MONTE SIBILINI

This is the name of the striking mountain range with peaks of over 2000 m, which separates le Marche from Umbria. Thick oak and chestnut forests cover the mountain slopes while water springs up from the ground everywhere, gathering into babbling brooks, waterfalls, and rivers, which carve their way through sometimes narrow and rugged gorges. The area is a paradise for botany and geology enthusiasts, but also for mountain sports enthusiasts and casual hikers. The area is also rich in legends.


Lago di Fiastra

The lake ‘Lago di Fiastra’ was formed when a large dam was built and the flow of the river ‘Fiastrone’ was redirected through the Valcimarra hydroelectric power station. This dam has contributed to a peaceful atmosphere.
Dominating the lake is the ancient town of Fiastra, with its medieval castle ruins and the sanctuary of Beato Ugolino (formerly a Benedictine monastery). The lake is famous for its crystal-clear water and is beloved by waterskiing enthusiasts and fishermen. The lake is abundant with trout, hence famous fishing competitions are held there. The favorite spot for fishing is a quiet part of the lakeshore, which can be reached by following the path at the hamlet of San Lorenzo. The nature is overwhelming and invites for beautiful walks.

Abbazia di Fiastra

The abbey of Chiaravalle Fiastra is one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Italy, situated amidst extensive forests. The Cistercian order was founded in 1098 out of dissatisfaction with the extravagance in other monasteries. The Cistercians aimed for a life of austerity and simplicity, following the rule of Benedict, ‘Ora et Labora’ (prayer and work). The success of the Cistercians was due to their ability to effectively exploit seemingly worthless lands – which they were granted by landowners! They reclaimed uninhabited areas by draining or irrigating: draining swamps or irrigating dry land through canals. They also used forests productively: for firewood, timber, and grazing sheep in the undergrowth. This was particularly true at the abbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, where nearby swamps were drained.
In fact, the abbey replaced the feudal castle but was much more efficient! In the feudal system, farmers continued to use primitive methods because they couldn’t influence due to their position. The lord was solely interested in the yield and didn’t interfere with farming methods. The Cistercians, however, had a lot of discussion and collaboration with farmers. Paid workers could even be hired if necessary. This led the order to become one of the wealthiest entities in Europe. Typically, these Cistercian churches and abbeys were quite austere, but in the abbey Chiaravalle di Fiastra, Roman remnants were also used, again as a result of economically using stone.
You can find this when driving from Macerata Ovest towards Sarnano, after about 3 km.

Monte Vettore

Mount Vettore is a mountain on the border of Umbria and le Marche and is part of the Monti Sibillini. The massif has a horseshoe shape and is 2476 meters high. It can be reached from Umbria via Norcia and from le Marche via Ascoli Piceno. Beneath the peak lies a lake, Lago di Pilato, where according to local medieval legend, the body of Pontius Pilate is buried.

Lago di Pilato (beautiful!)

This lake is the only natural lake in le Marche and one of the few glacial lakes. It is a unique freshwater surface in the Apennines, on Mount Vettore, with glacial origins. It lies spectacularly in a small ravine, framed by the mountain peaks and dominated by impassable cliffs. It measures approximately 900 by 130 meters and is 8 to 9 meters deep.
The lake is of great importance to biologists and nature lovers. From Foce near Montemonaco, you start the beautiful but challenging hike up to the lake. A 3-hour trail, which can only be taken on foot, leads you to this lake. Therefore, it is only recommended for experienced hikers with good shoes. It is located at an altitude of 1950 meters, but once you’re there, it offers an enchanting view of the lake with its thousand shades of water, ranging from azure blue to green to red, the latter thanks to a particular organism, a very rare freshwater shrimp of 9 to 12 mm, which swims backward on its back.
Swimming is prohibited, and one must keep a distance of 5 meters from the water’s edge. But that doesn’t stop tourists from dipping their feet in or drinking the water.

Piani di Castelluccio

Absolutely beautiful, wonderful walks (also suitable for small children), and climbing Mount Vettore (for advanced hikers).

“I Piani”, or the plains of Castelluccio, on Mount Vettore, at 1350 meters altitude, cover 15 km² and consist of 3 different plains, namely ‘Piano Grande’, ‘Piano Piccolo’, and ‘Piano Perduto’. In winter, temperatures can drop to -30°C.
These plains are mainly known for ‘la Fiorita’, an overwhelming bloom of poppies, cornflowers, daisies, and lentils, creating a charming spectacle of colors in May and June. Additionally, the famous lentils come from here, the typical legumes. The area is popular among cyclists and (mountain) hikers.
In the village of Castelluccio, one of the highest inhabited places in Italy (1452 m), it is possible to visit the abbey of San Eutizio. This abbey was founded at the end of the 5th century and became famous thanks to the monks who had the skill to heal patients using the valuable medicinal herbs from the Monti Sibillini.

Gola dell’Infernaccio

In the municipality of Montefortino in the province of Fermo, these gorges are among the most picturesque in the Apennines. These natural ravines are formed by the Tenna river, located between the Priora mountain and the Sibila mountain, sometimes no more than 2 to 3 meters wide. The gorge is surrounded by steep slopes of white-pink limestone, but further on, the slopes are covered with spectacular beech forests.

Note: After Montefortino, you will eventually switch from a paved road to a gravel road. This gravel road lasts quite a while, but feel free to keep driving until you can’t go any further.

Interesting hikes and excursions are possible, especially very refreshing in the summer. You’ll find the hidden waterfall and the hermitage of San Leonardo, the spot for many pilgrimages and excursions, famous for a priest who lived here as a hermit in 1970. Once you’ve parked your car, you’ll first walk on a fairly flat stretch of 800 m, then after the bridge, there’s a more difficult and steeper section of about 100 m, narrow with large and small stones. The path mostly follows the Tenna river.
After about half an hour, you’ll reach a fork. To the right, you leave the river and continue into the beech forest, eventually reaching the aforementioned church.
It’s also possible to follow a path to the left along the river, “Pisciarelle”, which leads to the source of the Tenna river (Capotenna) and the waterfall. 
Both these hikes take about 2 hours and bring you to an altitude of 1178 meters. It’s advisable to go early, especially because of the heat in July and August, and to find parking spaces as close as possible. Don’t forget to bring water and some food. And a stick can be handy while walking.
The return trip takes about 3 hours.

Il Parco del Gran Sasso

The Parco del Gran Sasso and Monte della Laga is a national park, established in 1991, covering 160,000 hectares, of which 135,000 hectares are in the province of Abruzzo. The Corno Grande, at 2912 meters, is the highest mountain in the Apennines. Here we find the Caldarone, the only glacier in the southern Apennines. In the southern part of the massif is a limitless plain of Campo Imperatore at 1600 meters.

The flora and fauna of the park are very varied and diverse. You’ll see huge beech forests, but also wild cherry, maple, chestnut forests, wild raspberries, wild orchids, and various species of swings. The fauna is represented by rare species such as the Apennine wolf, the wild cat, chamois, wild boars, foxes, and birds of prey such as the golden eagle and the hawk. Recently, the Marsicano brown bear has also been spotted again.

The Ecomuseo Terre del Castellano is located in the Municipality of Valle Castellana, one of the largest in Italy with its immense territory, falling within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Established in 2010, the museum aims to make local young people aware and familiar with their territory, for the protection and enhancement of its natural and historical heritage.
There are hiking trails and educational programs. Via Provinciale, 64010 Valle Castellana.

Rocca Calascio

Rocca Calascio is the highest fortress in the Apennines at an altitude of 1,460 meters, very charming and spectacular. It is located in Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila, near the high plateau of Campo Imperatore. It’s a 5 km uphill walk from Santa Stefano di Sessanio.
The construction of the fortress began in the tenth century as a standalone watchtower. A walled courtyard with four cylindrical towers was added in the thirteenth century. The fortress was damaged by an earthquake in 1461 and was not rebuilt. Near the fortress is the church of Santa Maria della Pieta, built in the 17th century.
Rocca Calascio was the location for several films, including Francesco with Mickey Rourke and Richard Donner’s film Ladyhawke with Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer.

ACQUASANTA

Acquasanta Spa is a picturesque town of 3,000 inhabitants, located in the province of Ascoli Piceno. The town is only twenty kilometers from this provincial capital, in the upper valley of the Tronto River, a beautiful well-known place since ancient times.

Acquasanta is the heart of the Valle del Tronto river since the town is famous for its thermal water. Acquasanta Terme is protected in the north by Monte Sibillini, massively associated with suggestive legends from the past, and in the south lies the Laga Mountains, with their towering peaks and beautiful valleys, forests, and pristine nature, with a thriving flora and fauna.

