Serrapetrona Voyage Tips and guide

Serrapetrona is a small town in in the inland area of the Province of Macerata in the Marche Region.

This is a quiet village which maintains important artistic and historic heritage. In addition, it is an great place to walk thought the surrounding hills and along the shore of Lake Caccamo.

Following the 2016 earthquake, Serrapetrona has increasingly focused on tourism, cultural initiatives and the promotion of local products such as Vernaccia di Serrapetrona.

Serrapetrona is part of the Monti Azzurri range. It is 500 m above sea level and borders the municipalities of Belforte del Chienti, Caldarola, Camerino, Castelraimondo, San Severino Marche and Tolentino.

The predominantly hilly area covers nearly 38 km², stretching from the almost 1,000-m peak of Monte d’Aria down to Caccamo lake, one of the largest artificial lakes in the Marche region.

The territory has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as shown by archaeological evidence from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. According to tradition, the town was founded by Petronius, a Roman citizen who took refuge here to escape persecution.

During the Middle Ages, Serrapetrona became an important defensive outpost of the Duchy of Camerino, marking its southern boundary. The name itself, of Lombard origin, reflects this defensive role: a serra referred to a fortified settlement used as a barrier.

Today, remains of the double defensive walls are still visible, including the four gates to the historic centre.

The peculiarity of Serrapetrona is that, since Middle Ages, its territory has been designated for the production of Vernaccia di Serrapetrona, DOC e DOCG red wines. See the itinerary Vernaccia Nera wine route dedicated to wineries producing Vernaccia Nera.

Throughout the year, Serrapetrona hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals, many of which are connected to religious traditions and local food and wine. Activities begin in spring and continue until late autumn.

• Appasimenti Aperti. In November, Serrapetrona hosts “Appassimenti Aperti.” During this event, the wineries, producing Vernaccia DOC and DOCG, open the doors to their “appassimenti” - special rooms where Vernaccia Nera grapes are left to dry in accordance with the appellation regulations.On this occasion, visitors can taste and purchase this exceptional wine directly from the producers. 

• Flower festival. April 25th. On 25th April, the hamlet of Caccamo hosts the ‘Spring Festival’. During this market fair, the village streets are filled with aromatic plants, seasonal blooms, bonsai, succulents and climbing plants, sold directly by local nursery owners who are happy to advise you on how to care for them, help them grow and encourage them to flower. As well as flowers, you can buy handicrafts and local specialities from the Serrapetrona area directly from the producers. (updated Mar 2026)

• Summer festival at Claudi Palace. In summer, Palazzo Claudi opens its doors for a series of classical music, art and poetry events, creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere where every note, word and image is carefully chosen to create an immersive experience that genuinely engages the audience. (updated Mar 2026)
• Feast of San Giacomo. In the last week of July, Caccamo hosts the festival of St James, the saint to whom the village church is dedicated. (updated Mar 2026)
• March of Faith. First Sunday in August. Every year, on the first Sunday in August, Serrapetrona celebrates the Marcia della Fede, a pilgrimage that starts in Piazza Santa Maria and winds its way for seven kilometres along footpaths, through villages damaged by the earthquake and across open countryside. The route passes through the highest, almost uninhabited hamlets of the municipality: Castel San Venanzio and Villa d’Aria. (updated Mar 2026)
• Feast of San Lorenzo. 10th August. On 10th August, the hamlet of Castel San Venanzo celebrates its patron saint, Saint Lawrence. (updated Mar 2026)
• Vernaccia festival. The Vernaccia Festival is the perfect event for anyone looking to experience the flavours and conviviality of Marche cuisine. For four evenings, the centre of Serrapetrona comes alive with live music, dinners in the square and craft markets, all celebrating Vernaccia. (updated Mar 2026)
• Festival of Ancient Organs. The festival is a celebration of ancient organs, historical instruments that authentically reflect the region’s musical heritage. The event takes place across various towns in the Marche region, where churches and parish halls are transformed into concert venues, with the evenings featuring guided tours and in-depth insights into the venues. (updated Mar 2026)

The nearest major towns are Macerata, Tolentino and San Severino Marche. You can reach the village by car, bus, train, bike or by foot.

