From the Riviera of the Palms to the Apennine National Parks

San Benedetto del Tronto  is one of the main holiday resorts of the southern Marche between the Tronto and Tesino rivers, with a touch of tropical charm, thanks to eight thousand palm trees on its wide promenade. San Benedetto boasts a lot of tourist accommodations, ranging from hotels and residences to about a wide range of private apartments giving tourists the opportunity to spend an enjoyable vacation on ”the Palm Tree Riviera”.

SEA TOURIST OFFER: By the sides of the boardwalk there are rich gardens, a pine grove, tennis courts, a skating trail and, at the mouth of the Albula creek where its first section ends,  a building, the Palazzina Azzurra (“Blue Palace”): a historical landmark of the city. South of it the most specifically touristic area begins, where beach resorts follow one another by one side of the road, and hotels and villas by the other. San Benedetto del Tronto beaches are suitable for children also because with their fine sand they can build castles and dig holes; furthermore,  the shallow sea bottom is the best to bathe wearing water wings or using an inflatable. Also worth visiting is the “Giardino Zio Marcello” (Uncle Marcel’s Garden) facing the free beach between resorts No. 36 and 37, an extended green area equipped with toy structures.  The boardwalk is further characterized by no less than 8000 palm trees, of many varieties, a lot of relax areas, playgrounds and “thematic gardens”, the “oases”: a dry and a wet garden, a palm grove, a rose garden, another one dedicated to the Mediterranean brush. The materials used to build the gardens are compatible with the new vocation of the boardwalk, and are meant to make them look like natural areas by the sea, where one can stop to admire the panorama or to get directly to the beach. A comfortable bike track runs along the whole shore for more than 15 km, reaching north up to Cupra Marittima and south to Via del Mare and Porto d’Ascoli. The town is endowed with a tourist port (awarded the Blue Flag in 2018), a fishing port and one of the most important wholesale fish markets in Italy. North of the mouth of the Tronto river there is the Riserva Naturale Sentina (Sentina Natural Park) characterized by the presence of migrant birds and by a sandy tract of the beach in whose hinterland  there are no buildings of any kind.

ATTRACTIONS: San Benedetto del Tronto has always been connected with sea and sea tradition. The Museums of the Sea includes the Maritime civilization Museum, the Amphorae Museum, the Fish Museum and the Truentinum Antiquarium. The Art Gallery of the Sea, opened in April of 2009, is part of the Museums of the Sea. The MAM (the Museum of Art on the Sea) is a permanent outdoor museum, collecting 145 works of art. The older part of the town, with its fourteenth century hexagonal Gualtieri Tower and  red brick houses, sits above the main resort. The most remarkable tourist attractions are: the Sanctuary of the Blessed Sacrament Modonna, the Santa Maria Cathedral of the Marina, the Church of St. Joseph, the Municipal Concordia Theatre, the Lighthouse. The typical dish of San Benedetto del Tronto is the “brodetto alla sambenedettese”, a tasty fish stew, which must be made with different species of fish. The recipe includes the addition of peppers and vinegar. The most significant events taking place in San Benedetto del Tronto are: the antique market "L'antico e le palme", which attracts Italian and foreign antique dealers and collectors; the Festival of Our Lady of the Navy (July); the "Libero Bizzarri Award", one of Italy's most famous documentary film competitions; Anghiò, the International Festival of Blue Fish.

It is one of the main holiday resorts in the southern Marche; it boasts a wide sandy beach, with over seven thousand palm trees on its wide promenade, known as one of the most enchanting in Italy.

