Fabriano: A City to Discover

Fabriano is more than just a destination: it is a journey through Italian excellence.

In the heart of Italy, where the gentle hills of the Marche region meet traditional craftsmanship, lies Fabriano — a gem rich in history, art, and nature. Here, the past and present come together, offering visitors an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Known worldwide as the “City of Paper”, Fabriano has been a pioneer in paper production since the 13th century, revolutionizing Europe with the invention of watermarked paper. Today, this legacy lives on in the Paper and Watermark Museum, a unique place where visitors can watch traditional handmade paper being crafted.
But Fabriano is much more than paper. It is a city that tells its story through medieval streets, elegant squares, frescoed churches, and noble palaces. The Palazzo del Podestà, the Teatro Gentile, the Civic Art Gallery, and its Baroque oratories are just some of the treasures that enrich the historic center.
For nature lovers, just a few minutes from the city lies the stunning Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Park, where breathtaking landscapes meet spectacular caves, scenic hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Traditional events such as the Palio di San Giovanni Battista, flower festivals, and historical reenactments bring local culture to life, creating a unique atmosphere that involves both visitors and residents alike. In Fabriano, every corner has a story to tell and every encounter adds value. It is the perfect destination for those seeking sustainable, authentic, and emotionally rich travel experiences.

Events & Local Traditions

Main events and customs in Fabriano

Fabriano, located in the heart of the Marche region, is a city rich in events and traditions that reflect its history and culture. Each season brings celebrations that involve the entire community, keeping local roots alive.
Taking part in these traditions means discovering the authentic heart of Fabriano, immersing yourself in experiences that tell the story and soul of the city.
Held every year in June, the Palio of Saint John the Baptist is a historical reenactment that transforms Fabriano into a medieval town. The four city districts compete in a series of challenges, including the famous “Hammer Challenge,” where local blacksmiths forge wrought-iron keys in a test of skill and speed. The event is enriched by historical parades in costume, traditional games, and the beautiful “Infiorata,” during which cloisters and squares are covered with handmade floral carpets.
During the night between the 9th and 10th of December, the city celebrates the miraculous arrival of the Holy House of Loreto with the lighting of the “focaracci,” large bonfires that illuminate the neighbourhoods and surrounding countryside. This ancient ritual, deeply rooted in religious tradition, brings the community together in moments of prayer, social gathering, and remembrance.
Carnival is one of the most beloved festivities, and in Fabriano it comes alive with parades of allegorical floats, colourful costumes, and traditional masks. The streets fill with music and colour, offering a vibrant spectacle that delights both children and adults. It is a moment to express creativity while keeping the local carnival tradition alive.
Ogni anno, durante il primo fine settimana di luglio, Fabriano ospita cori provenienti da tutta Italia per il Fabriano Choral Festival. I concerti si svolgono in chiese, piazze e teatri, valorizzando il patrimonio architettonico della città e offrendo al pubblico un’esperienza musicale unica, tra armonie vocali e atmosfere suggestive.
An ancient rural tradition, Pasquella is celebrated in the days between New Year’s Day and Epiphany. Groups of singers, often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the accordion, go from house to house performing folk songs to wish prosperity and receive small offerings. This custom keeps local oral and musical traditions alive, passed down from generation to generation.

The City of Paper

One of the most fascinating historical and cultural centres of the Marche region.

Its identity is deeply rooted in the traditional craftsmanship of paper production, a heritage dating back to the 13th century that has made Fabriano world-famous.
In 1264, Fabriano became the first center in Europe to produce paper on an industrial scale, introducing key innovations such as:
*Watermarking, a decorative technique still used today in banknotes
*The hydraulic stamping mill, used for pulp processing
*Animal glue sizing, which made paper resistant to ink

These techniques made it possible to produce exceptionally high-quality paper, which was exported throughout the continent.
The symbolic heart of this tradition. Housed in the former Convent of San Domenico, the museum:
*Traces the history of Fabriano’s papermaking tradition
*Displays fully functioning historical machinery
*Offers live demonstrations of handmade paper production
*Preserves a unique collection of historical watermarks



An unmissable experience for anyone visiting the city.
The paper-making tradition continues today through prestigious brands such as Cartiere Miliani Fabriano, part of the Fedrigoni Group, which produces fine-quality paper for artists, publishing, banknotes, and institutional use.

Fabriano is also recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts, a designation that highlights the importance of its artisanal heritage on the international stage.
Visiting Fabriano means coming into contact with a thousand-year-old tradition where craftsmanship, art, and history come together. Its workshops, laboratories, and cultural events are a living testimony to knowledge passed down with passion.

Frasassi Caves (Genga)

One of the most spectacular karst cave systems in Europe.

The Frasassi Caves are an extraordinary underground world located in the heart of the Marche region. As you enter, you are welcomed by breathtaking scenery: vast caverns shaped over thousands of years by water, stalactites and stalagmites intertwining like natural works of art, crystal-clear underground lakes, and towering columns that seem to support the sky.
The main cavern, the Ancona Abyss, is so vast that it could contain Milan Cathedral. The atmosphere is magical and almost surreal, with soft lighting that enhances every detail of the rock formations. The tourist route, accessible to everyone, allows visitors to explore these otherworldly environments in complete safety, while guided speleological tours offer even more intense experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
A visit to the Frasassi Caves is a breathtaking journey, an immersion into the wonders of nature, perfect for both adults and children. A hidden treasure beneath the earth, it tells the millions-of-years history of our planet in every drop of rock.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Immersing yourself in nature and discovering authentic landscapes

Fabriano offers a wide range of outdoor experiences, ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and discover authentic landscapes. With hiking trails, cycling routes, and green areas, the city and its surroundings are perfect for both relaxing and adventurous activities in every season.
It is the largest protected area in the Marche region and is located just a few kilometres from Fabriano. With its rocky gorges, forests, and well-marked trails, the park is ideal for:
*Hiking and scenic walks, including the Sentiero della Rossa and Monte Revellone
*Mountain biking along nature-immersed routes
*Birdwatching and wildlife observation
Inside the park are the famous Frasassi Caves, one of the largest and most spectacular karst systems in Europe, which can be visited through guided tours or speleological experiences for the more adventurous.