The first settlements in Acquasanta can be traced back to prehistory, as evidenced by findings of human remains and excavations of pottery, bronze, and iron.

From the Roman period, however, date the earliest sources and baths. In 50 B.C., the consul Lucius Plancus Munatius was cured by the water of Acquasanta. Ruins of the Roman baths can be found in the village of Santa Maria del Tronto, with a cistern and the remains of the pools. These baths were destroyed in the barbaric era and later rebuilt in Acquasanta.

In the first half of the nineteenth century, the remains of the ancient baths were discovered. The spa was once very simple, consisting of a large natural pool. The water gushes from a spring and was collected in the basin.

In 1780, a new Spa was designed and the new bath was used by people suffering from skin diseases.

The sulfur baths at 30°C are currently equipped with modern techniques intended for various diseases and are open from May to October. Sulfur – bromine – iodine baths at the Acquasanta spa are mainly for inhalation therapies.

Sulfurous water:

With sulfur in various combinations, it is used for drinking, bathing, inhalation, and irrigation, vaginal douches, treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, disorders of the nose, ear, throat, chronic rheumatism, obesity, eczema, acne, infertility, minor liver failure.

Saltwater, bromine, and iodine:

With sodium chloride for baths, inhalations, irrigation, mud baths; treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, gynecological disorders, rheumatic fever, lymphatic disorders, rickets, chronic inflammation of the airways.

Built on the edge of a rock, the fortress of Castel di Luco, built in the 14th century, is a charming monument of great historical importance. The fortress is enormous and almost impregnable, with closed walls and defensive towers.

FESTIVALS:

  • Autumn Festival, held on the third Sunday of October. It’s a colorful photo exhibition with shows, accompanied by a market of forest products, mainly chestnuts.
  • The feast of San Lorenzo: on August 10, a historical festival, with food in the medieval square of Paggese.
  • The feast of St. Emidio, the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno, on the 1st Sunday of August, procession with medieval costumes, flags, and rituals.

HIKES:

  • Several walks are marked in the center, short and long routes. You can follow the signs for these.
  • Near Acquasanta, there are also many waterfalls to visit. These are generally long walks of a few hours. Usually also accompanied by a guide.
  • Le cascate di Forcella: in the municipality of Roccafluvione, next to the Pompili mill, surrounded by a thick forest. The waterfall flows into a natural and clear pool where you can take a bath.
  • La cascata delle Prata e della Volpara: before reaching Acquasanta Terme towards Umito (640 m), upon arrival, you can park at a laundry area. By walking, you climb, and after about 40 minutes, you reach the source of Rio Prata (+/- 760 m).
    From this point, in about twenty minutes, you reach the base of the Prata waterfall. Going back down, you walk to a shelter (+/- 850 m), where the unpaved road ends. From here, you continue along the road and reach the Rio Volpara. After about twenty minutes, you will see the waterfalls of Volpara, at the foot of the steep slope of Macera or Death (2073 m).

RESTAURANTS:

  • Ristorante le Terme, on the main road in Acquasanta Terme, doesn’t look very cozy, but you eat deliciously there, with truffles and mushrooms, typical regional dishes from the mountains. And it costs almost nothing!
  • Castel di Luco, Frazione Castel di Luco 1, a beautiful little castle, a very special location, with typical Marchegiaanse regional dishes, http://www.casteldiluco.it/.

ASCOLI PICENO (city with a hundred towers)

Ascoli Piceno is the capital of the homonymous province in the south of Le Marche. Ascoli Piceno is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The old town is surrounded by ancient city walls. There are beautiful streets and squares with richly decorated buildings. It is a fairly large city with 60,000 inhabitants.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is the heart of the city and can be mentioned in the same breath as other beautiful squares in Italy. Here, the people of Ascoli gather in the evenings to stroll. The square is dominated in the middle by the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo. On the right stands the cathedral San Francesco. To the left of the portal is the Loggia dei Mercanti, a covered passage where market traders used to display their goods. Now you’ll find Ascoli men of all ages here discussing the day and enjoying the spectacle on the street.

Piazza Arringo

Piazza Arringo, the 2nd large square, is almost as impressive as Piazza del Popolo and is flanked by the Duomo – the cathedral – and the town hall. In the Duomo, you’ll find the colorful polyptych “Madonna and Saints” by Carlo Crivelli.

Battistero on Piazza Arringo in Ascoli Piceno – It is located in the Arringo square and is dedicated to St. Emidio, the patron saint of the city. It is a simple and sober monument in the form of sacred architecture representing the Romanesque style in Ascoli. It is seen as one of the best examples of Italian religious art and is among Italian national monuments. The structure is sturdy and massive, entirely made of travertine blocks. At the foot of the east side of the monument, you’ll find the remains of Roman walls.

Olive Ascolane

Olive Ascolane are the delicacy of Ascoli Piceno, the capital of the Le Marche region. They are large green olives filled with a mixture of meat and cheese, which are then fried in a dough coating. They are best when eaten warm. The ultimate snack of this region of Le Marche.

MARKET

  • Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the center from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (approx. 130 stalls)
  • Every 3rd Saturday afternoon and Sunday of the month, antique market on Piazza Arringo and Piazza del Popolo.

MUSEUMS

  • Museo della Ceramica, Rua del Pozzetto 1, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy, 0736 263104
    The Museum of Ceramics opened on June 1, 2007. The museum is located in an impressive monastery. The museum is divided into five sections and gives you an overview of the history of ceramic production in Ascoli Piceno from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries: vases, plates, urns, coffee, cups made by the Paci production (1808-1856), and the Matricardi (1920-1929) and Fama production. Of great importance is the section dedicated to the series of tiles painted by the greatest artists Francesco Castellani, Carlo Antonio Grue, and Gentili Berardino, from the Ascoli monastery of Sant’Angelo Magno. The museum has a fully equipped workshop, complete with lathe and ovens.
  • ‘Arte On’ is a contemporary art museum on 600 m2 in a former tobacco factory Castel di Lama, a few km from Ascoli Piceno. Opening hours from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

SHOPPING

  • In the center of Ascoli Piceno, you’ll find numerous cozy, but especially stylish clothing and shoe stores.

APERITIVO

  • Caffè Meletti
    The most famous café in the city and is located on the beautiful Piazza del Popolo. Beautiful inside due to the Art Nouveau decor, beautiful outside because from the terrace, you overlook the entire Piazza del Popolo. Once at Meletti, you should actually enjoy a glass of Anisetta. The famous liqueur made from wild star anise was the secret and the success recipe of Silvio Meletti. Where Lonely Planet speaks of 1907, according to Meletti’s own story, it is December 1903 when they transformed the former post office into a café.
  • De Gusteria 25, Via A.Panichi 3, phone 0039-0736313324
  • BarBocaScena
  • Bar Yoghi

RESTAURANTS

  • Trattoria dell’Arengo (center), Via Tornasacco 5, 0039-0736254711
  • Gastronomia-Enoteca-Ristorante Migliori, Piazza Arringo 2, 0039-0736250042
  • La Locandiera, Via Trento e Trieste, 0039-0736262509 (simple, but good)
  • Il Piccolo Teatro, Via Goldoni 1, 0039-0736261574, www.ristorantepiccoloteatro.com
  • Gallo d’Oro, Corso V. Emanuele 54, 0039-0736253520
  • Trattoria da Middio, Via delle Canterine, 0039-073625087
  • Ristorante il Desco, V. Vidacilio 10, 0039-0736250757
  • Ristorante/trattoria da Vitoria, Via dei Bonaccorsi 7, 0039-0736259535
  • Ristorante il Viaggio, Via Cino del Duca 10, 0039-0736252119 (special)
  • Pizzeria la bella Napoli, Via Bonaparte 18/20, 0039-0736257030
  • Ristorante Leopoldus, Via Vidacilio 18, 0039-0736258857 (lunch with buffet)
  • Ristorante le Cathedrale

GROTTAMMARE

Against a rocky wall densely covered with olive trees, vineyards, and fragrant plants, you’ll find the fortress of Grottammare Alta. Grottammare Alta, already mentioned in the 8th century, was known for its St. Martin’s church with its simple facade but with a flowery decoration inside. Pope Alexander II lived in the abbey, which was built on the foundations of an ancient pagan temple. However, the pope was not the only important visitor to Grottammare; Garibaldi, Victor Emanuel, Girolamo Bonaparte, Franz Liszt, Grazia Deledda, and Sibilla Aleramo also stayed here. Additionally, Felice Peretti (Pope Sixtus V) and Pericle Fazzini (famous sculptor) were born here.

