The historic centre of Treia: itinerary of a magic place

Fewer than 10 thousand inhabitants, not chaotic at all and easy to explore on foot. Yet, Treia holds the status of città, a title granted by Pope Pius VI in 1790.

You can explore the historic centre through a summarized itinerary or choose from a variety of mini thematic trails that showcase its diverse aspects—cultural, scenic, sporting, and gastronomic.

At Visit Italy, we’ve put together an ideal (though not exhaustive) tour of the must-see highlights. On your part, keep an open mind to any detours along the way: you never know, you might just bump into a hidden gem!

Treia features jewels signed by architecture geniuses such as Giuseppe Valadier and Andrea Vici, one of the most beautiful hanging squares in Le Marche, a precious historic theatre, splendid Neoclassic villas, and much more. 

There are many other points of interest that captivate everyone, even the most adventurous. Find them in our itinerary dedicated to Treia’s historic centre.

Our first stop on the itinerary through Treia historic centre is Piazza della Repubblica, a stunning example of a hanging square offering an enviable view of the Marche hills.

The scenic balustrade designed by Vinci, with the monument dedicated to Pius VI in the centre, frames the widening on three sides. Take your time and soak in the surroundings: the buildings that line this unique horseshoe-shaped square are some of the most significant and impressive in town.

After snapping a few photos of the view, pass the bubbling fountain made of bluish bardiglio to get a closer look at some of Treia's most notable palazzi. First, the 18th-century Church of San Filippo, whose beautifully decorated interior hides a remarkable Cristo patiens from the 15th century. The place is a focus of local devotion, as four Christian martyrs rest here: Valentine, Aurelius, Castoria and Venusta.

Next, head over to the nearby loggia of the Town Hall and explore the refined Pinacoteca and Sala degli Stemmi of the Palazzo Comunale to see its rich painting collection from the 18th to the 19th century, primarily portraits and religious subjects.

A few steps away from the Town Hall is the elegant 19th-century building designed by Giuseppe Valadier, hosting the prestigious Accademia Georgica, which holds a true treasure: a collection of 14,000 volumes, along with one of the oldest municipal historical archives in the region.

Pass through the colonnade of the Mercato Coperto and plunge into Via Luigi Lanzi. The street is very picturesque, with a sequence of stately palaces punctuating the short walk.

The bell tower rising above the narrow alleys lets you know you're nearing your destination. The 12th-century building is the Cathedral's campanile and is way older than the main church, a much more recent creation by the Roman architect Andrea Vici. Dive into the history and sacred art of Treia, and then be ready to move on.

The locals call 'Le Macinette' the narrow, winding road near the Cathedral. Anyway, look for Via Mazzini to find the site on the map. Take it to first reach Porta San Martino, at the northern end of the walls, and then Porta Vallesacco, a national monument that bears witness to Treia's history.

A fierce battle took place right by this last entrance, considered the most beautiful and famous in Treia. During the 1263 fighting, the citizens of Montecchio (as Treia was called back then) succeeded in defeating and capturing Corrado D’Antiochia.

Walk along Via Vallesacco, pass by the apse of the Cathedral, and face a symbol of Treia: the Carlo Didimi Arena, the temple of the Bracciale Challenge. If a match of pallone col bracciale (a traditional and ancient ball game) is scheduled, the area stops being just a street and returns to its role as a sferisterio, an open-air ball court.

There is also a small but fascinating museum dedicated to Treia's most popular sport. It's definitely worth a visit if you want to learn more about such an exciting and evocative game.

Go a little further and pass through Porta Cassara, the gate named after the ancient castle whose dungeons once held prisoner Corrado d'Antiochia. You are now back within Treia's walls.

A few more steps lead you to Piazza Arcangeli and its Teatro Municipale. Inaugurated in 1821, it boasts a beautiful 19th-century curtain depicting the battle of Porta Vallesacco. Furthermore, the theatre hosts the Centro Studi Dolores Prato, the institution dedicated to the legacy of the acclaimed 20th-century writer who put Treia on the national cultural map.

Now it's time for a little pause! The local specialities are simply delicious: from calcioni treiesi—typical ravioli with a slightly sweet and savoury creamy filling—to classic Marche delicacies like ciauscolo.

It’s time to pick up our exploration of the historic centre of Treia and continue our adventure.

The building known as La Rotonda (easy to recognize by its shape) marks the crossroads between Via Roma, Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, and Via Garibaldi. Choose Via Roma to visit the Church of San Francesco and continue until Porta Roma, one of the town’s eight gateways.

At this point, you’ll have a choice to make. Option A: Take a detour, step outside the town walls, and visit the Civic Archaeological Museum and its collection, which reveals the most ancient history of the Treia region.

Option B: Cross Via Ilario Altobelli, Via dei Mille, and Vicolo Santa Chiara, arrive at Piazza Don Nicola Cervigni and visit the beautiful churches of Santa Chiara and San Michele. You could also enjoy a relaxing break in the San Michele garden and the view of the Onglavina Tower.

Satisfied and refreshed, cross Porta Palestro and walk alongside the walls overlooking Viale Guglielmo Oberdan until Porta Garibaldi.

After spotting the house on Via Garibaldi where Dolores Prato lived as a young girl, get ready to discover the artisan heart of Treia in the maze of ups and downs known as Strade Basse.

Before venturing into the streets once bustling with clay and ceramic workshops, a detour to Porta Nuova, affectionately nicknamed “delle Scalette” (the little stairs), is mandatory. It’s perched in a higher spot, so be ready to climb quite a few steps to get there!

Our itinerary to discover Treia continues. By now, you should have a rough but fairly correct idea of the town. Say arrivederci and reach the near Santuario del Santissimo Crocifisso. An imposing dome towering 42 meters high dominates the sanctuary. The interiors still hold traces of Roman-era Trea, such as the two precious mosaics of the convent complex. A large polychrome wooden crucifix featuring a 16th-century model of Treia at its base represents the centrepiece of the church.

Let's switch things up and enjoy some time outdoors. Hop in the car and head towards San Lorenzo. There are several parking areas near the 'mountain' of Treia, so finding a place to leave your vehicle won't be complicated.

Monte Acuto—also known as La Roccaccia—offers various equipped trails and rest stops. You can explore the archaeological site of Pitino or take a hike to the hermitage of Santa Sperandia, a cluster of caves where the Benedictine nun who became Cingoli’s patron saint lived in the 13th century.

San Lorenzo is also a favourite among cycling enthusiasts, drawn to the thrilling Bike Park. Whether you're into downhill or enduro, Treia has the challenge you're looking for!