Overview

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.