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The slow pace of autumn with an Italian flavour: itineraries and places to go for your trips to Italy

Are you looking for places to visit in autumn in Italy? Perhaps it is the freshness of the air or the changing colours of the leaves, travelling in this season in Italy has something very special about it. The best time of year for unusual activities, such as visiting vineyards and tasting delicious local products. Discover the countless possibilities offered by Italy from September to December.
  • Villages
  • Parks
  • Food and wine
  • Countryside and Hills
Villages
Valfornace

Valfornace

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Valfornace is a small town in the province of Macerata established on 1 January 2017 by merging the municipalities of Pievebovigliana and Fiordimonte. The origins of the settlement date back to the Romanesque era, when it was a station on the transit route to Umbria. During the Early Middle Ages it was taken over by the Benedictine monks and later it passed under the authority of the Da Varano family. The attraction of this town, long a meeting point for different peoples, originates from its landscape made up of medium to high hills: to its sides are valleys that lead, on one side, to the fertile Marche plain and, on the other, to mountain pastures, a prelude to the characteristic landscape of the Sibillini mountains. The national park of the same name includes part of this territory and offers plenty of excursions and walks. The Church of S. Maria Assunta in Pievebovigliana, a Romanesque structure whose interior was rebuilt in neoclassical style, houses a precious crypt recovered in 1930. The museum complex, based in the Town Hall, traces the social and artistic history of the territory, from prehistory through to today. It encompasses the “V. Cianfarani” Archaeological Museum, the “R. Campelli” Civic Museum, the Historical Museum of the Territory, a collection of woodcuts by Maria Ciccotti, and the Gino Marotta Collection. The town holds artisan workshops dedicated to the production of handmade fabrics crafted using the “licetti” technique, and it is also possible to buy local typical food products, such such the ancient Mistrà liqueur, prepared with unripe aniseed seeds macerated in alcohol for 40 days, famous as a digestive and in coffee. Due to the earthquake of 2016, we suggest checking the state of the area and the viability of the monuments.
Villages
Urbania

Urbania

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Urbania, once known as Casteldurante, is located in the upper Metauro valley, north of the Marche. It was renamed Urbania in 1636, when Pope Urban VIII elevated it to City and Diocese due to the civilization of its inhabitants and the beauty of the place. The city boasts a fine and very varied cultural and artistic heritage: Palazzo Ducale, today home to the library; the Civic Museum and the Museum of the History of Agriculture and Crafts; the Bramante Theatre, one of the region’s greatest jewels; the Cathedral of San Cristoforo and the Cemetery of Mummies, with 18 bodies perfectly preserved by a curious phenomenon of natural mummification due to a particular mould present in the territory. Not far from the centre stands the Barco Ducale. Particularly rich is the offering of naturalistic experiences in the area, such as itineraries in the Apennines and the Bosco dei Folletti, a playful and educational trail designed for children. The city boasts an important tradition linked to ceramics, and indeed its majolica has made it famous since the Renaissance. Today, the tradition is revived by local shops, and courses in this technique are held throughout the year. Among Urbania’s typical products are crostolo flatbreads served with cured meats, pecorino cheese and wild herbs, and bostrengo, a winter dessert made from rice and walnuts, to be paired with visciole - or cherry - wine. Interesting events include the family-friendly Festa Nazionale della Befana (National Epiphany Day), featuring a variety of shows, workshops, events and activities held on the 6th of January and the 3-4 days leading up to it, the Sagra del Crostolo held in September, and the numerous exhibitions set up at the Palazzo Ducale.
Villages
San Severino Marche

San Severino Marche

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club San Severino Marche is one of the most important and characteristic towns in the province of Macerata. Located at an equal distance from the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains, it is crossed by the Potenza River. The territory is characterised by mountains to the west and rolling hills to the east. The town’s historical and artistic heritage is truly remarkable, and includes the ancient Roman Septempeda archaeological park and Castello al Monte, which stands in an elevated position and features the leaning tower of the Smeducci, fortifications, an Archaeological Museum, the Old Cathedral and the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Lumi. The historic centre is built around the large and orderly Piazza del Popolo, in the typical elongated ellipse shape, featuring porticoes and shops, many stately buildings, the Church of San Giuseppe and the Teatro Feronia. A short distance away are the New Cathedral (Church of Sant’Agostino) and the Church of San Lorenzo in Doliolo. As regards museums, you’ll be spoilt for choice, what with the aforementioned Archaeological Museum, the Civic Art Gallery, the Museum of Industrial Archaeology of Borgo Conce and the MArec – Museum of Salvaged Art, which brings together in a single exhibition works salvaged from the churches of the Archdiocese after the earthquake of 2016. Many of the works on display were donated by the local art school, whose greatest exponents include the Salimbeni brothers and Lorenzo d’Alessandro. The plateau of Canfaito is well worth a visit, with its age-old beech forests - wonderful in every season of the year - in the Regional Nature Reserve of Mount S. Vicino and Mount Canfaito, and its castles scattered throughout the territory, such as Elcito, Pitino and Aliforni. For outdoor lovers, the territory offers Cammino dei Forti, a ring-route pilgrims' way in 5 stages that starts and ends at San Severino Marche. The areas main products are the cold cut ciauscolo PGI and extra virgin olive oil, while the typical dish is vincisgrassi alla maceratese. The most interesting events in San Severino Marche are undoubtedly: the historical re-enactment of the Palio dei Castelli in June, during the feast day of the patron saint, which ends with the “Corsa delle Torri” race in Piazza del Popolo; the international music festival San Severino Blues, which has been bringing leading international musicians and groups to the town since 1991; and the theatre season at Teatro Feronia.
Villages
Morrovalle

Morrovalle

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Morrovalle, close to the Sibillini mountains and the Adriatic Sea, is situated on one of the rolling hills that follow the course of the Chienti River. Its beautiful landscapes combine with a wealth of history, culture, traditions, food and wine. The historic centre has maintained the medieval appearance typical of villages built around the 11th century. The medieval Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Lazzarini and the Civic Tower stand in Piazza del Comune, alongside the 19-century Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall). Particularly pleasant to visit are the unusual International Nativity Museum, which houses about 800 nativity scenes from all over the world in a wide variety of materials and styles, and the Civic Museum-Picture Gallery, recently expanded to include an archaeological section exhibiting finds from 700-600 BC. In the former Franciscan Convent, now converted into a modern Auditorium, a Eucharistic miracle took place: a host was found intact, following the fire that destroyed the tabernacle in 1560. Nearby you can visit Selva di San Francesco, equipped with a picnic area and benches along the paths, as well as a nature trail with signs illustrating the most important varieties of flora and fauna that inhabit the city's ancient forest. Moreover, pleasant walks and bike rides will allow you to explore the wonderful avenues of the Pincio park and the naturalistic cycling routes around the town. Morrovalle forms part of the Fermo-Macerata footwear district due to the presence of numerous footwear companies. The area also stands out for its many high-quality holiday and agricultural farms, specialised in particular in the production of Colli Maceratesi DOC and Rosso Piceno DOC wines. Local products include cheeses and cured meats, including the typical “ciavuscolo”. The towns’ most important events are: the Representation of the Living Nativity, held in the streets of the historic town centre, with over 300 actors reenacting scenes of the nativity and ancient crafts; Calici di Stelle, held in August, when the town comes to life with wine, oil and produce tastings under the celestial vault; and Incanto d'Autunno, held in the historic town centre in October to celebrate the crafts and products of yesteryear with music, gastronomic stands and various forms of entertainment.
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