Through the centuries, the old town was enriched with many splendid buildings such as the 16th-century Church of St. Lucia, the 18th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, and the Orange Theater, which overlooks the beautiful Peretti Square with a view of the sea. On the seaside of the city, you’ll find the Church of St. Francis; the patron saint of fishermen.

Grottammare and the sea have always been closely connected. For centuries, the sea was of utmost importance to the city. From 1700, the harbor experienced increasingly growing development in terms of trade and industry. Today, Grottammare is mainly known for its 5 km long sandy beaches. The beautiful promenade is adorned by grand art-deco villas from the last century.

MARKET

  • On Thursday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the center (52 stalls)
  • From June 15th to September 15th in the evenings along the Lungomare (12 stalls)

MUSEUM / CHURCHES

  • On the Kursaal square by the sea, there is almost always a free exhibition of something.
  • Museo Sistino, offers church, Chiesa San Giovanni Battista in Paese Alto, Piazza Peretti, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

APERITIVO

  • Café del Mar and la Belle Epoque: both offer an aperitif with a buffet
  • Chalet ‘Il Crecale’
  • Caffe ‘Giampy’s bar’ Viale Francesco Crucioli 17

RESTAURANTS

On the lungomare:

  • Ristorante Chalet Baloo, Viale de Gasperi 5, 0039-3466697071
  • Ristorante Chalet Il Crecale, Via Colombo Cristoforo 4, 0039-0735736836, nice for coffee, aperitif, and pasta dishes
  • Chalet Stella Marina, Via Colombo Cristoforo 16, 0039-0735633610
  • Chalet Bagno delle Stelle, Via Colombo Cristoforo 2a, 0039-0735736364
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Noa Beach, Viale de Gasperi 5, 0039-0735631120
  • Chalet da Mario, Viale de Gasperi 7, 0039-0735633417
  • Ristorante Sabya Beach, Viale Dante Alighieri 9, 0039-0735581153

In Grottammare Alta:

  • Ristorante Osteria dell’ Arancio, Piazza Peretti 1, 0039-0735631059 (slightly more expensive, especially by Italian standards, but beautiful location)
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Papa Sisto, Via Palmaroli 15, 0039-0735 633362 (Outdoor dining on the terrace, beautiful view)
  • Vineria con Cucina Millequatrocentottantuno (1481), Via Santa Lucia 14, 0039-3394047601 Great wine bar with a beautiful terrace in old Grottammare. Super location! Great value for money

Outside Grottammare:

  • Ristorante Pizzeria Trattoria degli Orti, Via Lame 9, 0039-0735735606 (Nowhere better value for money. On the SS16 just outside Grottammare towards Cupra)
  • Ristorante Trattoria Briciola di Sole, Contrada Granaro 19, 0039-0735736812 (on the road to Ripatransone)

SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO

San Benedetto del Tronto is a large seaside resort on the Adriatic Sea. The long beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. San Benedetto del Tronto is called the “Riviera delle Palme” because of its many palm trees and species of palm trees, which grow right down to the beach.

San Benedetto del Tronto consists of two parts. Namely, the Torre dei Gualtieri characterized by remains of an old fortress. The other part is located by the sea and consists of long wide sandy beaches, houses, and palaces from the Victorian era (examples of Liberty architecture), facilities for tourism and sports, and not to forget the center (Viale Secondo) with many shops. It is especially recommended to take the side streets, where you’ll find the nicest and most beautiful shops.

In the 17th century, San Benedetto del Tronto was a small fishing village inhabited by no more than 600 people. The tough character and courage of the sailors made the city one of the most important fishing ports in Italy and one of Italy’s most prosperous fish markets. The sailors traded to unknown shores, from Africa to Greenland.

San Benedetto remains closely connected to its fishing traditions and still lives off activities related to the sea. The gastronomic expression of old sailors is the famous “brodetto alla San Benedettese,” a local fish soup that must be ordered in advance due to its difficult preparation.

In 1931, the modernization of the boulevard began because it was realized that it could be of great value for tourism. It became a wide 4 km long avenue with beautiful villas on one side and the broad promenade on the other, where you can still cycle, walk, skate, etc., to this day. In short, Italian-style promenading.

In 1936, the village of Porto d’Ascoli was added to San Benedetto del Tronto. Here you’ll find a 2 km long renovated boulevard with botanical gardens in 2007. It has 10 different types of gardens with 1000 plant and flower species, fountains, lakes, water features, etc. Absolutely worth a visit!

MARKET

  • Tuesday and Friday mornings in the center of San Benedetto from 8 am to 12:30 pm (340 stalls)
  • April 7-9, June 22-25, and August 24-27: l’Antico e le Palme, a large and interesting art and antique market in the center

MUSEUM

  • Museo della Civiltà Marinara delle Marche, Museo Ittico, and Museo delle Anfore: a glimpse into maritime culture in a creative, interesting way, especially for children. Opening hours from July 1st to August 31st from 6 pm to midnight, the rest of the year from 9 am to 1 pm. Addresses respectively are Banchina di Riva Malfizia and Viale Colombo, in the harbor, near the fish market.

APERITIVO

  • ‘Nudo e Crudo’, fish festival with music every Sunday evening from 7 pm, Porto banchina riva nord malfizia – at the port in San Benedetto del Tronto, 0039-3936020140
  • Gran Cafè Sciarra, Viale S Moretti 31a: cozy, somewhat chaotic for a cup of coffee or aperitif
  • Fronte del Porto, via Tiepolo :3 aperitif with buffet
  • L’eternity, viale Colombo Cristoforo 82/84: evening with hookah. Sushibar, via Mazzocchi
  • Caffè ‘Franch”, Via Calatafimi :3 small and hip, for any time of the day! Caffé ‘Max’, Via X Settembre 63
  • Caffe ‘Florian’, Viale Moretti Secondo 74
  • Caffé ‘In vino veritas’, Via Mazzocchi 31
  • Winebar ‘Sa di Tappo’, Piazza G. Matteotti 9

OFFIDA

This town is one of the small jewels of southern Le Marche. The old town with its unusual triangular Piazza stands on a rocky outcrop and is separated from the modern part. This place has an old-fashioned feel. Offida is very nice to visit on Thursdays when the city is bustling due to the market.

Chiesa di S. Maria della Rocca

The church of Santa Maria della Rocca is a Romanesque-Gothic church and is one of the most important examples of ecclesiastical art of Piceno. The church stands out for its impressive severity, further emphasized by its location; overlooking the city and the surrounding hills. The building began as a Lombard castle before it was transferred to the Abbey of Farfa around the year 1000. The current building dates from 1330. A spiral staircase reaches to the top of the church. Recently, the 14th-century frescoes in the choir were restored. The altar is made of a stone sarcophagus from the Roman period, with engraved dancers and grape clusters.

Lace Making (lavorazione del tombolo)

Handmade lace – pizzo a mano – is one of Offida’s most common crafts. You can still see lace-making women sitting in the doorways of the old village streets (Tombolo). Originally, it began in the 14th century by the working class. Later, lace making was cultivated by religious orders and aristocratic families. The Benedictine nuns encouraged the spread of this craft, leading to growth in production in the second half of the 16th century. In 1979, the Offida Craft Lace Co-op was founded to stimulate the production of Offida lace and sell it directly to consumers.

MARKET

  • Thursday morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (about 65 stalls)

MUSEUM

  • Museums Palazzo De Castellotti, Via Roma, 10-12:30 am and 3:30-7:30 pm
  • Teatro Serpente Aureo, originated in 1768, renovated in, among others, 1862 and 1954, is a baroque jewel, where cultural events are still held and operas. Open daily in summer from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

RESTAURANTS

  • Ristorante del Picchio, Via Macelli 16, tel 0736 880254
  • Ristorante Ophis, Corso Serpente Aureo 54, tel 0736 889920

APERITIVO

  • Spaziovino Enoteca Winebar, Via Garibaldi 75, tel 0736 888626

WINE COOPERATIVE / CANTINA

  • L’Enoteca regionale di Offida Corso Serpente Aureo 66, 63035 Offida (AP) 0039-073688871 Known for its D.O.C- Rosso Piceno, Rosso Piceno Superiore, and Falerio and recently also for the D.O.C Offida. Opening hours July – August: Monday – Saturday from 9:30 am to 1 pm / 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Friday also from 8:30 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 10 am to 12:30 pm / 4 pm to 7:30 pm. Other months Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 1 pm / 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
  • ‘Cantina di Offida’ Via della Repubblica 70 Offida 0039-0736880104 www.cantinaoffida.it
  • Vitivinicola di Ciù Ciù Via Ciafone 106 63073 Offida (AP) 0039-0736810001
    It is one of the largest winemakers in the region. They have organic wines, but they do not mention it on their labels.
  • Agrobiologica Aurora Contrada Ciafone 98 63073 Offida (AP) 0039-0736810007 Small and charming. Known for its organic wines.

