Varano
Varano: A Charming Village
Varano is a beautiful Italian village located in the commune of Ancona. This medieval hamlet is one of the Castles of Ancona, originally built to protect the Monte Conero area along with other nearby castles like Poggio, Massignano, Sirolo, and Numana. The view from Varano's hill is incredible, with breathtaking panoramas of Monte Conero and the city of Ancona. The surrounding countryside is fertile and picturesque, with vineyards and centuries-old oaks characterizing it.
The History of Varano
The name Varano comes from the military leader Vario, who fought alongside General Belisario. In 540 AD, Justinian I awarded Vario the territory of Varano after their victory against the Goths. In 1225, the Castle of Varano was included in the jurisdiction of the city of Ancona, and the surrounding area was filled with beautiful country villas belonging to noble Anconetans. During the siege of Ancona in 1799, Varano became the base camp of the anti-French insurgents in the Marche region, commanded by General Giuseppe Lahoz Ortiz. During World War II, the village was at risk of violent retaliation by the German army, but thanks to the intervention of the local parish priest, a massacre was avoided.
Dialect Festival
Since 1970, every September, the Dialect Festival takes place in the village of Varano, celebrating the Gallo-Picene language and local traditions. Since 1995, the festival also offers theatrical performances by companies from all over the region. The festival also hosts the "Rosso Conero DOC" exhibition, dedicated to the famous wine produced in the Conero area.
Passo Varano
Downhill from Varano's hill is the locality of Passo Varano, named after the presence of important roads and networks in the area. The ex-Flaminia consular road is still one of the main arteries connecting Ancona to the municipalities of Camerano, Loreto, Sirolo, and Numana. The Passo Varano railway station is located near PalaRossini, Stadio del Conero, and the new residential district of Ponterosso. Varano played an important role in the history of the region and witnessed significant historical events from the 1400s and 1600s, the French and Austrian invasions, the Risorgimento and the Unification of Italy, up to the recent world conflicts.
In summary, Varano is a charming village that deserves to be visited for its beauty and millenary history. The Dialect Festival and the "Rosso Conero DOC" exhibition are events not to be missed if you have the chance to visit the village in September. Furthermore, the proximity of Passo Varano to important roads and networks makes the village an ideal destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Marche countryside and visit cultural and tourist sites in the surrounding areas.
