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Among the things to do in Macerata Italy, are visiting the Renaissance period palaces and attending a world-acclaimed open-air opera concert. Located in the undulating terrain of the Marche region, the old town of Macerata is the epitome of a calming and genuine Italian experience. The local surroundings of cobblestone roads, peaceful piazzas, and ancient buildings create a perfect mood for days loaded with culture, food, and new encounters. The city gives you the opportunity to experience it in several ways, such as wandering in museums, tasting local wines, or hiking in adjacent mountains.
Top 10 Things To Do In Macerata Italy
Some things to do in Macerata Italy, are walking around its grand opera arena and historic palaces, and relaxing in piazzas with great views.
1. Attend An Open-Air Opera At Sferisterio
Photo: Unpodipixel / Wikimedia Commons
In Macerta, Italy, watch a performance in the Arena Sferisterio, a grand and elegant open-air theatre in neoclassical style. The theatre was initially created for playing handball, but its perfect acoustics and the imposing collonaded structure are now the main characteristics of the Macerata Opera Festival that takes place every year from the middle of July till the beginning of August. The theatre, with a capacity of nearly 3,000 and a stage of over 14 meters deep, is an unforgettable experience under the stars. The arena’s stylish architecture and the great sound system make it the most exceptional opera venue in Europe.
Location: Piazza Nazario Sauro, 62100 Macerata MC, Italy
Highlights: Macerata Opera Festival, open-air arena, world-class acoustics
2. Explore Palazzo Buonaccorsi & Its Carriage Museum
Photo: Louis Gino Borsella / Wikimedia Commons
For lovers of art and history, Palazzo Buonaccorsi is a place that cannot be missed. It is an 18th-century aristocratic residence which now serves as Macerata’s civic museum. The main attraction here is the Museum of Ancient Carriages, the palace’s old stables. The art gallery (Pinacoteca) shows the art from the Renaissance period to the modern times, while the really amazing Hall of the Aeneid is still decorated with Baroque ceiling frescoes showing the scenes from Virgil’s epic. The palace is a unique place where you can see not only the art but also the daily life of Macerata’s noble families.
Location: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 24, 62100 Macerata MC, Italy
Highlights: Hall of the Aeneid, Renaissance art, Museum of Carriages
3. Admire Macerata Cathedral & Torre Civica
Photo: MrPanyGoff / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Macerata Cathedral (Duomo di San Giuliano), located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, is a neoclassical church that was built on the foundation of a much older Romanesque church. The beautiful façade, Corinthian columns, and bright interior of the church make it the city’s architectural highlight. The chapels, frescoes, and a 16th-century wooden crucifix are definitely worth seeing. Next to the cathedral is the Torre Civica, a 15th-century civic tower adorned with an old clock and bell. For a little money, you can go up to the viewing platform and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the rooftops and countryside.
Location: Piazza San Vincenzo Maria Strambi, 3, 62100 Macerata, Italy
Highlights: Neoclassical cathedral, frescoes, rooftop tower views
4. Sip Local Wines At A Marche Vineyard
Photo: Peter Forster / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Macerata is definitely not the only place in the region that represents the rolling hills that are covered with vineyards that produce some of Italy’s most underrated wines. The local Marche region is particularly famous for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a refreshing white wine, and Rosso Piceno, a red blend that is very smooth. Several vineyards within 30-45 minutes of the city welcome visitors for tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard walks. Tenuta di Tavignano, Cantine Belisario, and La Murola are among the top choices, offering guided experiences with winemakers and farm-to-table pairings.
Location: Eastern part of Italy between the Adriatic sea and Apennine mountains
Highlights: Verdicchio and Rosso Piceno tastings, scenic vineyards, cellar tours
5. Walk Through The University Of Macerata
Photo: Florian Prischl / Wikimedia Commons
The University of Macerata (UniMC), established in 1290, is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe. The university’s campus buildings of historical interest are not only old but also highly valued by the people of Macerata. Numerous units are housed in the old parts of the city that have been beautifully conserved during the Renaissance and Baroque eras. If you are walking around the university’s grounds and lecture rooms, you will find covered walkways decorated with frescoes, and peaceful places to study.
