Descrizione
The San Costanzo area is also renowned for its historical and nature trails, such as ‘Up and Down the Valleys’, the Flaminia-Cesano hiking trail and the “Valle dei tufi”, which wind through the Metauro and Cesano valleys, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty and local agricultural history. Along the route, in the shade of centuries-old oak trees, visitors can enjoy snacks and traditional delicacies offered to them by the master polenta-makers. On the nature trails, as well as observing the flora and fauna, you can admire a rich variety of birdlife, among which the bee-eater stands out. This splendid bird with its vibrant colours – yellow, green, blue and brown – is one of the iconic species of the Tufo Valley. It nests along the tuff cliffs, digging tunnels in the sandy soil and forming bustling colonies during the breeding season. This distinctive feature is sure to catch the eye of birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can therefore enjoy not only the breathtaking views, stretching from the mountains to the sea, but also the opportunity to observe one of the most fascinating species of the local birdlife at close quarters, making every visit a unique experience blending history, culture and nature.
San Costanzo’s traditional festivals, such as the Sagra della Polenta and the Sagra della Crescia, offer an authentic journey through flavours, history and traditions. The Polenta Festival, with over 200 years of history, is one of the oldest in the Marche region. The ragù, prepared according to a secret recipe handed down through the generations, is at the heart of this event which celebrates conviviality and flavour.
In Stacciola, every August, the Sagra della Crescia welcomes thousands of visitors, with an extraordinary output of 14,000 cresce in just three days. The cooking process, which uses vine shoots in keeping with ancient tradition, adds a unique touch to this speciality. For those wishing to discover the secrets of this delicacy, the Scuola della Crescia offers a course combining theory and practice, enabling participants to learn the art of traditional preparation.
Local culture is also kept alive thanks to LUIS (Libera Università Interculturale Stacciolana), which offers weekly lectures on cultural topics, providing an immersive experience of the traditions of San Costanzo.