CASTIGNANO

Castignano is located on a hill in a beautiful landscape marked by erosion and ravines caused by surface water and groundwater. The landscape has an extraordinarily suggestive appearance and is specific to the landscape around Castignano.

The old town with its Romanesque churches and Renaissance buildings is the opposite of the new urban development that has developed along the provincial road. Castignano is proud of its many Renaissance houses and buildings. At the highest point of the city stands the church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the first construction of which dates back to the 11th century. Next to the church stands an imposing bell tower. In the church, you can see recently restored frescoes with images by Apollonio of Ripatransone. The tomb of ‘Mary of Sorrows’ is decorated with valuable frescoes attributed to Vittore Crivelli and Vincenzo Pagani.

In the village of Ripaberarda, a little further away, you can see ruins of walls from the 15th and 16th centuries and also an impressive bell tower in Romanesque-Renaissance style, built in 1518.

MARKET

  • Tuesday morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm (about 19 stalls)

MUSEUM

  • Museum of Sacred Art, Chiesa San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro. Opening hours: 3:30-6:30 pm

RESTAURANT

  • Ristorante-Pizzeria La Capannina, la Contrada San Martino, 0039-0736 821434
  • Agriturismo Oasi Biologica, al Contrada Pignato, Montedinove, 0039-0736822326 (on the way to Montalto)

WINE COOPERATIVE / CANTINA

RIPATRANSONE

Ripatransone, a lovely, beautifully restored, and authentic village, is located at 495 meters above sea level and 12 km from the coast. It seems like a small place, but the area belonging to this municipality is enormous, the largest municipality in the province. It offers a fantastic view over the sea, the hills, and the Monte Sibilini, or 360 degrees all around. The center is medieval, and there are many remains of ancient fortifications. Official history begins in 1205 when it was the first free town in rural Italy.

MARKET

  • Every Saturday morning in Centro Storico

MUSEUM

  • Archaeological Museum, Piazza XX Settembre 12, Next to the Town Hall. Opening hours from 15/6 – 30/8 every day from 4 pm to 8 pm. And on Sunday mornings from 10 am to 1 pm.
  • A fun attraction is the narrowest street in Italy ‘il vicolo più stretto’, in the middle of the center. Through various increasingly narrow streets, starting behind the town hall, you eventually arrive at a street just 38 cm wide.

APERITIVO

  • Vineria, Piazza X Settembre, opposite the Town Hall, with a beautiful terrace –
  • Caffè pasticceria ‘Centrale’, Piazza Condivi 1

WINE COOPERATIVE / CANTINA

  • Azienda Agricola San Savino Contrada Verrame 163065 Ripatransone (AP) 0039-0735907021 Famous wines are Fedus (red) and Ciprea (white)
  • Cantina Colli Ripani Contrada Tosciano 28 63065 Ripatransone (AP) 0039-073599940 Good price-quality of Castellano (red)
  • Agricola le Caniette Via Canali 23 63065 Ripatransone (AP) 0039-07359200 Very good quality.

ACQUAVIVA PICENO

Acquaviva Piceno is a lovely, small, medieval walled village at an altitude of 360 meters. It is built on top of a hill and is recognizable even from Monte Sibillini, partly due to the large, characteristic, and imposing fortress.

Acquaviva presents itself as a place with a rich culture and many traditions, perfect for those who like to immerse themselves in art history. The village was already inhabited in prehistoric times by the Piceni. Human remains dating back to antiquity, up to 600 years before Christ, have been found, such as flint, scrapers, and ceramics.

In 1799, during an attack by a group of bandits led by the bandit Sciabolone, a fire broke out, the flames of which reached the town hall and destroyed the archive, thus a valuable source for the reconstruction of the history of Acquaviva.

TYPICAL PRODUCT

Le Pagliarole are artisanal and traditionally made baskets of straw and wheat.

FORT

This is one of the most important forts in the region, built in 1300 and restored in the late 19th century and recently renovated again. It currently houses the museum. From the top, you have a breathtaking view of the hilly landscape, Monte Sibillini, and the sea.

PAJAROLA MUSEUM

Museum of Ancient Weapons: With the theme: a museum of ancient weapons as a contribution to peace. The museum is located in the Tower of the medieval Fort. It is divided into 2 sectors, an exhibition of authentic, unique weapons, and an educational space where workshops are given, mainly for primary school.
The museum is open every day from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Address: Piazza del Forte 1.

FESTIVALS

  • August: Sponsalia, historical village festival dating back to 1234
  • August: Acquaviva nei carretti: typical Italian race with carts

Montalto delle Marche

Montalto is one of the typical Italian countryside towns where everything still closes in the afternoon, where young and old gather in the square until late in the evening, talking to each other, and where you play table football or cards at the bar.

In Montalto, there is a small supermarket, butcher, greengrocer, pharmacy, post office, bank, hairdresser, magazines and cigarette shop, stationery store, jeweler, optician, several bars, and a delicious pizzeria/restaurant. Montalto has an important regional function because here there is a primary school, a three-year middle school, and a high school.

The town of Montalto, with about 2500 inhabitants, is the birthplace of the great Renaissance Pope Sixtus V and the architect Giuseppe Sacconi, the designer of the Altare della Patria in Rome. Montalto, located at 512 meters above sea level. Many foundations of old buildings in the city date back to the 4th century AD. However, it was not until 1585 that Pope Sixtus V granted the town of Montalto city rights.

In 1816, Montalto became the main town of the province, including the towns of Amandola, Offida, Ripatransone, and San Benedetto del Tronto. Montalto has a small but beautiful historic center where you can wander through the many narrow alleys.

MARKET

  • Wednesday morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

CATHEDRAL

  • The Romanesque/Neoclassical cathedral of the “Assumption of Mary”, designed by Dominico Fontana, dominates the center of the city. Opposite the cathedral is the former seminary, now the episcopal museum.

WINE COOPERATIVE / CANTINA

  • Porchia (municipality of Montalto)
    ‘Poderi dei colli’
    Contrada Piagge 3 Porchia
    0039-3381600386 Tiziana www.poderideicolli.it
  • Valdaso (municipality of Montalto)
    Franginella
    C.da Moglie 19
    Valdaso
    0039-3290721268
    www.franginella.it

BREAKFAST / APERITIVO

  • Montalto delle Marche
    ‘Il giardino di Fanny’
    Piazza Sisto V nr. 1
    Montalto delle Marche
  • Patrignone Orchidea
    Via Giovanni Amadio 14
    63034 Patrignone / Montalto delle marche
  • Porchia
    On the square, has a terrace with a view over the hills

RESTAURANTS

Montalto delle Marche

  • Ristorante Pizzeria 4′ Venti’ (closed on Mondays), Fonte Arrigo, 0039-0736828302, From the square in Montalto, turn right, towards A14 Pedaso/Ancona. Exit Montalto after about 500 meters on the left side

Patrignone

  • Restaurant ‘Due Pini’ (preferably by appointment), Contrada Ss. Annunziata, Patrignone/Montalto delle Marche, 0039-0736828572
  • Ristorante Pizzeria ‘Orchidea Di Galie’ (open on Mondays), Viale Giovanni Amadio 14/16, Patrignone, 0039-0736829532, beginning of the historic village, on the right side

MONTEDINOVE

Montedinove is only a 5-minute drive from Montalto delle Marche and is located on the highest hill of Piceno. This small village has been perfectly restored, preserving the atmosphere of a medieval environment. It has a beautiful square overlooking rural Le Marche.

RESTAURANT

  • Ristorante Pizzeria ‘Il Duca’ (large), Viale G. Del Duca, Montedinove, 0039-0736829564

BREAKFAST / APERITIVO

  • Bar ‘Le Pam Pam’ (historic center)
    Piazza Cino del Duca 1
    63069 Montedinove

MONTE RINALDO

RUINS

Hellenic (Greek architecture) temple/ruins.
In Monte Rinaldo, you will find the ruins (temple and veranda) of a monumental sanctuary from the II-I century BC. It is one of the most important Hellenistic cultic complexes in the region. Due to the presence of a well-gotten and water system within the complex, and the fact that it is an area located between two rivers, it is suggested that the sanctuary was a therapeutic sect.

