Treia is a characteristic village of Le Marche located north of the valley of the river Potenza in the province of Macerata. The typical medieval historic centre is surrounded by ancient walls with seven gates that mark the entrance to the village. The most well-known one is Vallesacco Gate, which has become a national monument for the famous battle in 1263 between the Montecchiesi and Corrado d'Antiochia. The main square Piazza della Repubblica with its horseshoe shape is among the most beautiful and scenic ones in Le Marche. The square offers a panoramic balcony with a view extending up to Monte Conero. Here you'll find the Accademia Georgica, the Town Hall which houses the Civic Museum and the Cathedral. The Accademia Georgica preserves a precious heritage of books with 12,000 volumes and the town historical archive, one of the oldest and most complete in Le Marche region with codes, seals and parchments. There's an original parchment that is 11.98 metres long!!!
The Cathedral and Churches
The Cathedral of Treia is one of the largest religious buildings of the region. It is dedicated to the SS. Annunziata and preserves many works of art, including an altarpiece by Giacomo da Recanati. As for the churches, I recommend the Church of San Michele, the small Church of Santa Chiara, the Church of San Francesco, the Church of San Filippo and the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio. Just outside the town, in the hamlet of San Lorenzo, there's the shrine of the Crucifix in the art nouveau style. At the entrance of the convent and the base of the bell tower there are evidences of the ancient Roman Treia, such as the reproductions of two Egyptian statues. Inside there's a crucifix dating back to the fifteenth century. Don't forget to visit the beautiful kiosk!
The Theatre
The Town Theatre was opened on 4th January 1821. It is also known as "shared" theatre, as it was built thanks to the contribution of Treia's families who set up an association to promote its construction. The famous battle of Vallesacco is painted on its curtain.
The Archaeological Museum
The Museum is set at the Cloister of San Francesco and hosts many fragments of sculptures, architectural elements and inscriptions that witness the different periods of the Roman Treia, with particular evidence linked to Egypt. Among the pieces of greater value there are two heads-portrait, a headless statue with a toga and a bust of Mercury.
The Onglavina Tower
The Onglavina Tower is a polygonal structure built for defensive purposes. During the 50s, the tower has undergone majour renovation and now is in excellent conditions.
Houses made up of earth
Near the built-up area of the town you can still admire the typical houses made up of earth and straw. You will live again the lifestyle of Macerata farmers, visiting the Home-Museum made of earth. Inside you will find antique tools, an extraordinary loom, a traditional fireplace and what we call 'the priest', nothing but a bed warmer. That's a real step back to the past!
Events
Well, Treia is a lively town rich in music, artistic, sporting and culinary events.
In May there is Magnalonga, a wine and food festival for the tasting of local products and fine wines. In early July it's the time of Fermento, a craft Beer festival held in the historic centre of Treia. More than 30 craft beers are accompanied by the typical dishes of Le Marche cuisine. For the occasion there are street performers and bands. Do not miss the Sagra del Calcione in June and the Disfida del Bracciale, one of the most evocative historical reenactments. The city is immersed in a suggestive atmosphere of old times with costumes, parades and recreation of traditional habits. This competition involves different teams divided according to the city's neighbourhoods. The event is preceded by ten days of celebration starting on the last Friday of July.
The bracelet game
Treia is known for a particular game called 'Gioco del Pallone col Bracciale' (Ball game with the Bracelet). It's an ancient sport practised mainly by the nobility.
This town was home to Carlo Didimi, the greatest player for this game; the local arena where the event takes place every year has his name.
Local cuisine
The typical products of the Macerata area reflect the rural tradition: pork loin, larded salami, coppa, ciauscolo, pecorino and ricotta. The wildflower honey of the Sibillini Mountains is very excellent too. As first courses you cannot miss cappelletti soup, tagliatelle of Campofilone, vincisgrassi, gnocchi and pappardelle. As for desserts, here's what I recommend: cavalucci, torrone, pizza di Pasqua, biscotti al mosto, sughitti, salamino and ciambellone. But the real speciality in Treia is the so called calcione, a typical Easter sweet stuffed with cheese, which also boasts the DOP symbol.