Inside the park are the famous Frasassi Caves, one of the largest and most spectacular karst systems in Europe, which can be visited through guided tours or speleological experiences for the more adventurous.
The territory of Fabriano is crossed by cycling routes that connect historic villages and rural landscapes:

*The Fabriano–Sassoferrato–Genga loop, a route suitable for all skill levels The “Paper Route,” which combines the history of papermaking with scenic natural views
In the area, bicycles and e-bikes are available for rent, allowing for independent exploration.
Those seeking tranquility can find a green oasis in Parco Unità d’Italia, right in the heart of Fabriano. It is the ideal place for:
Jogging in the open air
Yoga and meditation surrounded by greenery
Picnics with family or friends
* Jogging in the open air
* Yoga and meditation surrounded by greenery
* Picnics with family or friends
The landscapes surrounding Fabriano offer further opportunities for excursions and outdoor activities:

*Monte Cucco, nearby, is famous for paragliding, caves, and canyoning *The Vernaccia Park offers trails with views over the rolling Marche hills
*Ermo Colle, among vineyards and open panoramas, invites relaxing walks
The local riding stables offer authentic experiences in close contact with nature and tradition:

*Horseback excursions through forests and rolling hills *Lessons for beginners and children *Tailor-made routes for couples or groups

Discovering Fabriano through these outdoor activities means connecting directly with the surrounding environment and its beauty, experiencing nature in an active and rejuvenating way.

Art & Culture

A deep artistic and cultural soul

Fabriano is a city with a profound artistic and cultural identity, known for its historic paper production, as well as its medieval architecture, museums, and artistic traditions. Here’s what you can discover:
The cultural symbol of the city. Located in the former Convent of San Domenico, this museum tells the story of the ancient art of handmade papermaking, in which Fabriano was a pioneer since the 13th century. Not to be missed: live demonstrations, historical watermarks, and antique machinery.
Housed in the Palazzo del Podestà, it brings together works from the 13th to the 18th century, including masterpieces by Gentile da Fabriano, one of the greatest exponents of the International Gothic style. The collection also features paintings by Allegretto Nuzi and Orazio Gentileschi.
A church of medieval origin that has undergone several renovations over the centuries, featuring interesting frescoes and a striking, atmospheric interior. It is one of the city’s most important spiritual and artistic landmarks.
Built in 1255, it is a jewel of Gothic architecture. With its iconic bridge-like arch and battlemented tower, the building dominates the historic centre and stands as an emblem of medieval Fabriano.
A historic theatre inaugurated in 1884, richly decorated and still active today with a season of drama, concerts, and performances. A small gem for culture lovers.
Two beautiful oratories adorned with frescoes and stucco work, perfect for immersing yourself in the Baroque style of the Marche region. True treasure chests of sacred art.
*Festival Gentile: events bringing together art, philosophy, music, and literature
*Fabriano Film Fest: an independent film festival
*Exhibitions and cultural events held in the Loggiato of San Francesco

History & Heritage

Centuries of history, art, and human ingenuity

In the heart of the Marche region, nestled among green hills and quiet landscapes, Fabriano preserves centuries of history, art, and human ingenuity. Founded in medieval times, the city is known worldwide as the “City of Paper,” having given rise, since the 13th century, to one of Europe’s most refined and innovative paper-making traditions.
Founded in medieval times, the city is known worldwide as the “City of Paper,” having given rise, since the 13th century, to one of Europe’s most refined and innovative paper-making traditions.
The invention of watermarked paper, the use of the hydraulic stamping mill, and the art of handmade paper production elevated Fabriano to an international level, making it a reference point for bankers, artists, scribes, and printers. This craftsmanship has earned it the prestigious recognition of UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts.
This craftsmanship has earned it the prestigious recognition of UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts.
But Fabriano is much more than paper: it is an open-air museum. Walking through its historic centre, visitors encounter noble palaces, medieval arches, Renaissance loggias, ancient oratories, and richly frescoed churches. The Palazzo del Podestà, with its iconic bridge-like arch, and the Teatro Gentile, richly decorated, reflect the city’s cultural refinement.
The Palazzo del Podestà, with its iconic bridge-like arch, and the Teatro Gentile, richly decorated, reflect the city’s cultural refinement.
Of outstanding importance is the Paper and Watermark Museum, unique of its kind, where visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional paper-making techniques.
The city’s artistic heritage is further enriched by Gentile da Fabriano, a master of the International Gothic style, born here and celebrated worldwide for his refined and luminous painting.
Just a short distance from the historic centre, spectacular natural landscapes open up, such as the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Regional Natural Park, home to the famous caves and breathtaking scenery.
Fabriano is a vibrant city that combines memory and innovation, artisanal tradition and creative spirit in a unique balance. A destination to be discovered slowly, through culture, nature, and genuine hospitality. A destination to be discovered slowly, through culture, nature, and genuine hospitality.