MONTELPARO

MUSEUM

Museum of Art and Craft Bicycles. Here you will find the private collection of more than 50 bicycles typical of 1929 to 1960. Address: In the square in the center of Montelparo.
Opening hours: July – August: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Guide by appointment: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, 0039-0734780141

SERVIGLIANO

Its ancient origins date back to the Piceni and Etruscan populations, who wanted to build a city in this area. In the 1st century BC, the Romans built their villas there.
Around the year 1000, 16 families built the castle Castel San Marco, on the highest hill of the village, which came under the jurisdiction of the committee of Fermo.
In 1758, the castle began to sink due to water erosion. In 1769, Pope Clement XIV decided that it had to be rebuilt elsewhere.
The new castle, called Castel Clementino, began construction in 1773 and was completed in 1773 under the reign of Pius VI.

The historic center is located in a charming valley, and still retains the old churches, such as a small temple in Monte di Paese Vecchio, which guards a 16th-century fresco. The houses and ‘pallazzi’ with arched doors are still admired in a perfect neoclassical style.
There are three gateways, flanked by houses, a church, and other classical buildings.

Currently, Servigliano is a lovely small village, typically Italian, where older male residents gather in the square and local residents come to read their newspaper in the bar. Very friendly, rustic, and cozy all around.
Market: 1st and 3rd Monday of the month

PENNE SAN GIOVANNI

Penna is an old town on top of a hill. There are half a dozen churches and a small 19th-century theater. On top of the town are the remains of the old fort with a panoramic view up to the mountains and overlooking the surrounding villages, located on the hilltops.
In the summer, the municipality organizes events on many evenings, including the Festa della Polenta and Oto Giorni Di Un Linguaggio Volgare, mostly attended by tourists.

SMERILLO

This small village of only 392 inhabitants is located at an altitude of 800 meters with a 360-degree view of the sea and the Monti Sibilini. It is known for its open-air cinema in mid-August and the chestnut festival on the 3rd Sunday of October.
But especially for the many finds of fossils. People still go here to find fossils. But you can also just visit them in the museum: Museo dei Fossili e dei Minerali in the old center of Smerillo.

AMANDOLA

Together with Comunanza and Sarnano, these medieval villages are located at the foot of the Monti Sibilini, in a natural, green environment. Beautiful trips can be made from here.
Market: every Wednesday morning

NORCIA

A completely walled city in Umbria with 6 city gates, located in an extensive green plain. Here St. Benedict was born, the founder of the influential Benedictine monastery order and thus also the founder of monasticism in Western Europe. In Norcia you will find the Basilica of St. Benedict from the late 14th century. In Norcia, you only see buildings with extremely thick walls and a maximum of 2 floors. This is due to a severe earthquake in the 13th century.
Norcia is world-famous for a number of culinary specialties, such as prosciutto, salami, and sausages. And the lentils, of course. But especially for the black truffle.
Market: every Thursday morning

MONTERUBBIANO

Monterubbiano boasts a fascinating landscape at 463 meters above sea level, surrounded by the Aso valley with its fields cultivated with vegetables, grains, and colorful orchards. Agriculture is the main source of income here, although in the last thirty years, small and medium-sized industrial and tourist activities have also undergone remarkable development.
The origins of Monterubbiano date back to 268 BC, with ancient, prehistoric remnants of the Picenes and Romans. The name Monterubbiano originated in the year 1000.

EVENTS

Numerous events take place throughout the year.

  • Among others, in even years:
  • Good Friday: Christ is carried in a procession through the streets of the village, lying on a chest decorated with velvet, resting on a wagon.
  • On Pentecost day, the past is relived with a historical procession ‘SCIO ‘LA PICA’. With a parade in medieval costumes and an exciting joust where 4 riders, one for each Guild of Arts and Crafts, will compete with each other.
  • Monterubbiano hosts numerous summer festivals where visitors can taste typical dishes such as:
    • Polenta (last Sunday of July)
    • Fried noodles (typical Monterubbianese recipe August 10-12)
    • Cannelloni (August 16).

LE TAGLIATELLE FRITTE (FRIED TAGLIATELLE)

This is a typical authentic dish from Monterubbiano. These are fried balls, consisting of tagliatelle pasta, minced meat, and mozzarella.

IL POLO CULTURALE DI SAN FRANCESCO (CULTURAL CENTER OF SAN FRANCESCO)

A multicultural facility, consisting of an auditorium, the archaeological museum, the library, an exhibition space, and a botanical garden.

ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Opened in 1905, the old museum was opened, mainly because in the late 19th and early 20th centuries many archaeological finds had been discovered in Monterubbiano. Currently, the museum is located in the cultural center of San Francesco. In addition to jars and pots, weapons and jewelry, there is also a special coin collection from different eras.

TEATRO PAGANI (PAGANI THEATER)

The historic, horseshoe-shaped theater was built in 1875 and reopened in 1999 after a long renovation. It is a beautiful but small theater that is still in use.

PETRITOLI

This small village, 8 km from Monterubbiano, has 2 historic centers with a medieval atmosphere and is surrounded by rolling hills. Also in this village, an old authentic historic theater can be found. The castle with the 3 arches has recently been restored, as has the tower from 1831. These can be visited.
FEAST

  • July 1st: Sagra delle tagliatelle (Festival of Tagliatelle)

SAN SEVERINO MARCHE

This town owes its name to a bishop from the 6th century. Particularly notable is the elliptical central square, Piazza del Popolo, which is 224 meters long and 55 meters wide. It is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in le Marche, although the city has less than 14,000 inhabitants. In the oldest and upper part of the city, you will find the Duomo Vecchio and the Sanctuary of San Severino Vescovo. Worth seeing in the church is the beautiful choir decorated with frescoes. The remains of San Severina are preserved in the church. Next to it is the monastery with its double colonnade. Here is another tower, a final part of the castle that once dominated the area. Currently, the Archaeological Museum is located here. A few kilometers south of San Severino, in the Valle dei Grilli, is the Hermitage of Sant’Eustachio with a number of caves. Once there was an abbey here, of which only the remains of a church are left. The largest cave is called il Gallo and the entrance is next to the church.
Market: every Saturday

APIRO

This Borgo is located at an altitude of 616 meters. Just outside the village is the beautiful Abbey of Sant’Urbano with an atmospheric crypt from the 11th century. Fun for young and old: Eldorado Apiro Water Park, with the largest slide in Europe. 3 km away is the largest artificial lake in le Marche: Lago di Cingoli. This is popular for its many water sports.
Market: every Sunday

MATELICA

This is one of the oldest cities in le Marche. Here is the striking octagonal fountain of white stone from 1587, in the middle of the square, surrounded by old Palazzi. Matelica has its own famous wine: Verdicchio di Matelica, a dry white, light yellow wine. Museo Piersanti is an important museum in le Marche with works by old Italian painters and furniture of the Piersanti’s.
Market: every Wednesday morning

CAMERINO

Camerino is an ancient city, originally Umbrian. It is fairly unassuming at 670 meters above sea level. Here is one of the oldest universities in the world. It is located in the Palazzo Ducale, a beautiful building with a square courtyard surrounded by a colonnade. Until 1860, Camerino was the provincial capital. From the beginning of the 14th century, it became a center of power and culture under the Da Varano family, who ruled as dukes for almost 3 centuries. During this time, the influential Camerino painting school developed, and the current university is the continuation of the Studium founded in 1336 with faculties of Law, Theology, Mathematics, and Medicine. In the WOl, Camerino was a hotbed of fascism. Outside the city walls, you can find an octagonal church from the 16th century, Chiesa della Madonna delle Carceri, which owes its name to the monks who led a meditative life in the adjacent monastery, which seemed more like a prison regime. 
In the summer months, an important chamber music festival is organized in Camerino.
Market: every Saturday

SARNANO

Sarnano is located at 539 meters above sea level in a green valley at the foot of the Monti Sibillini. The entire village is built of characteristic red brick, which forms a particularly harmonious whole. From the village, 10 different marked hiking routes are indicated. The medieval character has been well preserved, so it’s delightful to climb stone steps and stroll through narrow alleys, on a fairly steep hill.

Sarnano is known for its thermal baths, where various therapies are offered. For enthusiasts, it’s also beautiful here for mountain biking. And in winter, you’re very close to the slopes where you can ski at Piubbico (1630 m).

The Centro Storico is the scene of the Castrum Sarnani festival in the first weeks of August. Costumed dancers, fire eaters, sword dancers, and practitioners of ancient crafts bring Sarnano back to medieval atmospheres.

