Borgo di Treia
- Fontelini
- Nov 16
- 6 min read
A hidden gem in Le Marche
Would you like to discover a charming, authentic village during your stay at Agriturismo Fontelini? Treia, just a 20-minute drive away, offers the perfect mix of history, tradition, and cozy little streets where time seems to stand still. You won’t find crowds of tourists here—just a warm welcome, breathtaking views, and an atmosphere that immerses you in the true spirit of Le Marche. Read on and discover why Treia is absolutely worth a visit!
A dive into history: medieval walls and gates that whisper stories
Treia is not just any village; it is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia,” an official title given to the most beautiful villages in Italy. Perched on a ridge, the village has Roman origins but took on its current appearance in the Middle Ages.
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive are the impressive city walls surrounding the old town. Built in the 14th and 15th centuries to protect the village, they are remarkably well preserved today. There are a total of seven gates, such as Porta Montana and Porta Vallesacco, each one transporting you back in time. Walk through them and let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of centuries past.
Although Treia is small, it has a surprising number of historical landmarks:
The picturesque Piazza della Repubblica is the central square of Treia and one of the most beautiful and characteristic squares in Le Marche. It is surrounded by elegant buildings such as the Accademia Georgica, the Palazzo Comunale, and the cathedral. The square has a horseshoe shape and opens onto a large panoramic terrace overlooking a wide horizon. It’s the perfect place to pause and soak in the atmosphere of the Marche region.
The Accademia Georgica is an old library that preserves around 14,000 books of cultural heritage. Together with the historical documents—such as codes, seals, and parchments—stored in the Archivio Storico Comunale, it forms a highly valuable collection, one of the oldest and most complete in all of Le Marche! Unfortunately, the buildings are currently closed to visitors due to the effects of the recent earthquake in the region. Let’s hope that in the near future we’ll be able to admire this remarkable collection again!
The Teatro Comunale in Treia is a historic theatre that dates back to the late 18th century. In February 1792, the Sacra Congregazione decided to build a city theatre, designed by two local architects. It was conceived as a fully self-supporting wooden structure with three tiers of boxes. The construction was financed by prominent noble and civic families from Treia, but progress was very slow: the roof was completed in 1805, and it was only in 1815 that work on the entrance hall began, with the interior finally completed in 1817.
The theatre later became the property of the municipality of Treia for 42,000 lire, equivalent today to €21.69. After a period of decline, the Teatro Comunale was restored and reopened in 2002 with the national premiere of Opera sull’acqua. Today, it serves as a cultural centre, offering a varied programme of performances. One of its main artworks is a painting of the Battle of Vallesacco from 1865, which depicts one of Treia’s historic city gates.
The Chiesa di San Francesco is a beautiful Gothic church with a serene atmosphere. Although the original walls were probably entirely covered with 16th-century frescoes, only a few have survived. Nevertheless, these frescoes—such as the Madonna and Child—are truly impressive and make the visit worthwhile. In the adjoining monastery, artifacts are displayed that hint at historical connections with Egyptian civilization.
Just outside the historic centre of Treia, about a kilometre away, lies the impressive Santuario del Santissimo Crocifisso. This sanctuary, surrounded by the lush greenery of the countryside along the provincial road to San Lorenzo, is well worth a visit. The church dates back to the 13th century and houses a beautiful 15th-century wooden crucifix.
Villa La Quiete, also known as Villa Spada, is one of the most beautiful villas in the Marche region. It is a remarkable Neoclassical building just outside the city walls of Treia, perched on a hill. Surrounding the villa is a stunning garden of approximately 2.9 hectares, fully enclosed and designed in typical Italian style, with vegetable gardens and woods featuring centuries-old trees. The site has a rich history: originally, the Church of San Savino stood here, built in 1036, followed by a Capuchin monastery.
Over the years, Villa Spada has had several owners, including the Spada counts, after whom the villa was eventually named. The building has served various purposes, including as an internment camp for women and later for immigrants from former Italian colonies. Recently, Villa Spada was restored and reopened. This €1.6 million project resulted in the creation of apartments for families who lost their homes due to earthquakes.
Gioco del Pallone col Bracciale: a sport with character
One of the most fascinating traditions in Treia is the Gioco del Pallone col Bracciale, a historic ball game that is still played here today. This sport, which has existed since the 16th century, was once played throughout Italy, but Treia has kept the tradition alive.
The game is played with a wooden bracelet with pins—the “bracciale”—which players use to hit a ball against a wall. In the past, it was a popular form of entertainment, especially during the summer months. Today, the sport is mainly practiced during the annual Bracciale Festival in August, complete with matches and festive parades.
As you wander through Treia, keep an eye out for the decorative bracelets you’ll spot here and there in the streets. They are a subtle reminder of this unique tradition!
Enjoying the good life: food & drink
The Calcione of Treia – Traditional filled pastry with a unique flavor
Anyone visiting Treia cannot leave without tasting the calcione. This traditional pastry, officially recognized as a local specialty, has a characteristic sweet-salty and slightly spiced flavor, typical of the Easter period. It is a ball of puff pastry, about 10 cm in diameter, filled with eggs, pecorino cheese, sugar, and oil. The top of the pastry is cut open so that during baking the filling, which forms the typical “bloom,” can emerge. It can be enjoyed as a snack or as a dessert.
Sagra del Calcione
On the last weekend of May or the first weekend of June, Treia celebrates the Calcione Festival. On Piazza della Repubblica, you can taste the traditional calcione prepared in various ways according to the original tradition, accompanied by many other delicious local dishes.
Delightful spots for culinary enjoyment:
Ristorante e Pizzeria Antica Fornace – Traditional Marche cuisine, prepared by a chef with great passion and love for food. Hidden in one of the small streets of Treia, the restaurant has a beautiful terrace overlooking the countryside.Via Don Minzoni 11, Treia
Taverna del Vallesacco – Tavern with a lovely terrace on the edge of the historic centre.Via Sacchette 11, Treia
Pasticceria Palazzo Rainaldi – Bakery perfect for coffee and pastries or a sweet Italian breakfast.Via Lanzi 30, Treia
Il Casolare dei Segreti – Italian fine cuisine, mentioned in the Michelin Guide.Contrada San Lorenzo 28, Treia
Il Villino Ristorante – Large restaurant with an event hall just outside the centre near the Santuario del Santissimo. Traditional cuisine with a wide selection of appetizers, pasta, and meat dishes.Contrada San Carlo 29, Treia
Bar Antica Fornace – Typical Italian bar with aperitivo, snacks, and a cozy atmosphere.Contrada da Bibiano 13, Treia
Why Treia deserves a spot on your list
Treia is more than just a charming village; it’s a place where you can taste authentic Italy. The narrow streets, the warm colours of the buildings, and the friendly smiles of the locals make it a destination that captures your heart. Whether you love history, traditions, or simply strolling through picturesque alleys — Treia has it all.
To-Do Treia Tips
Stroll through the beautiful historic center all the way to Piazza della Repubblica.
Taste the local pastry “Calcioni di Treia.”
Visit the Teatro Comunale and look for the painting featuring the Porta Vallesacco.
Watch a demonstration of the Gioco del Pallone col Bracciale (in August).
Enjoy a romantic dinner on the terrace of a restaurant in the historic center.
Ready to discover Treia?
Put on your comfortable shoes and let yourself be enchanted by this charming corner of Le Marche!
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