San Lorenzo al Lago, Fiastra: what to see and do
San Lorenzo al Lago is a hamlet of the municipality of Fiastra, in the province of Macerata (Marche). It stands on the right shore of Lago di Fiastra, within the national park of the Sibillini Mountains. It is the busiest village in the municipality for those who want to stay close to the water. The main swimming areas are reached from here, and the Sentiero Natura (nature trail) that runs along the right-hand side of the lake starts here.
The village has a history tied to water. The lake is artificial: it was created in the 1950s by damming the Fiastrone river. At the bottom lies the old San Lorenzo al Fiume, the village submerged when the lake formed. The inhabitants were moved higher up, where San Lorenzo al Lago stands today.
At a glance
- Municipality
- Fiastra
- Province
- Macerata
- Region
- Le Marche
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
What to see in San Lorenzo al Lago
The main monument is the Church of San Lorenzo, on a promontory overlooking the right shore of the lake. The right-hand part of the building is the oldest, from the Romanesque period, and stands on ruins believed to have belonged to a pagan temple. Its current appearance comes from later rebuilding and enlargement. The interior has a single nave and preserves traces of wall paintings considered among the oldest in the Marche, 15th-century frescoes of the Camerino school and some canvases from the 1700s. In the past, while some linden trees were being planted next to the left wall, a tomb closed by a slab of white limestone came to light. Since the earthquake the church has been temporarily closed to the public for restoration work: before visiting, it is worth checking whether it has reopened.
The rest of the village can be explored on foot along the lakefront. A little higher up, the small church of the Madonna del Sasso Bianco can be reached by car from San Lorenzo and offers a view over the village and the lake. The village of Podalla, about halfway between San Lorenzo and the dam, has no attractions to visit, but has a view over the lake that is popular at sunset.
The area's more distant past is tied to San Lorenzo al Fiume. Numerous tombs with very old grave goods were found here, and important archaeological finds are kept at the town hall. When the lake level is lowered in a scheduled operation, the remains of the submerged village and its small bridge, usually hidden by the water, become visible again.
Every August, for the patron saint San Lorenzo, there is a food festival with a fair and fireworks. For the other sights in the municipality, including the castle and the church of San Paolo, see the page on things to do in Fiastra. The church of San Paolo was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake, and a first round of funding for its restoration was released in October 2023.
Nature and trails near San Lorenzo al Lago
The Sentiero Natura of Lago di Fiastra starts from the equipped beach of San Lorenzo al Lago. It follows the right-hand side of the lake almost as far as the dam. It is very easy and takes about two hours. It can be done on foot or by bike, and a 900 m stretch is also suitable for people with disabilities.
From the dam area, which can be reached from San Lorenzo, starts the trail to the Lame Rosse, the canyon of reddish sediments below the lake. The round trip takes a few hours of walking. The route is easy, with a scree slope in the final stretch.
The lake is also the starting point for routes to the summits of Pizzo Berro and Monte Priora, and to the Grotta dei Frati; the Gole del Fiastrone gorge trail is closed by ordinance. The closure, for safety reasons, comes from Comune di Fiastra ordinances no. 41/2020 and no. 39 of July 28, 2022. Before setting out, it is worth checking whether the rule is still in force.
In summer, swimming happens mainly at San Lorenzo al Lago. The main beach is equipped, with a lifeguard, bar, showers and rentals.
Where to stay in San Lorenzo al Lago
San Lorenzo al Lago is considered the most convenient area to sleep a short walk from the water and the lake activities. In the village and around it there are a family-run hotel, an osteria with rooms, bed and breakfasts and a campsite that takes campers, travel trailers, vans and tents. The campsite is open from April to the end of December.
For more peace and quiet, agriturismi (farm stays) and mountain huts are found in Fiastra and the surrounding area. The full list is on the page where to stay in Fiastra.
Where to eat in San Lorenzo al Lago
In the village there are restaurants and pizzerias, osterias with verandas on the lake and places with outdoor tables. The cooking is that of the Marche hinterland: truffle dishes, vincisgrassi (baked layered pasta), truffle gnocchi, agnello scottadito (grilled lamb chops), braised wild boar and trippa alla contadina (country-style tripe). For a snack, there is an artisan gelato shop on the way down to the beach. More suggestions are on the page on Fiastra restaurants.
Local products of San Lorenzo al Lago
At the table and in the shops of the Sibillini area there are local cured meats and cheeses. Among the cured meats is ciauscolo, a soft spreadable salami typical of the Marche, often served on platters of sliced meats; among the cheeses, pecorino. Truffle is an ingredient in several first courses. Desserts are paired with local wines such as vino cotto (cooked wine), vernaccia, vino di visciola (sour cherry wine) and passito.
Weather and how to get to San Lorenzo al Lago
To reach Lago di Fiastra, and therefore San Lorenzo al Lago, leave the SS77 (Foligno-Macerata) at Lago di Polverina and take the SP98 Polverina-Fiastra road. There are large parking lots in San Lorenzo al Lago and near the dam.
The lake is an alternative to the coastal beaches in the warm season, and the village is visited at all times of year. Mountain weather changes quickly, so it is wise to check the forecast before a hike.