Restaurants:

  • Osteria le Clarisse, Via Mazzini 240 (in a beautiful building with vaults)
  • Ristorante Pizzeria il Pincio, Via Giacomo Matteotti 10
  • Market: every Thursday morning

GUALDO

A small, unpretentious, cozy village that is becoming livelier due to growing tourism. The water tower is not particularly beautiful, but it’s nice to visit because from here you have a beautiful view over le Marche. Exhibitions are also regularly held here.
Market: Every Tuesday morning and annually in May there is a regional cheese market.

SAN GINESIO

In the Middle Ages, this was a city of 20,000 inhabitants, but now there are only 4000. Only the city walls and gates still remind of those glorious times. San Ginesio is located at almost 700 m altitude and was on a pilgrimage route to Rome, and the hospice ‘Ospedale dei Pellegrini’ is located just behind Porta Picena, offering weary pilgrims shelter and food.

For those who love beautifully dressed medieval festivals, there is Mediavalia in mid-August, which lasts a week, and on Ferragosto there is the Palio, a traditional horse joust.

Restaurants:

  • Da Isolina, Via Picena
  • Terra Nostra, Piazza Gentilli
  • Ristorante San Fabiano, Conrtade Neccaino 22 (just outside the village)

Market: Sundays

TOLENTINO

This city with its medieval center is popular with religious pilgrims because in the Basilica of San Nicola is the tomb of this saint, revered for his ascetic lifestyle, spirituality, and miracles he performed. His feast is celebrated here on September 10th. The basilica with the abbey, the monastery, and the chapels form a harmonious and balanced whole, despite the different periods and architectural styles in which it was built.
Market: Every Tuesday morning

CAMPOFILONE

Located 6 km from the coast at Pedaso, you’ll find this charming, beautifully restored medieval village with only 1900 inhabitants. The city walls with their battlements and the polygonal tower still exist, as well as a selection of paintings in the church of Fontana and Achili. It’s a very quiet village with only a pub and pizzeria in the old center.
Market: There is no weekly market in Campofilone.

Restaurants:

  • Ristorante le 5 Ragazze, Via XXV aprile 29, 0039-0734932405, at the front of the village
  • Ristorante Agriturismo Vecchia Monta, via montecamauro 36, 0039-0734937011
  • Casa del Mar and Ponte Nina on the beach at Marina di Campofilone

CUPRA MARITTIMA

Cupra Marittima is a unique village on the coast of southern Marche, with influences from prehistory, Roman, medieval, and contemporary times. It is located slightly north of San Benedetto del Tronto, on the ‘Riviera delle Palme’.

Outside the actual village by the sea, there are 3 hills: Sant’ Andrea with the eponymous rock (recently beautifully restored), the medieval castle Marano, and Boccabianca. On the boulevard, where many walks and bike rides take place, you’ll see beautifully restored ‘Art-Nouveau’ villas.
Paese Alto is also definitely worth a visit. At this height, you have a beautiful view over the sea and the ‘Riviera delle Palme’. You can also visit the castle here.
Just north of Cupra is the Forum Romanum, with remains from the Piceno period.
Market: 

  • Saturday morning from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm on the lungomare (18 stalls)

MUSEUM:

  • Malacology museum: Cupra Marittima is internationally known for its Malacology exhibition, which displays shells and mussels from all over the world.
  • Archaeological Museum of the territory: in Paese Alto

Restaurants:

  • Chalet Cristel Beach Viale Romita Giuseppe 26 – 63064 Cupra Maritima (AP) tel: 0735 779046
  • Chalet Gabry, between Cupra and Grotammare. Nice to lie here on the beach, after the free beach and then have something to eat or drink here.
  • Hotel Ristorante Anita (a large hall, typically Italian, but (h)onest fish and meat menu), Vai Adriatica Nord 127, Cupra Maritima, 0039-0735778155 or 3331828921
  • Hotel Ristorante Castello (cupra maritima alto / sea view), Via Castelo 67, Cupra Maritima, 0039-0735778463

BEACH: 

  • Cupra Marittima is worth a visit for a lovely day at the beach. It’s small, cozy, and there are plenty of eateries to enjoy the great traditional local Marchegian cuisine.

PEDASO

Successively, the Greeks (Pelasgians), the Picenes, and the Romans lived here, as evidenced by some archaeological finds around the mouth of the river Aso. Roman ruins and the many “pots” and “jars” that are still excavated and fished from the sea testify to these civilizations.

Pedaso originated as a lookout tower at the mouth of the Val’Aso, which had to protect the population against pirate attacks. Later, Pedaso also became part of the larger Fermo. Due to barbarian invasions and raids, people were forced to escape from the coast and seek refuge on the “hill”. From 840, the Benedictines were responsible for the regeneration and health of the coast.
Traditionally, the village was located on the steep hill Monte Serrone, but now most houses are built at the foot of the hill and on the south side of the mouth of the Aso. Now that the old fortress of Pedaso has fallen into disrepair, the white lighthouse (1877) is the figurehead.

The current name originated in the Venetian navigation book, which mentioned the location of the lighthouse as “the foot of Azon”, that is to say, at the foot of Aso, and then became PEDASO.
Pedaso has always had a relationship with the sea and almost the only source of employment was fishing, and it’s still known for its delicious mussels.
In August, there is the very successful Mussel Festival, an event that is nationally known.
Pedaso is now a small (2700 inhabitants) and attractive seaside resort with a lively center and, as the only seaside resort on the ‘Riviera delle Palme’, a pebble beach.

LIGHTHOUSE:

On the hills above Pedaso is an observatory.
In the hills, surrounded by olive trees, you will find the lighthouse. This is being restored and converted into a cultural center where exhibitions will be shown.
The lighthouse can be visited.

RESTAURANT

Meat:

  • Ristorante la Locanda del Faro, via Cristoforo Colombo 3, 0039-0734933174, this is in the old prison of Pedaso.

Fish:

  • Chalet I Faro, V. Martiri Dela Libertà, 0039-0734937124
  • Trattoria lI Covo, Via Cristoforo Colombo 32, 0039-3466162200
  • Chalet la Lampara, Lungomare dei Cauntatori, 0039-0734931906
  • Ristorante Pennesi,Via C. Battisti50.0039-0734931382

FEAST

  • August 1st: Mussel Festival

FERMO

One of the most attractive cities in the hills of southern Le Marche is Fermo. It has a collection of architectural sights that are worth a visit. The fortress that once dominated the city was destroyed in 1445 during a popular uprising against the ruling Sforza family. It is now the place where city parks offer a magnificent view over the expanses of Le Marche.

The Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral from the 13th century, richly decorated inside, now shines on an open square. The city center is slightly below the level of the cathedral. The main government buildings are around the large beautiful square, Piazza del Popolo. The statue of the bishop of Fermo, later Pope Sixtus V, made by Sansovino in 1590, stands in front of the main entrance of the Palazzo Comunale. It contains the city’s art collection, the most famous work of which is an early Rubens; the Nativity of Christ.

It’s also worth visiting the underground water cellars. They consist of about thirty very well-maintained rooms, built in 41 and 61 BC to store and purify the necessary drinking water for the city. It’s considered the most beautiful example in this area in all of Italy.

From the sea, which is only 6.5 km from Fermo, the city looks like a large boat sailing towards the magical Sibillini Mountains, the Blue Mountains, which inspired the poet Giacomo Leopardi. The Cathedral lies on the Girfalco. This enormous cathedral, named after the Assumption of Mary, was built in 1227 by the master builder Giorgio da Como. The facade is built with Istrian stones and has a beautiful rose window from 1348 and also a Gothic niche with the image of the Virgin Mary. In the sacristy, there is a painting exhibition where the city’s main artworks are displayed; the Adoration of the Shepherds by Rubens and the Stories of St. Lucia by Jacobello del Fiore.

In Corso Cefalonia, the main street, you can find two patrician houses; Palazzo Azzolino with its typical courtyard and Palazzo Vitali Rosati, designed by Antonio Sangallo. Not far from here, you will find the old pawnshop and the Mateucci tower.

The Palazzo dei Priori is next to the old university and is now the public library. It contains more than 40,000 books, including 200 ancient legal codes, 15,000 16th-century books, and thousands of old drawings and prints. In one of the rooms is a wooden globe made by Annunzio Maroncelli in 1722.

MARKET:

  • Weekly market on Saturday mornings in the center.
  • Every Thursday evening in July and August, there is a flea market or antiques market on the Piazza.

MUSEUMS:

  • Scientific Museums of Villa Vitali: In the beautiful Villa Vitali, you can see an exhibition about the Eskimo people, as well as a private collection of stuffed, mostly rare birds. The villa also houses a unique collection of 450 pipes.
  • Diocesan Museum: The episcopal museum is next to the ‘Cattedrale Metropolitana’ and tells the history and artistic expressions of a large community of the archdiocese of Fermo.
  • Teatro ‘dell Aquila’, on the road up to the cathedral, opened in 1790 and has been very important for cultural activities in Le Marche for over 200 years.

