La Corte sul Lago: a farmstay on Lake Castreccioni in Cingoli, Le Marche

La Corte sul Lago: another one of those places you only stumble upon if you tilt the map just a little. You turn onto a narrow country road and suddenly find yourself facing a breathtaking panorama. Cingoli is one of those places. And La Corte sul Lago is the reason to stay there.

Situated on a hillside near Lake Castreccioni—the largest reservoir in central Italy—this agriturismo in the province of Macerata is more than just a place to stay. It’s your home base if you want to experience Le Marche: the landscapes, the cuisine, the tranquility, and the unique history of this part of Italy that most tourists still overlook.

From an old barn to an elegant courtyard

In 1993, a former farm barn on the outskirts of Cingoli was carefully restored and converted into the agriturismo La Corte sul Lago. The name says it all: you’ll be staying by the lake, in a commanding position overlooking the water and the rolling hills that surround it. On one side, the contours of the Apennines; on the other (on clear days), a glimpse of the Adriatic coast in the distance.

The atmosphere is unmistakably Marchigiano: warm earth tones, rustic stone, old wooden beams, the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. And yet it has everything you need for a comfortable stay, without compromising the character of the place.

The Rooms: Simplicity with Character

La Corte sul Lago offers eight rooms, each decorated in the traditional style of the Marche region with authentic furniture, warm fabrics, and personal touches. All rooms feature a private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi.

The Different Room Types

Double Rooms

Three classic double rooms with a peaceful, warm atmosphere. Decorated in the typical Marchigiana style that you won’t find in any chain hotel.

Double rooms with a balcony

Two rooms with the option of an extra third bed and a balcony. Here, you can start your morning just the way it should be: with a cup of coffee and a view you wouldn’t miss for the world.

Room with a sitting area or option for 4 people

One spacious room that can be used as a double room with a separate sitting area or as a room for four people, depending on your preference; ideal for families or if you want a little extra space.

Open-concept rooms with a private garden

The highlight of the property: two spacious open-concept rooms with large panoramic windows overlooking the lake, each with its own private garden. Here, sleeping, breakfast, and relaxation blend seamlessly together.

The Restaurant: Signora Marisa’s Kitchen

If there’s one reason not to get out of bed too quickly—and at the same time to eagerly await dinnertime—it’s the kitchen at La Corte sul Lago. The restaurant, which is also open to outside guests, specializes exclusively in traditional Marche cuisine. And that’s all thanks to Signora Marisa.

Note: The restaurant is not open every day. Upon arrival, you can ask about the days and hours it is open. An example of the homemade dishes. Everything is served based on seasonal availability:

It all starts with handmade pasta: tagliatelle, gnocchi, and calcioni (a type of ravioli filled with sheep’s-milk ricotta), finished with sauces that are rarely this pure and delicious. Think of a rich ragù d’anatra (duck sauce), mixed wild mushrooms, seasonal vegetables like asparagus or walnuts, or—the highlight—black truffle from the restaurant’s own tartufaia.

Main courses from the wood-fired oven

The main courses come from the same wood-fired oven as the bread: pigeon, chicken, stuffed rabbit, and lamb are slowly roasted until they’re just right. For those who want something a little heartier: marinated wild boar or goose in salmì. And the meal ends as it should—with homemade desserts: ciambelloni, crostate, cavallucci filled with jam, nuts, and sapa (reduced wine), tiramisu, and panna cotta.

Our own tartufaia

The agriturismo’s grounds feature its own tartufaia—a grove of specially selected trees where black truffles grow. This isn’t just a decorative touch: it means the truffle on your plate is as fresh and local as it gets. Anyone interested in how truffle hunting works can learn more right there on the spot.

Lago di Castreccioni (Lago di Cingoli): the best-preserved lake in Central Italy

Just one kilometer from the agriturismo lies Lago di Castreccioni, also known as Lago di Cingoli. With a surface area of over 2 square kilometers, it is not only the largest artificial reservoir in Le Marche, but in all of central Italy.

The lake was created in the 1980s as a dam on the Musone River, but nature has embraced it as if it had always been there. The shores are covered with Mediterranean scrub and holm oak forests; the water is clean and clear and changes color as the day progresses: deep blue in the early morning, gold and orange at sunset. The lake has been designated both a Provincial Fauna and Nature Reserve and a Site of Community Importance. And yes, you can swim there!

Things to Do at and Around Lago di Castreccioni

Canoeing and kayaking: Explore the water at your own pace, guided from the lake and surrounded by hills with a view of Monte San Vicino. Excursions are available both during the day and in the evening.

Swimming: The water is clear and perfect for swimming; in the summer, it’s the ideal alternative if you want to escape the crowds at the coast.

Cycling and hiking: There are marked trails around the lake that wind through the macchia, along the water’s edge, and past the castle ruins of Castreccioni.

Pedal boats and rowboats: available for rent about one kilometer from La Corte sul Lago.

Musone Adventure Park: At the foot of the dam lies a nature-based adventure park featuring zip lines, climbing routes, and rafting activities (including options for children).

“Madonna nel Lago” Underwater Trail: a unique underwater trail featuring mythological sculptures at a depth of 150–170 cm, open year-round.

Ponte dell’Intagliata: a medieval arch bridge over the Musone River, just a short walk away, surrounded by rock faces and vegetation.

Cingoli: The Balcony of the Marche

Just a few minutes’ drive from La Corte sul Lago lies Cingoli, situated at an elevation of 600 meters and officially recognized as one of the borghi più belli d’Italia —the most beautiful villages in Italy. The nickname says it all: on clear days, from the Belvedere at Porta Piana, you can see both the coast near Monte Conero and the Monti Sibillini inland.

Cingoli is a village full of well-preserved noble palaces in warm ochre tones, Renaissance porticos, churches filled with art treasures—and a special papal legacy: Francesco Saverio Castiglioni, who later became Pope Pius VIII, was born here, and Cardinal Farnese (later Pope Paul III) was a regular guest.

Things to Do in and Around Cingoli

Belvedere Balcone delle Marche: Cingoli’s main viewpoint at Porta Piana—on clear days, it offers an unforgettable view stretching from the coast to the Apennines.

Carosello dell’Ultimo Sole: a mechanical clock from 2017 that plays two local songs every evening 40 minutes before sunset. A unique and moving ritual of the city itself.

Museo del Sidecar: a museum dedicated to the history of the sidecar…, located about 2 kilometers from La Corte sul Lago.

Frasassi Caves: Italy’s most impressive stalactite caves , about a 30-km drive away—a must-see.

Jesi and the Verdicchio Route: The town of Jesi, the birthplace of Federico II, is located about 35 km away and forms the heart of the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wine route.

Monte San Vicino and Nature Reserve: The nearby Riserva Naturale offers challenging hiking trails and mountain bike trails through unspoiled nature.

Adriatic Coast: 40–45 km away . Easily accessible for a day trip to the beach.