Location: Via Giovanni Mario Crescimbeni, 30, 62100 Macerata MC, Italy
Highlights: Ancient courtyards, lecture halls, university cloisters
6. Sample Local Delicacies At Piazza Della Libertà
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Piazza della Libertà is the place in Macerata which is the city’s main square and an ideal spot to feast on local delicacies. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, such as the Loggia dei Mercanti and Teatro Lauro Rossi, and is also lined with cafés, gelaterias, and bakeries where classic Marche cuisine can be savoured. Vincisgrassi, a rich baked pasta said to be the ancestor of lasagna, is a great choice, or you can enjoy a quick bite of ciauscolo, a soft, spreadable salami unique to the region. Local pecorino cheese and olive oil are also worth sampling.
Location: Marche region, in the province of Macerata
Highlights: Ciauscolo salami, vincisgrassi pasta, lively cafés and markets
7. Hike In The Sibillini Mountains
Photo: Alessandro Mangione / Wikimedia Commons
Nature enthusiasts would not find a more satisfying experience in the vicinity of Macerata than a day trip to the Monti Sibillini National Park. This place, which is only about an hour’s drive from the city, is like a dream come true with its rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and hilltop villages straight out of a picture. The most frequented route is the Lame Rosse, an Italian “mini-Grand Canyon,” which owes its popularity to the red rock formations and the beautiful views. Besides, the place is also perfect for picnicking, cycling, and wildlife.
Location: Across the regions of Marche and Umbria, encompassing the provinces of Macerata, Fermo, Ascoli Piceno and Perugia
Highlights: Lame Rosse trail, wildflowers, panoramic views
8. Visit Museo Della Carrozza
Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons
The Museo della Carrozza is a place where you can literally travel in time and experience aristocratic travel. It is inspired by the 18th and 19th centuries, and it is located in Palazzo Buonaccorsi. The museum features the most impressive and complete collection of original carriages, the decorated details, the harnesses, and the travel accessories that were once needed by the noble families and the clergy. The informative exhibitions, as well as the restored models, make it accessible for all ages. If you are after unusual things to do in Macerata Italy, over and above art and architecture, this museum is a sophisticated and satisfying detour.
Location: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 24, 62100 Macerata MC, Italy
Highlights: 18th-century carriages, accessories, and noble travel history
9. Catch A Street Performance Or Festival
Photo: MCMCM,C12345 / Wikimedia Commons
Open-air events and performances are among the most lively things to do in Macerata Italy, which is also a great way to soak up its cultural spirit. The city is alive with music, theatre, and festivals throughout the warm seasons. The Musicultura Festival, a well-established event at the Sferisterio, is the venue of Italy’s best songwriters and performers. However, these events are just the tip of the iceberg. It is normal for street acts, student recitals, and jazz nights to appear without prior notice in Piazza della Libertà or close to Teatro Lauro Rossi.
Highlights: Musicultura Festival, student concerts, street shows
10. Shop For Artisan Goods On Via Gramsci
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the more laid-back and satisfying ways to spend time in Macerata, Italy, is definitely by walking the Via Gramsci if you are a fan of discovering local craftsmanship. This lovely pedestrian street meanders through the old town of Macerata, and it is also a great place to visit for anyone interested in local artisans. The street is lined with boutiques, workshops, and family-owned stores selling everything from handmade leather bags to intricate ceramics and locally woven textiles. The products are not only local but also of good quality, and you can find a variety of gourmet products such as truffle sauces, honey, olive oil, and regional wines, which are perfect both for gifting and for your own consumption.
Location: 62100 Macerata MC, Italy
Highlights: Handmade leather, ceramics, gourmet products
A visit to Macerata means open-air opera, vineyard walks, and Renaissance art. Macerata is a town that combines culture, history, and the charm of a small town into an unforgettable Italian getaway. Exploring the many things to do in Macerata Italy, like climbing old towers, tasting local delicacies or hiking on the nearby mountains, can satisfy any curiosity-seeking traveller. Plan with TripXL for tailored itineraries for making the most of your visit when you decide to go.
Cover Photo: Louis Gino Borsella / Wikimedia Commons
