Castle of the Varano (Fiastra)

History of the Castle of the Varano in Fiastra

The fortress was built at the behest of the Varano family, who ruled these lands from Camerino. Other signs of that power remain in the area. In the church of San Lorenzo in Fiastra, a holy water font bearing the coat of arms of Giulio Cesare Varano recalls the lord of Camerino.

The church of Santa Margherita is medieval in origin and was incorporated into the castle's ring of walls. The attribution of the frescoes inside is uncertain: they are associated with the workshop of the Camerino painter Cola di Pietro.

What to see at the Castle of the Varano

What remains of the castle is the entrance gate with a white stone arch and the curtain walls, partly still intact, with their loopholes. The foundations of the four corner towers can also be made out: two face the river, the other two face Monte Ragnolo.

Inside the walls stands the small Romanesque church of Santa Margherita. The fresco cycle covers the entire interior.

How to visit the Castle of the Varano

These are ruins, not a fully preserved castle. The 2016 earthquake damaged many historic buildings in the Sibillini Mountains and in some areas restricted access to roads, trails and villages. The descriptions of the castle given here refer to the period before the earthquake. Before setting out, it is therefore advisable to ask the Comune di Fiastra (town hall) about any access restrictions. As for any outdoor outing, checking the weather is useful.

Where the Castle of the Varano is located

The castle stands at the foot of the hamlet of Vallecanto, in the municipality of Fiastra, on a promontory overlooking the Fiastrone valley. Fiastra is part of the Sibillini National Park, in the Sibillini Mountains.

Around the Castle of the Varano in Fiastra

In the main town of Fiastra, the ruins of the Castrum Flastrae can be seen on the hill of San Paolo. Stretches of wall on three sides, two towers and the keep remain. Next to it stands the Romanesque Church of San Paolo Apostolo in Fiastra, from the 11th century. From behind the church there is a view over Lago di Fiastra, an artificial lake created by damming the Fiastrone river.

Hikes are organized near the lake; the trail through the Gole del Fiastrone (Fiastrone gorges) is closed by ordinance of the Municipality of Fiastra. Fiastra is also home to the Park Visitor Center, which houses the Chamois Museum.