Its shallow and calm water makes this beach ideal for long walks and romantic strolls.
San Benedetto del Tronto has one of the most important fishing ports on Italy's Adriatic coast and a remarkable fish market.
The “brodetto alla sambenedettese”, a tasty fish stew, is the most typical dish, which must be made with different species of fish.
The most pleasant stretch of beach - and the highest concentration of good hotels - runs from the centre of town southwards. The beach to the north of the large port area offers many stretches of free, public beach.
Along the newly renovated south promenade lie ten theme gardens filled with rare species of palm trees, small lakes and water games. Bike lovers can use a wide cycling path running for 15 km. San Benedetto boasts a lot of accommodation facilities, ranging from hotels and residences to about a wide range of private apartments giving tourists the opportunity to spend an enjoyable and memorable vacation on ”the Palm Tree Riviera”. The older part of the town sits above the main resort, with its castle and narrow streets of brick houses.

The Museum is located in the Fish Market complex and is part of the "Sea Museums Center" which already includes the 'Anphorae Museum and the "Capriotti Fish Museum".It also includes the "Sea Art Gallery" housed in the Piacentini Palace (Old City) and it is about to be completed with the archaeological section of the Antiquarium.

It was realised with the help of the Marche Region and Carisap Foundation, the Museum offers the visitors a rich collection of objects related to the sea civilization, thanks to the decisive contribution of many citizens who have donated various items concerning sea life which had been jealously fostered in their places for decades.

The Museum of the Sea - housed in  the Wholesale Fish Market at the North Pier of the port  - is a museum that San Benedetto del Tronto Town Council has dedicated to the sea. It includes the Antiquarian Truentinum, the Museum of amphorae, the Fish Museum, the Museum of Sea Civilization, the Art Gallery of the Sea, housed in "Palazzo Piacentini in the older part of the town; the Museum of Art on the Sea (MAM), that is a permanent open-air museum of contemporary art, along the south pier of San Benedetto del Tronto, boasting 163 works of art.

The Antiquarium Truentinum is one of the five sections of the the Sea Museum located in San Benedetto del Tronto. After its renovation, visitors can explore the museum since 2012. The tour starts having a look at the archaeological map of San Benedetto del Tronto. The places where artifacts were discovered are indicated on the map, as well as the architectural structures still visible today. The museum hosts lithic artifacts, man-made flint objects and ceramic fragments.

The Museum is located in the Fish Market complex and is part of the "Sea Museums Center" which already includes the 'Anphorae Museum and the "Capriotti Fish Museum".It also includes the "Sea Art Gallery" housed in the Piacentini Palace (Old City) and it is about to be completed with the archaeological section of the Antiquarium.

It was realised with the help of the Marche Region and Carisap Foundation, the Museum offers the visitors a rich collection of objects related to the sea civilization, thanks to the decisive contribution of many citizens who have donated various items concerning sea life which had been jealously fostered in their places for decades.

Born on 14th December 2004, the Riserva Naurale Regionale Sentina (Sentina Regional Nature Reserve) is the smallest protected area of The Marche and yet it has a great environmental value (Council Resolution no.156).
It is included in a landscape of water and sand that stretches for about 180 hectares in the Municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto, between the town of Porto d'Ascoli to the north and the river Tronto to the south.
Its special natural structure forms a homogeneous system of terrestrial areas, also including rivers and lakes: a sweet landscape of water and sand that stretches along the coast for about 1.7 km.
Ancient remains dating back to the 1600 and 1860, however, recall the presence of a lake basin, which however, due to urbanization and to reclamation works, has gradually disappeared.
Nonetheless, various studies testify the extraordinary natural and biogeographical value of this area.
The Sentina consists of unique environments such as sand bars, wetlands behind the dunes, and brackish grasslands that are home to a rich and unique flora which has disappeared in most of the Adriatic coast devastated by anthropization.
Floristically, here can be found species that in the rest of The Marche are threatened with extinction, such as the Aster tripolium and the Ammophila arenaria or vulnerable ones such as the Crypsis aculeia, the Sueda maritima, the Eryngium maritimum and the Medicago marina.
The typical landscape is that of the coastal valley: land, river and lakes areas can be found. It can host 171 species of animals, such as migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians.

This area is of remarkable importance for migratory birds, as it represents the only chance for a coastal stop between the delta wetlands of the Po river and the Gargano promontory.