RESTAURANTS:

  • Eocandadefao, Piazza Azzolino, phone 0039-07342292067
  • Locanda del Palio, Piazzale Azzolino 6, phone 0039-0734229221

APERITIVO:

  • Also l’Enoteca (see above). Very cozy inside, but especially sitting outside on the terrace at the beautiful ‘Piazza del Popolo’ is special.

PORTO SAN GIORGIO

Once an old port, now a pleasant seaside resort with a small working harbor. The streets of Porto San Giorgio, winding between the SS16 road and the sea, have beautiful (expensive) shops and are bustling with activity in the summer. Many concerts are held here to entertain you pleasantly.
The main attractions are fish and the cozy beaches. There are many not-too-expensive restaurants where you can choose from various “brodetto” (fish stews from Marche).

South of Porto San Giorgio lies Pedaso on the Mussel Bay of Le Marche. Delicious mussels are cultivated here on concrete poles just off the narrow gravel beach.

MARKET:

  • Every Thursday morning in the center.

RESTAURANTS:

  • Chalet Damiani eRosi Mare, Lungomare Gramsci Centro Sud, 0039-3355224454

APERITIVO:

  • Novecento, opposite the station.

GELATERIA:

  • Pelacani, Piazza Mentana.
  •  

MARINA DI ALTIDONA

PASTICCERIA / PANETTERIA:

  • Gran Forno, Via C. Colombo 21/23

SANT’ELPIDIDIO AMARE

  • MUSEUMS:
  • Museo della Calzatura, Corso Baccio 35
  • Museo dei Fossili, Piazzale Marconi 16f

MONTOTTONE

  • Arte della bottega di Bozzi, Via Circonvallazione 6: well known for the production of terracotta pottery for 160 years, still done in a traditional and artisanal way.

LORETO

Loreto, slightly inland from the Adriatic coast, is one of the most important sanctuaries for the worship of the Virgin Mary. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world visit Loreto annually.

The large dome of the pilgrimage site of the Birthplace of Mary is visible from miles away. Inside the church stands the main attraction: the Birthplace of Mary, a humble cottage from Nazareth that bears witness to the Annunciation to Mary and the childhood of Christ. The town primarily exists to cater to the thousands of pilgrims who come here from all over the world.

According to tradition, the Holy House was brought to Loreto in 1294. It was not until 1507 that the church allowed Loreto to become a place of pilgrimage, despite the fact that work on the large dome had begun in 1468. Pope Julius II decided to ignore all objections, thus giving the primitive village a permanent residence.

The large dome is a remarkable structure executed by famous Italians from the Late Renaissance, and it is even a good reason for the unbeliever to come and take a look here. Started in a Gothic style, later architects like Bramante and Sansovina gave this church a distinct Renaissance appearance.

Inside the church, under the dome, stands the large marble wall that protects the Birthplace of Mary. This wall was built in the 16th century according to designs by Bramante, Gian Christoforo Romano, Andrea Sansovino, and Antonio Sangallo junior. In the lower steps, you can see the hollows worn into the marble by the pilgrims who have knelt here for centuries.

The special sculpture of the Black Madonna is a modern copy of the original, which was destroyed by fire in 1921. Some claim that the Black Madonnas seen in many tombs refer to the prophetic words in the Song of Solomon: “I am black but comely”. Others say that the statues were usually made from dark woods and became blacker over time due to the smoke from the many candles.

On the ground, to the right in the church, are the greatest art treasures: colorful frescoes by Merlozzo da Forli in the St. Mark’s sacristy and some frescoes by Signorelli in the St. John’s sacristy. Piazzo della Madonna is a tastefully decorated square with a beautiful baroque fountain and is flanked by two vaulted corridors of the 16th-century Palazzo Apostolico.

The painting museum in the church owns several works by Lorenzo Lotto (the Venetian painter who spent the last years of his life here and died in the monastery in 1556) and an extraordinary collection of Renaissance medicine pots.

Somewhere in a corner lie about 70 pieces of carved palm wood blocks, which were used until 1940 to put images on the bodies of pilgrims, like an indelible tattoo to commemorate the pilgrimage to Loreto.

The legend of the Holy House.

The simple house in Nazareth, where the Annunciation to Mary took place and where the Holy Family lived, as the legend goes, was taken by angels in 1296 when Islamic fighters invaded the Holy Land. The house first ended up on a hill in Dalmatia, present-day Croatia. On the 10th of December 1294, it was miraculously moved again, this time to the other side of the Adriatic Sea, to a laurel cave (Latin laretum, hence the name Loreto), which was made unsafe by robbers. The final resting place of Santa Casa was a few kilometers away, right in the middle of a motorway on top of the hill of Loreto. Modern skeptics believe that the stones of Mary’s house were brought from Palestine by ship. To this day, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of December 10th, the feast of the translation of the Holy House, to give Santa Casa more fame.

MACERATA

Macerata, one of the gems of Le Marche. This elegant city full of chic palaces and baroque churches is located 20 km inland, and is a small provincial town, world-famous for its annual outdoor opera performances. The opera festival, held outdoors in July and August, has gained international acclaim. It takes place in the Sferisterio Theater, a colossal elliptical arena in Neoclassical style, entirely built with private funds in 1820. After Verona, it is the most famous open-air theater.

Macerata has one of the oldest Italian Universities (1290), located in the heart of the city, the Piazza della Libertà, where the 15th-century Tore Civica also stands and another beautiful theater. The most beautiful buildings are along Corso Matteotti, the road that begins at the square with the colonnade. Corso della Repubblica leads you to Piazza Vittorio square and to the Civic gallery and the museum. Here, you can find many works of painters from Umbria and Le Marche. The work “Mother and Child” by Carlo Crivelli is the most famous.

MUSEUMS:

  • Carriage Museum: A collection of horse-drawn carriages, wheelchairs, cars from 1900. Open from 10 am to 7 pm in Palazzo Buanaccorsi, Via Don Minzoni 24.
  • Textile Museum: An educational exhibition in the field of textiles. Open during the week from 9 am to 12 pm at Vicolo Vecchio 6.
  • Castello di Lanciano in Castelraimondo, a village on the Potenza river near Macerata. This castle has reopened, after renovation due to an earthquake in 1997, in 2005. A tour takes visitors through the castle and its beautiful surrounding park. In the castle, you can see rooms and ballrooms with 18th-century paintings, furniture, and objects from the noble family Giustiniani Bandini. Open every day except Monday, free tour.
  • Castello Pallotta in Caldarola, near Macerata. This castle dates back to 875 and was a military base until the late 1500s. Then, a Cardinal Pallotta converted it into a summer palace. It is open daily for tours, except on Mondays. There is also a restaurant.

OPERA:

Sferisterio Theater, Piazza Mazzini 10, phone 00039-0733230735. It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. The tickets will be waiting for you at the entrance of the theater, see www.vivaticket.it and http://www.steristerio.it/MacerataOperaFestival/biglietteria.php

  • Rigoletto: July 17, 25, and 31, August 2, 4, and 9 at 9 pm
  • Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci: July 18 and 24, August 2 and 8 at 9 pm
  • Ludovico Einaudi: July 19 at 9 pm

MARKET:

  • Every Wednesday morning in the historic center.

CIVITANOVA MARCHE

Just south of Ancona, you’ll see the solitary limestone promontory of Mount Conero, whose steep slopes reach down to the sea. Here you’ll find the most pleasant beaches on the northern Adriatic coast. In 1987, the entire area was declared a national park with a network of marked footpaths covering the entire summit.

Maps and information are available in Sirolo at the Consozio del Parco del Conero. Traces of a settlement from the Stone Age, approximately 100,000 years ago, have been found on the top (572m), the very first signs of habitation in this area.

Coming from Ancona, the first port is Portonovo, the smallest town on the Conero Riviera. The beach is divided into two by the Fortino Napoleonico, a low white fortress built in 1808 by Napoleon’s Italian viceroy to fight English ships. It is now a hotel.

The southern road through Conero hides the two largest seaside resorts. Sirolo is the most attractive, with a beautiful center and a square that overlooks the sea. The beautiful beach can be reached by bus, which can drop you off at one of the coves every half hour. The large number of campsites and hotels located beneath the old town seamlessly merge into the touristy Numana. To escape the crowds, you can take a trip to one of the many coves, which are only accessible by boat from Numana, Sirolo, or Portonovo during the season.