Whether you are coming from the north or the south, take the Civitanova Marche-Macerata exit on the A14 motorway. From there, take the SS 77 road towards Tolentino/Macerata and exit at the Macerata Ovest-Sforzacosta junction. Continue along the SP 78 provincial road towards Ascoli Piceno, following the signs for Serrapetrona.

To get to Serrapetrona by train, we recommend taking a regional train to Tolentino. From there, head to the bus stops in Piazza Europa, where you can catch the bus to Serrapetrona.

You can reach Serrapetrona by public transport from Macerata. There are two possible routes to the mountain resort.

• From Macerata bus station, take the Macerata – Camerino – Foligno bus to Tolentino (25 stops). Stay on the same bus on the San Severino – Serrapetrona – Tolentino route to Serrapetrona (7 stops). Journey time: approximately 50 minutes.

• From Macerata railway station, take the Fonte Brescia – Castelraimondo – Macerata line towards Castelraimondo (4 stops). Get off at the San Severino stop and take the San Severino – Serrapetrona – Tolentino line towards San Severino to Serrapetrona (4 stops). Journey time: approximately 2 hours.

There is no airport. The most convenient airport is Marche Airport AOI ^IATA, formerly Ancona Falconara Airport.

43°10′30″N 13°11′26″E

Serrapetrona

The best way to get around Serrapetrona is by foot, even though the majority of the inhabitants prefer to use their cars. During the best time of year, you can also get around by bike.

Walking around the centre is pretty simple and there are signs for the main landmarks. Walking in the mountains depends on the paths: some are routes which follows entirely unpaved roads and well-marked, easy-to-walk paths, passing through some of the best-known hiking areas between the municipalities of San Severino Marche and Serrapetrona, around Monte d'Aria; other ones do not present any particular technical difficulties, but the hike does require a fair amount of physical effort due to the elevation gain and the steep, uneven sections.

It is easier going around by bike in the historic centre, whilst a mountain bike is recommended for routes through the surrounding hills leading to Caccamo lake.

As Serrapetrona is a very small town, a car is not necessary to get around the historic centre, which can easily be explored on foot. However, a car is useful and often necessary to reach the surrounding hamlets (Caccamo or Borgiano) and nearby larger towns, such as Macerata or Tolentino.

Despite its small size, Serrapetrona offers a number of points of interest, including historic churches, small museums and traditional buildings that reflect the town’s cultural and rural heritage.

• 43.1759113.187151 San Francesco Church, Piazzale San Francesco 8, ☏ +39 0733 908321. by booking in advance. The Church of San Francesco is the main place of worship in Serrapetrona. It was founded by the Friars Minor in the 14th century. Over time, the church became one of the town’s principal artistic centres, as evidenced by the artistic heritage preserved within it. In 1808, the church was closed down by Napoleon’s troops and reopened for worship in 1811, becoming the parish church.Inside, there is a 15th-century polyptych by Lorenzo d'Alessandro and a wooden choir loft with an organ dating from 1838.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.175913.18842 Santa Maria di Piazza Church, Piazza Santa Maria, ☏ +39 0733 908321. Sun: 3.30pm–6.30pm; other days by appointment. The Church of Santa Maria di Piazza is located in the square of the same name. The building was constructed in 1775 on the site of a pre-existing Romanesque church. The Baroque-style brick façade features two-storey Tuscan pilasters, whilst the interior is in the Neoclassical style.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17625113.189983 Claudi Palace, Via Rave 7, 62020 Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 908014, [email protected]. Home to the Claudi Foundation, it houses the archive of the philosopher and poet Claudio Claudi and works of art created by his mother, Anna. The Recchi Collection is on display in the building’s cellars; this collection comprises archaeological, palaeontological and numismatic artefacts, including a dinosaur skeleton dating back 75 million years.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.17602213.1881264 Museum and Gallery of Contemporary Sacred Art, Via San Francesco 1, ☏ +39 0733 908321 (Comune). Open by appointment at the Town Hall. Currently closed following the 2016 earthquake.. The Museum of Contemporary Sacred Art in Serrapetrona houses paintings, drawings and sculptures created using a variety of techniques and materials. Spread over three floors, the works belong to different artistic movements but are united by the theme of the sacred and the religious.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17731413.1890695 Museum of Mankind, Via Castello 2 (Watchtower), ☏ +39 0733 908321 (Comune). 9.00 am–12.30 pm and 4.00 pm–7.00 pm Currently closed following the 2016 earthquake. Housed in an old watchtower, the Museum of Man displays agricultural tools and traditional implements from the farming era. All these objects have been donated by families from Serrapetrona. free.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17782613.1905466 The Old Village Mill, Via Borgo 2, ☏ +39 0733 908321. Once used for grinding grain, the mill in the village of Serrapetrona has been converted into a tourist and cultural centre. Inside, it houses various facilities, including the olive oil museum and the municipal historical archive.Furthermore, the mill serves as an important hub for the local area, thanks to its ability to host cultural events and temporary exhibitions.  (updated Mar 2026)

