Castello
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a beautiful medieval village located in the stunning region of Marche: Castello.
Geographical and Historical Information
Castello is a hamlet of the municipality of Fiuminata, province of Macerata, located in the Potenza valley, near the border with Umbria. It is a small medieval village perched on a rugged hill, which owes its name to its fortress-like nature.
The history of Castello is very ancient: it dates back to the 13th century, when it was first called "Castri Sancti Johannis." Over the centuries, the village has been the seat of the municipality of Fiuminata and has been fortified to protect its inhabitants from enemy raids.
Today, Castello is a highly visited tourist attraction, thanks to its beautiful medieval architecture and the wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.
Places of Interest
One of the most interesting places in Castello is the church of San Giovanni Battista, located along the main road of the village. The church dates back to the 14th century and features a magnificent façade, adorned with a Gothic-style portal. Inside, the church contains an 18th-century wooden baptismal font.
But the real gem of Castello is its watchtower, located in the highest part of the village. The tower was built in the 14th century and was used to observe the surrounding countryside and signal the arrival of enemies. Today, the tower is in excellent condition and offers an incredible view of the valley below.
Moreover, if you visit Castello during the summer period, you cannot miss the Sagra del Dolce, organized by the local association Per Castello since 1977. During the festival, which takes place from the first Friday after Ferragosto to the following Sunday, the village's taverns and cellars open their doors to offer homemade sweets and delicacies, such as the exquisite Crescia Fogliata, accompanied by wine and popular songs.
Demographic Decline and Emigration
Unfortunately, as has happened in many rural areas of Italy, Castello has experienced a strong demographic decline since the post-World War II period, when many of its inhabitants emigrated in search of work in Rome or abroad.
However, in recent times things have been changing: the population has slightly increased thanks to the immigration of foreign workers, mainly from Romania.
Conclusions
In conclusion, if you are planning a trip to Marche, I strongly recommend including Castello in your list of places to visit. This medieval village with its suggestive atmosphere will amaze you with its historical architecture and the enchanting view of the surrounding countryside. And, of course, if you are a lover of good food, you cannot miss the Sagra del Dolce, the most important festival of the village, which will make you discover the local gastronomic delicacies.
