La Strada del Vino Matelica - The Matelica Wine Trail
In the heart of the Marche region, starting from the Grotte
di Frasassi (Caves of Frasassi) - an authentic wonder of creation with over 35
kilometers of huge cathedrals like underground rooms full of stalactites and
stalagmites - is the area which produces the exclusive Verdicchio di Matelica
Wine. These famous caves are part of the Commune of Genga, a
small medieval castle immersed in the middle of the vast Parco Regionale della
Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi (Regional Park of the Rossa and Frasassi Gorge),
which is well worth a visit.
GENGA
Further on there is Fabriano, a town where the manufacture of paper had already begun
in the 13th century and, traveling in time, it is possible to see these origins
of the town at the Museo della Carta e della Filigrana (Paper and Watermark
Museum). The entire historic center of this industrious town provides a perfect
image of medieval times: the Piazza del Comune (Town Square), Palazzo del
Podesta' (Podesta' Palace), Fontana Rotanda (Round Fountain) and the Palazzo
Vescovile (Bishop’s Palace).
FABRIANO
Continuing in a southerly direction, passing the numerous and
well known companies of the area, there is Cerreto d'Esi, also dominated by a magical medieval atmosphere with
the Torre di Belisario (Belisario Tower) and the “architectural labyrinth” of
the historic center. A few kilometers further on, lies Matelica, surrounded by numerous Verdicchio vineyards. Here, an
atmosphere of ancient nobility remains: it is a very culturally rich town, as
shown by Piazza Mattei (Mattei Square), Museo Piersanti (Piersanti Museum),
Museo Civico ed Archeologico (Civic and Archaeological Museum) and the Teatro
Comunale del Piermarini (Town Theatre), by the same architect who designed the
Scala in Milan. Matelica is really the heart of the wine production and the
Consortium has its headquarters here.
CERRETO D'ESI
FABRIANO
Another very charming town is Castelraimondo, especially when, on Corpus Christi Day, the flower
festival parades through the historic center, dominated by the crenellated tower
of the Cassero. Before moving on to the noble town of Camerino, it’s worth
stopping to visit Esanatoglia. Gagliole and Pioraco in order to try the local
dishes prepared according to ancient rites, together with the intact cultural,
environmental and natural harmony of these town.
This trip comes to end then at Camerino, home to one of the oldest universities in ltaly. Its
urban layout is very characteristic and echoes its origin and development as
a Commune (12th and 13th centuries) a long double road in the center, a
great circle of walls all around. It is as if the town were controlling the
surrounding territories. All the great treasures of Camerino are to be found
within these walls: Duomo (Cathedral), Vescovado (Bishop’s Palace), the
University. But let’s not forget the stunning, breathtaking views of the
surrounding countryside and the gateway leading to the Val di Chienti,
another land of wonders waiting to be discovered.
GENGA
FABRIANO