The hamlet of Borgiano is one of the best-known areas in the municipality of Serrapetrona, thanks to the extensive vineyards that characterise the landscape. This reputation dates back to the Middle Ages when, according to the Camerese historian Aristide Conti, a Pole, after tasting the local wine, exclaimed: “Domine, Domine, quare non borgianasti regiones nostras?” (Lord, Lord, why did you not make our lands like Borgiano?).

The small hamlet of Borgianello is a sub-hamlet of Borgiano. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Sibiliini Mountains Park, and it serves as a starting point for numerous footpaths and nature trails that wind their way through the Serrapetrona area.

Overlooking the lake of the same name, the hamlet of Caccamo marks the southernmost boundary of the municipality of Serrapetrona.

An independent settlement until the unification of Italy, the hamlet of Castel San Venanzo is perched on a spur of Mount Letegge. During the municipal disputes between Camerino and San Severino Marche, the village was at the centre of a heated dispute until the 14th century, when it became an integral part of the Camerino territory.

A rural village that is almost uninhabited, it is one of the smallest hamlets in the Serrapetrona area.

The area around Serrapetrona offers a range of outdoor activities, from water sports on Lake Caccamo to hiking and nature exploration in the surrounding hills and mountains. Visitors can also enjoy local sports facilities and scenic viewpoints across the countryside.

• 43.14670313.2027881 Canoeing and kayaking, Lago di Caccamo, ☏ +39 339 7818179, [email protected]. The “Monti Azzurri Canoa e Kayak” association offers the chance to take part in courses and activities designed for all water sports enthusiasts.With expert local instructors, the association organises lessons for beginners and advanced paddlers, enabling participants to learn or refine their canoeing and kayaking techniques in a safe environment surrounded by nature.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.17541613.1920592 “Le Conce” Sports Facilities, Via Costanza Itala Fabrini Baudana Vaccolini, ☏ +39 0733 908321. The ‘Le Conce’ sports complex comprises various facilities, including a sports field, a tennis court, a bocce court and areas dedicated to other sporting activities. The area has recently been refurbished.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.14411913.1986893 Caccamo lake, Caccamo, 62020 Serrapetrona, ☏ +39 0733 908321. One of the largest freshwater lakes in the region, Lake Caccamo is an artificial reservoir created in 1954 to supply electricity to the neighbouring villages. Activities on the lake are mainly focused on fishing, but the length of the reservoir also makes it suitable for rowing  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.19130513.1431784 Monte d'Aria. Standing at almost 1,000 metres, Monte d'Aria forms part of the Monte Letegge ridge and offers views stretching from Camerino to the Sibillini Mountains and out to the sea. The transmission masts and wind turbines on the summit make it a distinctive feature of the Serrapetrona landscape. Its slopes are gentle, covered in meadows and pine forests. An astronomical observatory stands on the western slope.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.15690913.1459145 Monte Letegge. Mount Letegge rises to a height of 1,021 metres and stretches between the Potenza and Chienti valleys. It is characterised by gently sloping hillsides and large plateaus on the summit, used primarily as submontane pastures and renowned for their abundance of orchids. The mountain is a Site of Community Importance designated for the conservation of its natural habitat.  (updated Mar 2026)

Local products are a highlight of the area around Serrapetrona, particularly wine. Visitors can buy Vernaccia di Serrapetrona directly from local wineries, as well as other regional specialities such as artisanal food products and craft beer.

