Camerino, dating from the 5th centuy B.C. is a tiny city (approx. 7000 inhabitants) with a rich and colourful history. In Roman times, Camerino was never conquered, rather it had a special status as a Roman ally. Cesare Borgia occupied the city briefly (1502-3) before the the Dukes of Varanno regained their city. Camerino boasts one of the oldest universities in Italy (founded 1377) and today has faculties ranging from Law to Geology and Environmental Studies.
Apart from the Cathedral and church of San Venanzio (the patron saint), the Diocesan Museum is well worth a visit. The Civic Museum has a small but excellent art collection as well as sections devoted to local archaeological finds and natural science, all housed in the former monastery of San Domenico.
There is a tiny theatre, Teatro Marchetti, modelled on La Scala, that has a summer and winter concert season and other performances in between.
The former Ducal Palace of the Lords of Varano (now part of the university buildings) fills a section of the city walls. Below are the botanical gardens.
Ducal Palace from Botanical Garden
You can walk through the narrow streets and imagine the clock turned back hundreds of years, or drink coffee and eat a pastry at one of the bars and watch the modern world go by. To see Camerino in all its glory you must come in mid- May to participate in the Corso della Spada. Processions in medieval costume are accompanied by music and sports of that era, culminating in the race (corso) through the narrow streets.
Food is an important item to the "Camerinesi" and small shopkeepers are delighted to discuss their wares with you. Pasta, pecorino, ricotta and salamis are made locally, the biggest delicacy of all is "ciausculo" (a type of sausage). Bakeries sell not only various kinds of fresh bread, but also delicious cakes and pastries, that vary according to the season.
Vegetarians can enjoy the range of local cheeses (ricotta and pecorino) as well as a truffle dishes. Each year, in November, there is a truffle festival when you can learn all about this rare delicacy. Another local dish not to be missed are the lentils grown on the nearby mountain plains of Colfiorito and Castelluccio.
Local vineyards produce excellent white and red wines and the grower will be happy to show you his cellar and have you taste his creations.
The Varnelli distilliary makes a range of liqueurs (using mountain herbs) that can be sampled at any bar or purchased locally.
It is a friendly city, people are always ready to help the visitor.
Camerino, Bar Centrale
Camerino from Sant'Erasmo