One of the great joys of Italy is discovering the small, and beautiful, towns which dot her countryside. You can stumble upon food festivals that make the best Italian restaurant in your hometown look pitiful by comparison but cost little, works by famous artists tucked away in tiny churches and castles and palaces right out of your favourite childhood story. Camerino is one such magical small town in the centre of the Le Marche region of central Italy, south-west of San Severino. A stunning walled medieval city, it has outstanding works of art and architecture that rival that of anywhere else in the world. In order to explore this little wonder, just find a vacation rental in Le Marche and make your way to the hill on which the town is perched.
Camerino is a highly historic city and was originally entered through three gates - the Porta Malatestiana, Porta Caterina Cibo and Porta Boncompagni – and divided into three quarters called Sossanto, Di Mezzo and Muralto. Today, the annual festivals of the Corsa della Spada ('Race of the Sword') and Palio recall the rivalries of these ancient quarters.
In these parts of the city, you'll find countless stunning sights. The town Cathedral, or Duomo, is a must-see. The latest incarnation of three cathedrals which have existed on the site, it dates to the 19th century and is know for neoclassical motifs inside and is by Andrea Vici.
In these parts of the city, you'll find countless stunning sights. The town Cathedral, or Duomo, is a must-see. The latest incarnation of three cathedrals which have existed on the site, it dates to the 19th century and is know for neoclassical motifs inside and is by Andrea Vici.
The Archbishop's Palace, which dates to the 16th century, is another of the town's great artistic gems. It houses a wonderful collection of works of art dating from the 13th to 18th centuries, gathered from all around the country.
Among the most famous works are a 15th century triptych by Girolamo di Giovanni, depicting "The Crucifixion", "St Michael and St John the Baptist” and "St. Veneziano and St. Giacomo", Luca Signorelli's “The Annunciation and the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian” and some works attributed to the school of Guido Reni.
One of the most astounding sights in town is the 15th century Ducal Palace which was originally intended as a place to house famous guests, rather than as a personal residence. An inventory of the palace from the beginning of the 16th century by Pope Alexander describes it as having more than 40 rooms, a stable capable of holding 94 horses and an entirely painted and gilded interior. It is now home to the Faculty of Law of Camerino University and has been restored, ensuring that the frescoes have remained in outstanding condition. From the balcony built beside the Palazzo Ducale there is particularly wonderful view over Camerino.
At Piazzale della Vittoria, or “Victory Square”, there are beautiful public gardens which are also worth spending time strolling and enjoying the loveliness of the town. At the other end of the town are the Art Gallery and the Archaeological Museum, where you'll find numerous works by the great wealth of outstanding local painters produced by the town of Camerino throughout history.
If you're interested in Italy's rich history and culture but aren't a fan of crowds and tourist destinations, Camerino is Le Marche's gift to you.
Among the most famous works are a 15th century triptych by Girolamo di Giovanni, depicting "The Crucifixion", "St Michael and St John the Baptist” and "St. Veneziano and St. Giacomo", Luca Signorelli's “The Annunciation and the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian” and some works attributed to the school of Guido Reni.
One of the most astounding sights in town is the 15th century Ducal Palace which was originally intended as a place to house famous guests, rather than as a personal residence. An inventory of the palace from the beginning of the 16th century by Pope Alexander describes it as having more than 40 rooms, a stable capable of holding 94 horses and an entirely painted and gilded interior. It is now home to the Faculty of Law of Camerino University and has been restored, ensuring that the frescoes have remained in outstanding condition. From the balcony built beside the Palazzo Ducale there is particularly wonderful view over Camerino.
At Piazzale della Vittoria, or “Victory Square”, there are beautiful public gardens which are also worth spending time strolling and enjoying the loveliness of the town. At the other end of the town are the Art Gallery and the Archaeological Museum, where you'll find numerous works by the great wealth of outstanding local painters produced by the town of Camerino throughout history.
If you're interested in Italy's rich history and culture but aren't a fan of crowds and tourist destinations, Camerino is Le Marche's gift to you.
Photo credits
picture 1: Parmiss21 / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Tuvok89 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Alessandro Paglialunga / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Parmiss21 / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Tuvok89 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Alessandro Paglialunga / CC BY-SA 3.0