• 43.18648813.2055141 Quacquarini Winery and Confectionery, Via Colli, 22, ☏ +39 0733 908180, [email protected]. Since 1958, the Quacquarini Alberto Winery has been producing Vernaccia di Serrapetrona with passion and expertise, upholding the region’s ancient traditions. Since 1989, the Quacquarini family has also run an artisan confectionery workshop where they create products using local specialities, such as Vernaccia.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.19077513.1889572 Colleluce, Contrada Sogliano, ☏ +39 347 6653614, [email protected]. The Colleluce Farm, owned by Franca Malavolta & Co., is a small family-run business nestled in the hills of the Marche region, at an altitude of 500 metres. Situated in the hamlet of Sogliano, the area offers ideal conditions for producing wines deeply rooted in a territory rich in tradition and history.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.16854813.196313 Terre di Serrapetrona - Tenuta Stefano Graidi, Via Colli 7/8, ☏ +39 0733 908329, [email protected]. Terre di Serrapetrona is situated in the hills of the province of Macerata, in the heart of the Marche region, 500 metres above sea level. The estate was founded with the aim of reviving the Vernaccia Nera grape variety. Now managed by the Graidi family, now in its fourth generation, it strives for the highest quality whilst respecting tradition.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.15531513.1981554 Serboni winery, Via Case Sparse 6, ☏ +39 0733 904088, [email protected]. The Serboni family continues the ancient winemaking tradition of Vernaccia, jealously guarded and passed down from generation to generation – a tradition that gives their Vernaccia di Serrapetrona sparkling wine its uniqueness and distinctive character. The use of the long Charmat method, with a second fermentation in a pressure tank, produces a fine, persistent mousse whilst preserving the exquisite aromas of the Vernaccia di Serrapetrona grape variety.The Serboni winery offers a range of products typical of central Marche, including the sweet and dry Rosso delle Marche Vernaccia di Serrapetrona DOCG sparkling wine.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.15504113.2078655 Podere sul lago, Case Sparse Savignano, ☏ +39 333 301 7380, [email protected]. Podere sul Lago is a small, young, family-run winery that operates in a traditional, artisanal style.  (updated Mar 2026)

Terre della Serra, Via Colli, 119, ☏ +39 339 319 1579, +39 348 824 9494, [email protected]. Terre della Serra produces and sells locally sourced organic meat, oil and vegetables. (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.16849313.197991 Locanda Col Di Vino, Via Colli n.7/8, ☏ +39 3479471692, [email protected]. Closed on Mondays; Tue–Thu: 12:00–18:00; Fri–Sat: 12:00–23:00; Sun: 12:00–20:00. The inn offers a blend of tranquillity and warmth, nestled amidst the wonders of Serrapetrona. The breathtaking scenery and welcoming atmosphere create the perfect setting for unwinding and savouring traditional dishes in an authentic and peaceful setting.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17574713.1900172 Osteria da Remo, Via Umberto I, 28, ☏ +39 0733 908324. €20–30 per person.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.14672813.2098393 Ristorante Pa' e Salato, Via Beniamino Gigli 19, 62020, Caccamo di Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 904026. Closed Mon–Thu; Fri–Sat: 7.00 pm–11.30 pm; Sun: 12.00 pm–5.00 pm, 7.30 pm–10.00 pm. The Pa' e Salato restaurant is open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, whilst on Sundays, public holidays and the days preceding public holidays, it is open for both lunch and dinner. €20–30 per person.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17506913.1931254 Petronius, Via Aldo Moro, 62020, Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 908291, [email protected]. Closed on Wednesdays; Mon–Fri: 9.00 am–2.30 pm; Sat: 9.00 am–2.30 pm, 7.00 pm–9.30 pm; Sun: 8.30 am–4.00 pm. Local restaurant €20–30 per person.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.17584613.1888185 Trattoria La Cantinella, Via Nicola Natalini 2, 62020, Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 908112, [email protected]. Closed on Tuesdays; Mon–Fri: 11.30am–3.00pm; Sat: 11.30am–3.00pm, 5.00pm–10.30pm; Sun: 11.30am–6.00pm. Trattoria La Cantinella, situated in the main square of Serrapetrona, serves traditional dishes from the Marche region, fresh pasta, cured meats, grilled meats and homemade desserts, accompanied by the DOCG red sparkling wine ‘Vernaccia di Serrapetrona’. €20-30 per person.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.14939513.2150851 MC77 Birrificio artigianale, Via Enrico Mattei 4, 62020, Caccamo di Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 1998080. Mon–Fri: 9.00 am–12.30 pm, 2.00 pm–6.00 pm. The MC77 Brewery produces craft beers that are neither filtered nor pasteurised; they have won national awards and are prized for their balance between character and drinkability, offering an authentic taste of the Marche hills.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.16900413.2045941 Agriturismo Caravanserraglio, Via Colli 10, 62020, Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 908284, [email protected]. An organic farm stay offering houses and apartments with a swimming pool in the Marche region. €25–45 per night per person.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.14641413.2077542 Hotel Ferranti, Via Nazionale 60, 62020, Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 0733 905493, [email protected]. The Hotel Ristorante Ferranti, run by the same family since 1966, is situated in a peaceful location near Lake Caccamo, at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains, 20 minutes from the Adriatic Sea.It features an air-conditioned dining room where you can enjoy local specialities and a breakfast of homemade pastries. It also boasts a panoramic terrace from which you can admire the stunning natural surroundings.The rooms are accessible by lift and all feature an en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, flat-screen LED TV and air conditioning.The hotel offers free parking and Wi-Fi.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 43.18482113.2326553 Country house Il baglio della luna, Contrada Colli 84 bis, 62020, Serrapetrona (MC), ☏ +39 339 3587297, [email protected].  (updated Mar 2026)

