Discover Castelplanio

Castelplanio brings together art and history with a trail through woodland along a river and past bodies of water. Local produce and the tradition of Crescia are also among the themes that shape the town. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Castelplanio, these different highlights can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Museums, art and history

The Museo Carlo Urbani displays materials, photographs, memorabilia and accounts of fieldwork documented by Carlo Urbani himself. A description from 2023 divides the museum’s story into three main rooms: the first presents the doctor’s biography, the second focuses on his work and passions, and the last on his scientific and moral legacy. His personal life and professional work are thus presented side by side.

The Museo Civico di Palazzo Fossa Mancini is located on the piano nobile of the palazzo, an 18th-century private residence of the Counts Fossa Mancini. The works on display there include large-format photographic reproductions of the surviving panels of Lorenzo Lotto’s 1531 Castelplanio Polyptych. The depictions show Saint Christopher and Saint Sebastian; the panels themselves are now held at the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. Another work is a fresco from 1522 attributed to Andrea Aquilini, known as Andrea da Jesi.

The Church of San Sebastiano also offers a specific art-historical point of interest: built in 1878, it houses a 16th-century polychrome terracotta bust of Saint Sebastian attributed to Mattia della Robbia. The Abbey of San Benedetto dei Frondigliosi is mentioned in documents dating back to 1199. The name Castelplanio is linked to historical events involving this nearby abbey.

Exploring the Sentiero del Granchio Nero

The Sentiero del Granchio Nero starts on Via Caciampa in Castelplanio and connects the main town with the hamlet of Macine. The two-kilometre route passes through riverside woodland, alongside a stream and past a natural pond. These landmarks give you a clear picture of the route described: woodland, flowing water and a pond are all part of the same trail.

Olive oil, Verdicchio and Crescia

Verdicchio DOC wine is produced in Castelplanio. Frantoio Chiodi has long produced high-quality olive oil using first cold pressing. The olives come mainly from traditional growing areas in the Marche, but also from Umbria. A tour suggested by the municipality includes a visit to Frantoio Chiodi by prior arrangement.

The town is also associated with another culinary tradition: Crescia sul panaro. The Sagra della crescia sul panaro began in 1974; in 2024, it reached its 49th edition, held from 11 to 14 July. If you are planning a trip specifically for the festival, check the current event dates before making plans.

For the Sagra, Crescia is kneaded, rolled out, baked and seasoned by hand. The polenta is cooked using a machine built by local artisans. Crescia di polenta is made by mixing polenta with soft wheat flour. The recipe draws on the tradition of turning leftover polenta into sweet and savoury Crescia. Together with wine and olive oil production, this creates a distinctive culinary focus for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Genga, Chiaravalle, Campodonico, Castelferretti, Montesicuro, Osimo, Offagna, Marcelli.

See the wider travel overview: Ancona.