City of Fabriano

Something old, something new and something for everyone

This town in the hilly region of Marche, represents the perfect marriage of traditions of past times and preparations for the future. If there is such a thing as a recession in Europe, the fabrianesi are intent on not letting it show. Fabriano is bustling with life and optimism, which the numerous newly opened restaurants, of course serving delicious local produce, bear witness to.
Its location right beneath the peaks of the Apennines ensures more than breathtakingly beautiful sceneries, but also an environment that provides the premises for the wonderful, gamey and rustic cuisine with a modern twist.

It is noteworthy that Fabriano is the only Italian town, besides Bologna, that holds a position on UNESCO’s list of creative cities, due to its historical production of high quality paper, a craft that is kept alive to this day. A visit to Museo della Carta will satisfy both those who have specific interest in european history as well as those more interested in doing a little shopping for the amazing paper products still made here.

However, there is more to Fabriano’s history than books, it also has something for the art lover. It was the home of Gentile da Fabriano, the late medieaval/ early renaissance painter famous for his sublime paintings with christian motifs. Although, unfortunately, none of his work is left in Fabriano, much of what would have been his background still remains preserved in the city.

The fact that Fabriano historically has been an important cultural agent is showing all over the town. It is bursting with monuments and fascinating architecture, many of these dating back to the 13th century. As the town also has been comparatively wealthy, much of these monuments and buildings are very well preserved. Just lazing through the city an afternoon is like travelling through time. The only risk is that you will end up buying one of these beautiful houses.

Fabriano also provides the perfect starting point for excursions by foot, bike or car to the surrounding countryside. This offers not only 27 natural park reserves; Grotte di Frasassi, one of the largest cave systems in Europe; the thermal baths of Terme di San Vittore; but also a plenitude of castles, abbeys and hermitages. The slopes of the Esino valley is very suitable for winemaking and thus home to many vineyards that produce mainly crisp, white wines. One of the most famous wine produced here is probably the Verdicchio white wine, which naturally can be enjoyed at a restaurant in town as the perfect ending to a day of exploring.

Make no mistake: Fabriano is a town with one foot placed solemnly in the traditions of a splendid past, and one foot lifted and ready to be placed in a better future.