Exploring Genga, Serra San Quirico and Sassoferrato in Central Marche

Top 5 things not to miss:

• Visit the Frasassi Caves, some of Europe’s largest and most beautiful caves
• Drive through the impressive Frasassi Gorge
• Hike Il Sentiero dell'Aquila
• Relax in the thermal waters at Terme di Frasassi
• Enjoy authentic Marche cuisine at Ristorante Bar da Maria

Genga is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the Marche region. One moment you’re driving through a narrow gorge looking at bright teal waters, the next you’re exploring one of Italy’s most impressive caves. That’s before you’ve stepped foot in the charming hilltop village itself. That’s when you really understand why Genga was given a prestigious Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club.

Genga is somewhere I absolutely fell in love with. It offers so much for tourists too, particularly with the draw of the Frasassi Caves. There are tours throughout the day of the amazing caves (both in Italian and English). You’ll get the chance to learn all about the discovery of the caves in 1971 as well as the geology of the formations.

Stepping foot in the first room (known as the Ancona Room), I was simply amazed! I looked around trying to take in the vastness and the natural beauty. Stalagmites and stalactites were all around, with huge formations creating an eerie and magical landscape. I couldn’t quite believe the room was large enough to fit Milan’s cathedral inside!

One of the other beautiful rooms inside Frasassi Caves is the Candle Hall, where thin stalagmites sit on top of a natural lake, creating amazing reflections. If you’re an adventurous traveller, you might like to book onto one of the spelunking (caving) tours, where you’ll climb through narrower areas of the caves, like a true explorer!

Other things to do in and around Genga include hiking Il Sentiero dell'Aquila. This is a circular route which offers beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, Apennines and countryside.

You could also visit the Tempio del Valadier, a temple which is in a unique location inside a high cave. Built in 1828, it has a unique octagonal-shape. It’s a beautiful, spiritual place, as well as an awesome place for photography. 

As you walk the streets of the tiny hilltop village of Genga, take a look inside Mostra Fotografica, a photographic museum with photos dating from 1950 onwards showing life over the years. Meanwhile, close to the caves stands the stunning Romanesque church, San Vittore delle Chiuse. With a backdrop of Frasassi Gorge, it’s guaranteed to have you reaching for your camera!

For food lovers, I’d recommend visiting Ristorante de bar Maria to try the delicious handmade cappellacci. This pasta was some of the best I’ve tasted in Italy. 

Genga: Useful Information

Best time to visit:
The Frasassi Caves are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Italy, so you’ll find the area around Genga gets extremely busy during the summer months. I’d recommend visiting just before or after peak summer. Months such as May, June, September or October are ideal. There aren’t so many tourists, but most restaurants and hotels are still open. 

How to get there:
The best way to reach Genga and Frasassi Caves is by car. The drive from Ancona takes around an hour, with easy access via the SS76. 

Top 5 things not to miss:

• Climb up to Torre del Cassero
• Explore the pretty streets of the old town
• Visit Chiesa di Santa Lucia dates back to 1281
• Take in beautiful views of the countryside
• Stock up on local products including cheeses and cured salamis

As we drove towards Serra San Quirico, I felt my heart flutter. This small traditional town is absolutely spectacular, perched on top of a hill with buildings seemingly layered on top of one another. It’s located within Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Regional Park, so it also benefits from beautiful views all around.

It’s so special that it’s been awarded a prestigious Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club, who commented on its picturesque and historical centre.

Once you’ve made your way towards the old town, it’s time to explore! Entering through ancient stone archways, you’ll walk up cobbled streets to a pretty main piazza. It’s only small but has an old clock tower, fountain and colourful buildings in shades of peach and yellow.

I loved exploring the narrow streets of Serra San Quirico, getting lost down pretty alleyways, and catching glimpses of local life as Italians went about their days. It’s a steep town with a lot of steps, so if you’re not very mobile, you might want to stay around the piazza. If you’re happy walking, I’d recommend you head towards one of the panoramic viewpoints along the edge of the walls. There, you’ll be rewarded with views of the rolling hills surrounding the town.

There are a few typical products you might want to try during your visit to Serra San Quirico. There’s Marche’s most famous white wine, Verdicchio, which is produced locally.

Or you could sample a calcioni, which is an interesting sweet and savoury parcel, filled with both salty parmesan cheese and tangy lemon. The surprising local delicacy even has its very own festival on the third Sunday of May!

Serra San Quirico: Useful Information

Best time to visit:
While Genga gets very busy during the summer months, Serra San Quirico is a lot quieter. It’s still better to travel in off-season, so try to plan your trip for May, June, September or October when the weather is warm but the region isn’t too busy.

How to get there:
The best way to reach Serra San Quirico is by car. The drive from Ancona takes under an hour, with easy access via the SS76. 

Top 5 things not to miss:

• Hike up to the Fortress of Albornoz
• Learn about the town’s history at the Civic Archaeological Museum
• Relax with an aperitif at Piazza Matteotti
• Stop by Dolci Emozioni for a delicious gelato
• Enjoy the buzz of the larger town of Fabriano 

Sassoferrato is a picturesque town, recognised as one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia. It’s in a charming location on the River Marena, with mountains and countryside close by. It’s been a big agricultural hub for years, which means you’re guaranteed to eat and drink well in this part of the Marche region!

One of the biggest attractions in Sassoferrato is the Fortress of Albornoz which sits at the highest point of the town. Be prepared for the steep climb to reach it, but I promise it’s totally worth it! This fortress was built in 1365, under the orders of cardinal Egidio Albornoz. Not only is this one of the prettiest and most historic buildings in the town, it’s a great place to visit for panoramic views over the surrounding areas.

Also, within Sassoferrato you’ll find church of Santa Maria del Ponte del Piano, which dates back to 1389. It’s right by the river, and actually takes its name from the Roman bridge that once stood close by.

For a really good introduction to the history of Sassoferrato, you could visit the Civic Archaeological Museum inside Palazzo dei Priori. Here you’ll find ruins and mosaics from the ancient Roman city of Sentinum (which you can also visit the ruins of just outside of Sassoferrato). This part of Marche really does offer so much for history lovers!

If you’re someone who travels with their stomach, I’d recommend stopping for an aperitif and a snack at Piazza Matteotti or enjoying a gelato at Dolci Emozioni. The Italians live a good life, and these are two moments should definitely be daily occurrences on your Italian holiday!

If you’re looking for day trip suggestions, how about visiting Fabriano? This large town is twenty minutes away by car and is home to a range of restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions.

As you wander the streets of Fabriano you’ll stumble upon large piazzas, porticoed streets and the magnificent Palazzo del Podesta. This building dates back to 1255 and is an amazing example of Gothic architecture.

Sassoferrato: Useful Information

Best time to visit:
If you’re planning a trip to Sassoferrato, I’d recommend picking one of the warmer months in late spring, early summer, or at the start of autumn. Prices are cheaper and the crowds are reduced. You’ll get a much more authentic experience too.

How to get there:
The best way to reach Sassoferrato is by car. The drive from Ancona takes just over an hour, with easy access via the SS76. 

Author: Chloe Gunning – Wanderlust Chloe