HIKING

  • Until recently, there were hiking trails that allowed you to walk down to the beach via a steep route. But these hiking trails are closed because they were too dangerous.
  • You can hike to le Due Sorelle from Sirolo. This beautiful excursion starts from the Town Hall and takes about 2.5 hours.
  • From Portonovo, there’s an easy hiking trail of up to 1.5 hours. You’ll walk partly along the sea, a fort, a church, a marshy area, through a forest, past 2 lakes, in short, very diverse.
  • There are many more hiking trails, longer or shorter. They are indicated with signs along the road or in the seaside resorts themselves. Almost all hiking trails can also be done by mountain bike or on horseback.

BOAT TRIP AND SNORKELING

  • During the summer, a boat leaves daily from the port of Numana at 9 and 10 am to ‘le due Sorelle’, a rugged stretch of coastline with a beach without beds and umbrellas, but a beautiful piece of nature, reachable only by boat. It returns at 12:30 or 3 pm. The trip takes 30 minutes. No reservation is needed in advance.

MARKET

  • Every Friday morning on Viale Europa.

ATTRACTIONS

  • Of course, the dominant cathedral La Basilica della Santa Casa.
  • Pinacoteca Museum: 2000m2 exhibition of, among other things, art, tapestries, stained glass windows, silverware, jewelry, and furniture from the Catholic Church from the 15th to the 20th century.
  • Museo Storico dell’Aeronautica: unique collection of uniforms and flight gear from the war and post-war period.

RESTAURANTS

  • Ristorante Andreina, Via Buffolareccia 14 – 60025 Loreto (AN) tel: 071 7501051. Has a Michelin star.

RECANATI

Recanati is a remarkable small town nestled among the hills and is dear to many Italians’ hearts as the birthplace of one of their greatest poets, Giacomo Leopardi (1798 – 1837). Giacomo Leopardi lived in his youth like a hothouse plant; he had locked himself in his father’s library filled with classical works. The rest of his life, he tried to find the illusion of joy in his pessimistic verses, just as his youth in Recanati.

Recanati is also the birthplace of the great tenor Benjamino Gigli, and there is the Gigli Museum in the Palazzo Comunale. In Piazza Leopardi, a collection of his costumes is preserved, an imitation of his dressing room, and some of the many gifts he received, including Verdi’s walking stick.

MUSEUM

  • Casa Leopardi, Via Leopardi 14, Recanati, phone 0039-0717573380, Opening hours from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Info: www.giacomoleopardi.it

Market: on Tuesday and Saturday.

PORTO RECANATI

The beach of Porto Recanati, here called il Salotto della Riviera, is 8 km long and shaded by pine trees. Along the car-free boulevard, you’ll find nice eateries serving fresh fish and brightly colored beach chairs lined up in the mornings and evenings.
The castle Castello Svevo in Piazza Brancondi was built in the 15th century to defend the port and coastline against pirate and Turkish attacks.
In this castle, there is an archaeological exhibition and paintings by various artists. Behind corso Matteotti is the old fishing district, the warm beating heart of this seaside resort.
Market: every Thursday morning.

ANCONA

This busy administrative capital of Le Marche and the largest city in the region may not immediately seem like a tourist center, but even in this restless seaport city, there are beautiful spots to discover.
Ancona is built like an amphitheater, on two hills around the seaport, and existed already in the 4th century BC as a fortress for Greek settlers from Syracuse. Later, the Romans expanded this sheltered harbor further, and in the year 115 AD, under Emperor Trajan, the current harbor piers were built. The stately marble triumphal arches at the end of the harbor area remind us of this event.
In the Middle Ages, the German emperors, the Church, and the Venetian Republic made sure that Ancona could not develop into a powerful maritime republic. In 1532, it came without any problem into the hands of the Papal power, where it remained until the unification of Italy.
In the 20th century, this old city was heavily bombed. Then again in World War II, and then almost completely destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1972.
The oldest part of the city is on Colle Guasco, the hill above the harbor. At the top of the hill, high above the office buildings of this modern city, stands the most beautiful church in Ancona. You’ll also find here the most famous monument, the medieval cathedral of San Ciriaco, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The sober interior of the church shows exotic Byzantine traits; a painted wooden ceiling in the shape of an inverted boat and a floating 12-sided dome. In the crypt, you can see the remains of an ancient pagan temple that formed the foundation for the church.

Walking tour

Your walk starts at the bottom of Corso Stamira by the ferry. Here you see how the facade of the ruined St. Augustine church cuts through Piazza del Repubblico. In the middle of the square stands the 19th-century Theatro delle Muse, which has now reopened after extensive restoration. From here, you can take a small detour to see the 16th-century fountain del Calamo.
If you return to Piazza della Repubblica, walk along Via delle Loggia (arcade) to see the Loggia dei Mercanti adorned with statues; an extraordinary example of flourishing late Venetian-Gothic art. Further on, you’ll see the facade of the 13th-century St. Maria palace with beautiful arches and numerous sculptures. Inside, a glass panel in the pavement shows the remains of an even older church.
Now walk up from Via della Loggia to Piazza del Plebiscito. Here you’ll see a beautiful but damaged statue of Pope Clement XII. Over his shoulder, you’ll see the Neoclassical church of St. Domenico with an amusing moving crucifix by Titian above the main altar.
If you go up from the square via Via Pizzecoli, you’re in the heart of the oldest part of the city.
At nr. 17, Palazzo Bosdari, we find Ancona’s Pinacoteca. Here you’ll see Crevelli’s “Madonna with Child,” “The Virgin of Titian with Child and Saints.” You’ll also see Lorenzo Lotto’s Sacra Converzatione.
From Piazza Stracca, you can admire the views of the harbor.
A little further on is Palazzo Ferretti, the main building of the archaeological museum in Le Marche. The museum manages an extraordinarily beautiful collection of various ancient black and red Attic vases, Etruscan bronze statues, and jewelry dating back to the Iron Age. The extraordinary Bronzi Dorati, a collection of gilded bronze statues dating from the 1st century AD, are always temporarily exhibited here when they are not in Pergola.
If you wander around the deserted Piazza del Senato and go up via Via Giovanni de 23rd, you’ll see some remnants of the ruins of a Roman amphitheater behind you. A little higher, and you’re at the highest point of Colle Guasco. From here, you have a very nice view of the sea.

MARKET

  • Daily morning market on Corso Manzini in the center.

SHOPPING

  • Not a very large shopping area, but spacious. Including Zara.

MUSEUMS

  • Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, Via Ferretti 6. Opening hours from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

SENIGALLIA

Senigallia is a coastal town just north of Ancona.

The city was founded shortly after 284 BC by the Romans, who called it Sena Gallica. The area had just been conquered by the Roman colony of the Senones and was called Ager Allicus by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, it was the main trading center of the Duchy of Urbino.
In 1930, the city was hit by a severe earthquake that caused great devastation. Later in that century, Senigallia grew into one of the major resorts on the Adriatic coast.
The city center is partially walled. The Misa River flows right through the center. Along the southeast bank are the stately 17th-century trading buildings Portici Ercolani. Other important buildings of Senigallia are the 12th-century Castello and the neoclassical Foro Annonario from 
1834.
Characteristic is Rotonda al Mare, built in 1933. This monument was placed as a memorial to the emerging tourist industry. The restoration of this building located on a pier was completed in the summer of 2007.

ROTONDA AL MARE

The history of the Rotonda a Mare originated in the second half of the nineteenth century but moved and completed in 1932.
During World War II, the Rotonda served as a military warehouse, but once the war was over, it became the center of social life and attracted many tourists and artists.
Today, it is only open in the summer for exhibitions and conferences and you can get married there.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM LA FENICE

The museum tells the history of the city of Senigallia and its territory. The museum combines Roman structures and recent excavations.
Open from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is used as artistic expression and to support education.
Open Tuesday to Saturday morning (8:30 am to 1:30 pm) and Tuesday to Friday afternoon (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm).

ROCCO ROVERESCA CASTLE

In 1350, after the transfer of the papal residence from Avignon to Rome, the Spanish cardinal Albornoz was instructed to consolidate papal power in central Italy by building a large number of fortresses, including the castle of Senigallia. The inner ring is habitable, the outer ring is for military defense.
The fort is the main monument of the city.
Address: Piazza del Duca, 2, 60019 Senigallia
Open: daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.

FORRO ANNONARIO

Beautiful building designed in 1834 in the neoclassical style, in a round shape with columns supporting the structure.Currently, fish is sold daily (on the veranda) and vegetables and fruits (on the central square), while inside the library and the municipal archive are placed.

Market: every Thursday.