Fara  San  Martino​

Latest update: 2 March 2022
​The town of Fara San Martino is situated within the Province of Chieti in the central Italian region of Abruzzo. On 1 January 2022 it had a population of 1,312 inhabitants. It's known colloquially as the Home of Pasta and its most famous brands include De Cecco. 

Standing at an elevation of 440 metres above sea level, the comune of Fara San Martino covers a total area of 43 square kilometres. 
Located at the eastern edge of the Majella National Park, Fara San Martino is a small town with a big reputation in the world of pasta. It's home to no fewer than four companies that produce pasta with the most famous of those being De Cecco, one of the most popular and well-respected brands in the country. 

The quality of the pasta is enhanced by the minerals found in the local area's water. There are numerous places to explore the water and other countryside features, including at the Sorgenti del Fiume Verde, an area of streams, pools and waterfalls where the water is of a bright turquoise colour. 

A couple of kilometres west of the town centre and reachable on foot in around half an hour are the Gole di San Martino, a series of gorges displaying some stunning natural rock formations. One of the chief sights along the gorges is the Abbazia Benedettina di San Martino in Valle: largely reduced to rubble but fascinating nonetheless. 
Related links
Fara San Martino is a charming town located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. Nestled in the Majella National Park and surrounded by the majestic Apennine Mountains, Fara San Martino is known for its stunning natural beauty, historical landmarks, and traditional craftsmanship. 

History: Fara San Martino has ancient origins dating back to the Roman period, as evidenced by archaeological findings in the area. The town's history is intertwined with the development of the nearby San Martino Abbey, which played a significant role in shaping the town's cultural and religious life. Over the centuries, Fara San Martino grew as a center for various artisanal activities, including pasta production, weaving, and woodworking.

Tourist Information: Fara San Martino offers visitors a perfect combination of natural wonders and historical charm. Here are some of the main tourist highlights and things to do in Fara San Martino:

  • Pasta Making: Fara San Martino is renowned for its traditional pasta production, especially for the production of pasta called "maccheroni alla chitarra." Visitors can learn about the pasta-making process and even participate in workshops to make their pasta.
  • San Martino Abbey: Visit the San Martino Abbey, an ancient religious complex located just outside the town. The abbey dates back to the 9th century and is steeped in history and architectural significance.
  • Majella National Park: Fara San Martino is a gateway to the Majella National Park, offering opportunities for hiking, trekking, and nature photography amidst breathtaking landscapes and wildlife.
  • Gole di Fara: Explore the Gole di Fara, a stunning natural gorge formed by the Aventino River. The gorge offers picturesque hiking trails and is a popular spot for nature lovers.
  • Historical Center: Wander through the town's historical center to admire its well-preserved medieval architecture, including narrow alleys, stone houses, and the charming main square.
  • Local Cuisine: Savor the flavors of Abruzzese cuisine in Fara San Martino's restaurants and trattorias, where you can try local specialties, including "maccheroni alla chitarra" served with traditional sauces.
  • Festivals and Events: Check for local festivals and events, as Fara San Martino hosts cultural celebrations and traditional gatherings throughout the year.
Comune di Fare San Martino
Province: Chieti

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 1,312​ (source: ISTAT 1 January 2022)

​Size: 43 km²

Elevation: 440 metres

Highlights: Sorgenti del Fiume Verde, Gole di San Martino

​Close by: Lake Casoli, Lama dei Peligni, Casoli, Roccascalegna​

Recommended accommodation: ​​Residence La Piazzetta
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

Listed since: 2006

1 of 6 in Abruzzo listed by Touring Club Italiano

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the three thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy, particularly important at the moment at the time of the pandemic, via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.