• 43.15225313.1978514 B&B Cesare e Lucrezia Borgia, VIa Cameraldo 38, ☏ +39 328 6187777, [email protected]. Check-out: 10am. The property comprises two apartments, located on the second floor of a detached house featuring an outdoor swimming pool and a large garden where you can relax or let your children play.  (updated Mar 2026)

• Post office, Largo Dante Alighieri 8, ☏ +39 0733 1930551. Closed Mon, Fri, Sun; Tue–Thu 8.20am–1.45pm; Sat 8.20am–12.45pm. The post office is located in the historic centre of the village, near Piazza Santa Maria. Serrapetrona Post Office. All services are available, and there is a Postamat ATM on site. (updated Mar 2026)

The local area code is 0733; international code is +39 if calling from outside Italy (you keep the 0 when dialing a number; i.e. +390341...). Mobile operators active in the area are Tim, Tre (roaming) and Vodafone. 3G with Tim appears to be the one working at best.

• 43.08174113.133051 Caldarola (From Serrapetrona, take the SP 502 (signposted for Foligno) and continue for about 8 km.). Caldarola is a major artistic and cultural centre in the region, where a vibrant school of painting flourished under the guidance of the painter Simone De Magistris. Caldarola is also home to the Palazzo of Pallotta counts, the residence of one of the most prominent families in the Papal States.  (updated Mar 2026);
• 43.13438813.1037572 San Severino Marche (From Serrapetrona, head north, take the SP 502 and continue for about 12 km.). The town of San Severino Marche, another major artistic centre in the area, has been home to MARec – the Museum of Recovered Art – since 2022. Many of the works of art that survived the 2016 earthquake in central Italy are on display here.  (updated Mar 2026);
• 43.09510113.1414873 Belforte del Chienti (From Serrapetrona, take the SP 60 and then turn onto Via Torricella towards Via Nazionale; drive towards Via Santa Maria in Belforte del Chienti.). Belforte del Chienti is a small medieval town set in the rolling hills of the Marche, overlooking the Chienti River. Its historic centre, still enclosed by 14th-century walls, preserves a well-maintained medieval layout of narrow streets and scenic viewpoints. The town features notable religious buildings, including the Church of Sant’Eustachio with a 15th-century polyptych.  (updated Mar 2026);
• 43.123113.1702764 Tolentino (From Serrapetrona, follow Via Umberto I to the SP 502, then take the SP 60 and Via Madre Teresa di Calcutta towards Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi in Tolentino.). Tolentino, in the province of Macerata, is a historic village in the Marche region, rich in art, culture and nature, and easy to explore. Situated in the Chienti Valley, it offers attractions such as the Castello della Rancia and well-planned cycling routes, linking the inland area with the coast.  (updated Mar 2026)