If you are planning a holiday in Le Marche, make sure you include a visit to Macerata - the most cultural, charming and enchanting town in the central part of the region!
A capital of culture in a land of harmony
Extending from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, along the valleys of the rivers Chienti and Potenza, the province of Macerata is definitely the heart of the Marche region. On the one side there is Umbria, on the other, the seaside; in the middle, this unique land of harmony: fine sandy beaches, gentle hills, medieval villages, ancient castles and abbeys... But also lakes, woods and mountains on whose slopes you can go skiing in winter. And what about art? Small museums and remote country churches hide precious and almost unknown treasures!
So, what you need to do is to book your pleasant stay in the surroundings of Macerata with Marcheholiday and start discovering the beauties of this special city! And what a better way to freely discover the wonders of this land than to rent a holiday villa, a country house or an apartment with a pool in the area.
Looking at Macerata from a distance, perched on a hill, you will notice that the town looks like a small Jerusalem, with domes, bell towers, alleys, stairways and squares, all enclosed within its ancient walls. Do you know it's nicknamed "Athens Of Marche"?
Actually, it is a capital of culture, with its prestigious and ancient university dating back to the 13th century, the Academy of Fine Arts and the majestic Sferisterio Arena. Moreover, moving out of the city, you will feel surrounded by the peace and quiet of the beautiful countryside that seems to create a mystical atmosphere...Maybe this is the reason why, for a thousand years, monks have chosen this land for their abbeys and churches: Santa Maria a pie 'di Chienti, Rambona, Chiaravalle di Fiastra, San Claudio al Chienti...So solitary and beautiful, they are all worth a visit!
A temple of opera in the open air
During your holiday in the Marches, always keep in mind the strong bond between this region and music. Not only because some great composers such as Rossini and Pergolesi were born here, but also for the presence of 47 historic theatres throughout the region! They were all built between the 18th and the 19th century, and the “king” of them is, with no doubt, the Sferisterio Arena in Macerata!
It was built in the first half of the 19th century, on a proposal by some wealthy gentlemen of the city, as a "stadium" for the game of ball with the bracelet, which was (and still is!) very popular in the Marche region. So, the arena was designed in 1829 by architect Ireneo Aleandri according to Neoclassical style and soon became one of the most majestic architectural structures of this kind in Europe.
The Sferisterio acts nowadays as the main centre for musical shows and events, being one of the most beautiful and original stages in the world. It perfectly blends with the city landscape, besides ensuring excellent visibility and wonderful acoustics. That's the reason why its stage was played by top artists like Mario Del Monaco, Luciano Pavarotti, Katia Ricciarelli, Placido Domingo and many others...Moreover, for more than 50 years, it has been home to the Macerata Opera Festival! Between July and August, Macerata is literally invaded by music, attracting the greatest stars of international opera. Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini and Rossini, along with festivals and concerts of "popular" music are the undisputed protagonists of the summer in Macerata.
So, leave for one evening the comfort of your holiday home and live this unique bond between Marche and music! Look at the rich program of events of the Macerata Opera Festival and choose the right one for you! A rewarding and authentic experience is ensured.
Source photos:
La voce, Touring Club Italia, Agcult, Pabloevivo