Are you looking for an idea for a weekend away where you can take your four-legged friend? We have an itinerary that is sure to please both you and your dog.
Fabriano, located in the heart of the Marche region and known throughout the world as the “city of paper”, is a wonderful historic city just waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by greenery, at the foot of the Marche Apennines, it offers many tourist attractions ranging from art, culture, cuisine, and beautiful natural landscapes.
If you are traveling with your pet, we have lots of tips and ideas for you that are dog-friendly and that you and “Fido” will love.
Fabriano’s Historic Center
A walk through the historic center is a must! Fabriano’s architecture and history will leave you speechless. Explore the numerous alleys that lead from one square to another with amazing views at every turn. Some of the most important sights include the Palazzo del Podestà, the Church of San Benedetto, and the Piazza del Comune. The loggia of San Francesco overlooks the latter, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view from above.
The Paper and Watermark Museum
Don’t miss a visit to the Paper and Watermark Museum, located in the heart of the historic center, near the Regina Margherita gardens. Set up in the ancient monumental complex of the former Dominican convent, the museum is divided into various sections that will accompany you on a journey retracing the history of the fine art of paper production.
If you’re thinking it sounds great but wondering where to leave your dog during the visit, not to worry, because the museum is dog-friendly. Dogs of all breeds and sizes are admitted free of charge and can accompany you in all the rooms for the entire duration of the visit which lasts about an hour. The cost of the ticket includes a guided tour and a beautiful demonstration by a paper master on the ancient methods of paper production. The visit ends on the upper floor of the museum with the ancient and modern watermarks exhibit.
The Village of Cacciano
A few kilometers from Fabriano is Cacciano, known as the town of artistic murals. A small hamlet surrounded by greenery, Cacciano has very few residents and over the years has been embellished by fantastic works of art. Roads closed to traffic and old houses with no personality meant that just two residents of Cacciano had electricity. In recent years, the tiny village has been filled with color by artists from all over the world who have contributed to the mural initiative.
Every year, additional murals are added by both local and outside artists who use various techniques and styles from realistic portraits to abstract and subject matter from trades of the past to farm animals. Cacciano’s murals represent a real open-air gallery.
The Castle of Precicchie
The Castle of Precicchie is one of the hidden jewels of the Marche region. This medieval castle is located on the top of a hill about 10 km from the town of Fabriano and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley. The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century when it was built as a fortress to protect the city of Fabriano from enemy raids. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year. The castle has been restored with great care and attention to detail, preserving its original architecture and medieval charm, and features a garden with panoramic views over the surrounding valley where you can stroll and enjoy the view of the hilly landscape.
are you ready to go?
The Cuisine of the Marches
The cuisine of the Marches is renowned for the variety and quality of its local products, cultivated right in the region. Culinary traditions are deeply rooted in regional history and vary according to the different provinces. Truffles, stuffed olives, ciauscolo pork sausage, minced several times, are just a few examples. Among the first courses, Vincisgrassi (egg pasta baked in the oven, similar to lasagna) definitely stand out.
A few steps from the historic center of Fabriano, you’ll find “Mercato Coperto”. This former fruit and vegetable market is a great place to try traditional dishes and buy local products- truly unique!
Your furry friend will be more than welcome and even greeted with a nice bowl of fresh water.
Advice for Camper Friends
If you’re traveling by camper, the municipality of Fabriano provides a free parking area, adjacent to the municipal stadium, with pitches on the grass, water drainage, and a paid electricity column. It’s within walking distance of the center, just 3 kilometers.
About the Author
We’re Aldo and Federica, and together with our inseparable companion Kobe, we love traveling and doing outdoor activities.
Combining our passion for photography and telling about our experiences, and Kobe’s inexhaustible energy, in 2019, “Kobe Vanlife – Tales of 4-Legged Travel on 4 Wheels” was born.
On our blog and on social media, we tell our adventure stories about traveling in our camper in the hopes of encouraging people to travel with their pets.
From our native Marche region, we wander around Italy and Europe on the lookout for new adventures, proposing destinations, itineraries, activities and strictly dog-friendly accommodations.