Sarnano: Medieval Center, Waterfalls and Mountain Landscapes

Sarnano combines a medieval historic center with art, thermal waters, waterfalls and mountain landscapes. The historic town center preserves the layout of a walled city. Old streets, stairways and impressive views shape the town and give a trip to Sarnano a distinct cultural and scenic character.

Historic Center and Significant Art

The Church of Santa Maria di Piazza Alta is the main church in the historic center. Its interior contains frescoes and paintings of high historical and art-historical value. Its construction history dates back to 1265: building began after Sarnano was elevated to the status of a municipality. It was completed in 1396 with the construction of the tower.

The Sarnano museum complex is located in the former Santa Chiara convent in the historic center. It includes the art gallery, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Museum of Ancient and Modern Weapons, the Sibillini Mountains Avifauna Museum and the Hammer Museum. The different collections provide several approaches to the history, art and regional character of the town, without reducing Sarnano to a single theme.

The art gallery also displays Vittore Crivelli’s painting “Madonna Adorante il Bambino con angeli musicanti” from the late 15th century.

Waterfalls and Orchids

Near the historic center, the Via delle Cascate Perdute connects three waterfalls: the Cascata dell’Antico Molino, the “de lu Vagnatò” waterfall and the Cascatelle. The route adds a scenic accent to the streets, stairways and buildings of the old town.

Above Sarnano, wild orchids bloom on the Piani di Ragnolo from the end of May to mid-June. The Piani di Ragnolo thus complement the waterfall route with a second, distinctly higher-elevation landscape aspect.

Thermal Waters, Wellness and Winter Sports

Balneotherapy at the Terme di Sarnano uses two different thermal waters: the sulfurous-saline Terro water and the oligomineral, bicarbonate-calcium Tre Santi water. In addition, Sarnano’s municipal swimming pool has a wellness area with a hydrotherapy whirlpool, Turkish bath and steam room. Alongside the old town, art and nature, wellness is therefore an independent part of the town’s profile.

Sarnano also offers a different travel experience in winter. The ski resort has around 15 kilometers of slopes, 4 kilometers with artificial snowmaking and a snow park. It extends between Monte Sassotetto, the village of Fonte Lardina and Passo di Santa Maria Maddalena, and is located about 15 kilometers from the town center. If you are planning winter sports, this distance is one of the practical details to consider when planning your day.

Getting There by Train and Bus

The nearest railway station to Sarnano is considered to be Civitanova Marche – Montegranaro. From Civitanova Marche, Sarnano can be reached by scheduled buses operated by the company Contram.

Discover More Destinations

More places for your trip to Italy: Porto Recanati, Muccia, Alfi, Serrapetrona, Contrada di Forano, Croce, Ripe San Ginesio and Corridonia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Macerata.