San Ginesio - Simply Gorgeous

San Ginesio is one of those little villages where you get an immediate sense of belonging. Once you arrive, you'll feel as if you should never leave. Actually, even before you arrive, the moment you see San Ginesio on a distant hilltop, you'll know you've found something special. 

Where to Stay in San Ginesio

San Ginesio is the gateway to the magnificent Sibillini National Park and mountain range, making it an excellent base to explore this part of the Marche. If you'd like a hotel right in the village, you'll need to book at the Est Locanda. It is the ONLY option and fills up quickly, so don't wait to long to book.

About the Town

How wonderful it is to explore this wonderful medieval town. Most of the old town was built around five hundred years ago, and yet it is perfectly preserved. Whenever a building has been damaged or destroyed over the centuries by earthquakes, it has been faithfully and painstakingly restored to its original. Highlights are the churches and the old walls, but really everything, from the piazzas to the tiny family-run shops, is a joy. I just love being able to escape here, to where life seems so much simpler, so much calmer than so much of the world today. It often tempts you to stay forever; I could imagine living this life.

I always start my days here the same way: a morning cappuccino and croissant in the local Bar Centrale Incicco Luca and catching up on all the news with locals. I've heard so many amazing stories and been given wonderful insights into life in San Ginesio, as well as many wonderful recommendations on things to do in the town and nearby.

San Ginesio is famous too for once being an important Jewish village. Little of that history remains now. Much like the once large Jewish community in Venice most were forced to leave over the centuries.

For more on what San Ginesio has to offer, watch the video below...

Where to Eat

Treat yourself to lunch at Restaurant San Fabiano, which is located in the surrounding countryside. If available, order Vincigrassi, a famous dish from the area related to lasagne (although the locals will deny that vehemently and claim lasagne was copied from them).

When to Visit

Anytime from May to September is good, but the best would be the second week of August when the medieval festival is held. All the town gets into medieval mode, with costumes galore and ancient battles reenacted.

The winters in San Ginesio do get cold, but, despite that, especially around Christmas time, the atmosphere is delightful. It is such fun getting caught up in the Christmas spirit with the locals; everyone is so full of the festive spirit, and warm greetings of Buon Natale and huge helpings of Panettone are everywhere—so much so that you won't even notice the cold.

Where is San Ginesio