Marche

Fabriano is the city of paper, where ancient traditions of master papermakers are handed down and a "paper culture" is promoted through the constant creation of technological innovation. Small and charming, even in its historical centre paper (as well as the other great Fabriano tradition, which is ironworking) is ever present with references in the ancient workshops, tombstones and inscriptions. The centuries-old Pia Università dei Cartai is still active in the city to this day. Since 2013, Fabriano has been a UNESCO Creative City.

Ripatransone, a hillside village (490 metres above sea level) offers a beautiful panorama and the narrowest alleyway in Italy: 43 centimetres! Ripatransone is known as the “Piceno belvedere”.

In the province of Ancona stands a “church in the rock”: the Valadier temple. This shrine is considered a naturalistic sanctuary located in the area of the Frasassi caves. The temple is literally set in a cave and is a truly unique and captivating sight. With its octagonal plan, it stands out for its white travertine marble in stark contract with the darkness of the cave. Its beauty is also surprising in its interior where it is possible to admire a statue by Antonio Canova.