Fara San Martino
Discover Fara San Martino, the world capital of pasta and much more!
If you are looking for a charming place just a few steps from the Maiella National Park and, above all, where the best pasta in the world is produced, then Fara San Martino is your perfect destination! This Abruzzo municipality, located in the province of Chieti, has 1289 inhabitants and is one of Italy's hidden gems.
Physical geography
Fara San Martino is famous for its privileged location. It is located at the foot of the eastern slope of the Maiella, a majestic mountain with a very steep slope that gives the landscape a charming atmosphere. The city is situated on the banks of the Verde river, which crosses the Santo Spirito gorge, a spectacular valley where you can admire deep rocky gorges, and where hikers can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Origin of the name
The name Fara has Lombard origins. It indicated a set of families and related individuals in which the people were divided. In addition to the Lombard devotion to Saint Fara, we can understand the importance of the term Fara for the cohesion of Italian communities and territories because there are still many municipalities in Italy that bear this name.
History
The first information on Fara San Martino dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries when the territory was colonized by the Order of Saint Benedict. The Abbey of San Martino in Valle was founded, which then represented the basis of the power of the abbots in the city for several centuries. After the decline of the abbey and the power of the abbots, the town became a fiefdom owned by the Valignani of Chieti. In the 17th century, under the rule of Melchiorre Reviglione, Fara San Martino became one of the main centers of Italian pasta production.
Fara San Martino Pasta
The De Cecco Pasta Factory is the main source of pride in Fara San Martino. In 1886, the De Cecco family introduced a pasta production activity in the town, which quickly became one of the most important in the world. The De Cecco Pasta Factory is still the main source of employment in the city. The pasta produced here is of the highest quality; this is due to the presence of pure water from mountain springs, high-quality durum wheat semolina, and of course, the skill and passion of local artisans.
What to see in Fara San Martino
Fara San Martino is a true hidden gem in Abruzzo. One of the main attractions of the city is the medieval village located right at the foot of the Maiella. Here you can admire the ancient stone houses and the twelfth-century portal and thirteenth-century frescoes found in the abbey of San Martino. The Santissima Annunziata is another unmissable church dating back to the seventeenth century. For hikers who want to take advantage of the proximity to the Maiella and its gorges, do not forget to visit the Gole di Fara.
How to reach Fara San Martino
Fara San Martino is easily reachable by car. From the city of Chieti, take the SS84 state road towards the southeast. Additionally, for those arriving by train or bus, the nearest railway station is in Lanciano, about 30 kilometers away.
If you want to spend an unforgettable stay where you can enjoy nature, culture, and quality food and wine, Fara San Martino is ready to offer you everything you desire and much more!
