For many years, I've been researching my family history in Italy. I've recently located a connection dating back to 1383 in a small town (population 3,800) named San Ginesio in the Marche region, province of Macerata.

In addition to a lot of Google researching, I searched it here on Fodor's and nothing came up. I'm curious if anyone has by chance ever visited or driven through this town?

Michael, you're talking about one of the most beautiful small hilltowns of Italy, not only of Marche.
San Ginesio is a small treasure and it deserves a visit and not in a rush.
San Ginesio is located in the protected area of Monti Sibillini.

Visit San Ginesio and its surrounding area, you will enjoy it.

Vincenzo

Yes Michael, I have often cycled through it in the summer! It is a charming walled town, situated in the foothills of the Appenines and offers magnificient views. As Vincenzo mentions, it is in a wonderful area. Other attractions nearby include Lake Fiastra, the Abbey at Fiastra (not the same location!), medieval Sarnano and some super ristoranti in the region.

If you're chasing family, you search probably starts in the Archivio di Stato in Macerata.

I hope you visit - you won't regret it.

Peter

Hello Michael,

Here is a photo of the San Ginesio vicinity - the town is in the right background:

http://www.hidden-italy.com/images/san_ginesio.html

The picture was taken from a ridge on the other side of the valley, not far from Sant'Angelo in Pontano (MC).

And yes - that is snow on the mountains! The area is close to cross country and downhill skiing centres - sometimes we forget that the Appennines are extremely high.

Peter

Peter,

Thanks for the great photo.

I saw that you took it in December 2007. I spent a week in Abruzzo (Chieti) at the same time and saw many beautiful snow covered mountains of the Apennines there as well.

San Ginesio is certainly going to be a stop on my next trip to Italy!

Thanks again for sharing it!