Moresco

The place name is most likely descended from the medieval female staff, which in turn derives from the Latin expression ALTA DOMINA, 'tall woman'. Located a few kilometres from the sea, at an altitude of 202 metres in a panoramic position, Altidona was first a centre of the Piceni population, then a Roman settlement. From 1500 it became a castle of Fermo, to whose history it has remained closely linked, despite the character of its population, which has always been recognised as rebellious and warlike. In 1700, the castle of Altidona was ransacked by French troops, but its medieval structure has remained largely intact.

Among a criss-cross of ancient, well-preserved alleyways, you'll find the church of Santa Maria and its belltower: the eighteenth-century rectory houses houses a polyptych by Cortese (1390), depicting the Madonna enthroned surrounded by saints. From the Belvedere, the medieval watchtower, you can enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the Aso Valley. The territory of Altidona to the east extends onto the countryside until it reaches the sea, where a beautiful natural beach stretches for about 3 km.

Located in a hilly position along the Adriatic coast between San Benedetto del Tronto and Fermo, the town overlooks the lower valley of the Aso river, thus combining, in a splendid natural fresco, the green of the Marche countryside with the blue of the Adriatic Sea (just 3 km away). The old town centre, enclosed by solid walls that protect its integrity and the beauty of the past, is reached by a short tree-lined avenue, made unique by majestic century-old pines.

The village develops along a main street lined with the main buildings, behind which a labyrinth of alleyways opens up, occasionally allowing glimpses of the beauty of the surrounding landscape to be seen: the calm Adriatic Sea, the rolling hills, right up to the whitewashed peaks of the Sibillini Mountains. Walking through the streets, you can still smell the scents of the ancient culinary tradition: in fact, a gastronomic speciality of great value has always been produced here: the Maccheroncini di Campofilone IGP, very thin strands of egg pasta known and appreciated all over the world. The Abbey of San Bartolomeo and the evocative abbey garden are a must-see.

The historic centre is still structured like a medieval castle, surrounded by walls and with two gates: Porta da Sole and Porta Marina (adorned with swallowtail merlons). The town's urban centre dates back to the year 1000 with the birth of small churches and monasteries. Lapedona is a town rich in monuments, such as the 14th-century church of San Giacomo e Quirico, rebuilt almost entirely a century ago, which houses paintings attributed to Pietro Alemanno and a wooden statue of the patron saint.

Under the porch of the 16th-century town hall, embellished by uneven arches, there is a funerary cippus from the Roman era, on which inscriptions and bas-reliefs stand out. An unmissable summer event in the village of Lapedona is the 'Musica in Collina' festival in Piazza San Lorenzo. The brainchild of Italian violinist Walter Daga, who is in love with this small village in our valley, is one of the most famous festivals in the world and aims to bring the public closer to the great works of classical music (free admission).

At the top of one of the highest hills (463 m a.s.l.) on the Marche coast stands Monterubbiano. With its wide-ranging panoramic views from the Adriatic Sea to the Sibillini mountains, Monterubbiano has always fascinated all those who have spent even short stays here. Located 6 km from the Adriatic, it has been a popular tourist destination for 'sea and mountains' holidays since the early 20th century.

The town boasts ancient origins and a long and glorious history, as evidenced by its monuments: eleven churches, numerous historical buildings, city walls, the Pagani Theatre and the neoclassical 'San Rocco' Park. In addition to the historical and artistic beauties, Monterubbiano has always been linked to religious, folkloristic and enogastronomic traditions that come alive in the numerous events, including the 'solemn procession of the Death of Christ' and the historical commemoration 'Sciò la Pica'.

A coastal municipality founded in the Middle Ages, its historic centre has undergone a major redevelopment and enhancement project that has preserved all the charm of its old walls, its narrow streets with unusual names, and its central square, where markets and events are held in summer. One of the town's landmarks is the lighthouse that stands on the coast, on Monte Serrone. To see it, just take the scenic road up from 'Pedaso vecchia'.

In the summer months, you can take evocative historical-naturalistic routes that lead to the belvedere. From the top of the lighthouse, you can admire the sea, the horizon, you can see the particularities of the area, getting to know, one by one, the rocks and the bizarre names given to them by the old fishermen: 'Lu ruspu', 'Li Ciuttulitti', etc. Pedaso is a renowned seaside resort, particularly appreciated by lovers of fishing and diving activities in general because of its rocky seabed.

Montefiore dell'Aso is a typical medieval-style village in the Marche hinterland. The old town centre is still well preserved: there are still considerable stretches of walls with gates and six towers dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. From the Belvedere De Carolis, an evocative panoramic terrace, the Aspromonte Gate leads to the heart of the town, dominated by the Collegiate Church of Santa Lucia (Piazza della Repubblica). Inside the church you can admire a 17th-century stone stoup and frescoes by the Marche painter Luigi Fontana.

The Collegiate Church also preserves, in a reliquary dating back to 1700, the finger of the patron saint, Santa Lucia, and parts of a work by Carlo Crivelli (15th century), considered by critics to be the masterpiece of the Venetian painter, which depicts a beautiful and unforgettable Saint Mary Magdalene. The village has a lush, well-equipped park where you can take a relaxing break in the nature. The park is called G. De Vecchis and, together with that of Monterubbiano (San Rocco), is one of the most beautiful in the valley.

Situated on a pleasant hill dominating the Aso valley, Petritoli offers the visitor a wonderful panorama that sweeps from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic coast. Walking through the historical centre you will find Piazza Rocca, dominated by the majestic civic tower (over 40 metres high), from which it is possible to admire a breathtaking view (visitable by appointment). The large square also houses the studio of painter Franco Tizi, one of Italy's best-known masters of colour. Not to be missed, in the evening hours, is a stop at the three neo-Gothic arches set between two ancient 15th-century bastions.

Continuing the visit along Via del Teatro, Via dei Muraglioni and the road known as 'sotto ripa', you can admire, in addition to a suggestive view of the Val d'Aso, the remains of the ancient walls with the surviving 15th-century gate, located right at the beginning of the old village. On the second Sunday in July, the Festa de le Cove is held, which originated from the desire to offer the Madonna a tribute of wheat to thank her for the good harvest.