte Massa. The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea in Massaprofoglio was probably built in the 12th or 13th century.

Festivals and Regional Specialties

The Festa sui prati in Località Bivio Maddalena features food stalls, traditional games and plenty of music.

On 20 July, the Sagra della Tagliatella fatta a mano takes place in the square in front of the primary school in Muccia. On 26 and 27 July, the Sagra degli Spaghetti e della Bruschetta al Tartufo takes place in Località Costafiore. In August, the Sagra della Trota follows at the Giardini in Muccia. On 8 and 9 November, Le Terre del Tartufo takes place in the Area Varnelli, an autumn festival dedicated to truffles and typical products of the Marca di Camerino.

Other Destinations Nearby

For your further destination selection, you can also include Monte Cavallo, Esanatoglia, Sant'angelo In Pontano, Sant'egidio, Passo Di Treia, Morrovalle, San Ginesio and Bolognola as well.

More about the region: Macerata.