Management Authority
Municipality of San Benedetto del Tronto
Viale De Gasperi, 124
63074 San Benedetto del Tronto (AP)
Tel. 0735 7941
www.comunesbt.it

GROTTAMMARE is a seaside resort of the Palm Tree Riviera, boasting a remarkable cultural and historical heritage and 5km of fine sandy beaches. It has been awarded the Blue Flag by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe), three “ Vele Blu “ by Legambiente and is included in the list of “The most beautiful villages in Italy”.
Its pretty traffic-free promenade is backed by some splendid examples of seaside Liberty architecture - grand villas that date back to the turn of the last century. Along with the many palm trees that line the seafront, bright flower beds and well-kept lawns give the place great charm.
The so called Pineta dei Bersaglieri is an area where children can play and have fun. If you wish to relax, you can enjoy sitting on a bench  in Piazza Kursaal, covering an area of about 5000 square meters, paved with travertine stone and decorated with a ground-level fountain, pine and palm trees.
The Medieval historic borgo up above the main resort has fine old buildings and great views out to sea. The most remarkable monuments are: the Church of Sant’Agostino and the attractive Church of Santa Lucia, built in 1597 in memory of the town's most famous son, Pope Sixtus V. In Piazza Peretti stand Teatro dell'Arancio and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, home to the Sistine Museum. Since 2004 the 16th century Tower of the Battle has been converted into a museum, housing an impressive collection of sculptures by Pericles Fazzini, who made the well- known “Resurrection” in Vaticano’s Sala Nervi.

The renovated museum dedicated to Giacomo Pomili houses the artist’s earliest works and further paintings depicting legends , female characters , landscapes, etc. In summer you can stroll along Corso Mazzini, full of street markets, listen to music in Piazza Fazzini or enjoy the big Cabaret at Parco delle Rimembranze. For those who love romantic atmosphere, you can listen to classical music and learn about poetry in the old medieval village. Cinema, art and theater are other forms of entertainment for all seasons.

The most remarkable events taking place in Grottammare are : Cabaret amoremio! - International Humor Festival (August), Liszt Festival (July / August), Juttenizie - gastronomic walk (August / September) and the Living Nativity (December 26 / January 1 and 6). 

Grottammare has also been awarded the Spiga Verde of the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe), thanks to the policies adopted for environmental sustainability and for involving citizens in the protection of the environment.

Grottammare is a small resort on the southern Marche "Riviera delle Palme”; it boasts 5 km of fine sandy beach. Along with the many palm trees that line the seafront, bright flower beds and well-kept lawns give the place great charm. Bike lovers have a wide cycling path at their disposal, running for about 20 km. Its traffic-free promenade is backed by some splendid examples of seaside Liberty architecture - grand villas  dating back to the turn of the last century.
The Medieval old village up above the main resort is surrounded by wall and has fine old buildings and an ancient theatre.





Tourist information
Tel . 0735 631087
www.visitgrottammare.it
www.rivieradellepalme.com

Until 2002, the museum was located in the Saint Augustine Church in Grottammare, but today it is situated in the Saint John the Baptiste Church, which hosts the original collection. The museum is part of the the Diocese of San Benedetto del Tronto, Ripatransone and Montalto Marche, shows objects about the relationship between Pope Sixtus V( who was born in Grottammare) and his birthplace.

The Church represents the centre of the urban widening of Grottammare designed by the architect Pietro Augustoni, in 1779, who designed at the same time the building. The portal has been designed by the sculptor Aldo Sergiacomi. The works started in 1780 and followed in a first moment the original project, which can be seen in the nave, in the apse and in the Dome. The building lasted long: in fact between 1847 and 1850 the Church was enlarged, the nave was completed and was realised the new façade designed by the architect Virginio Vespigniani.

The portal has been designed by the sculptor Aldo Sergiacomi, but realised only after his death from the aide Fausta Derna Perozzi. The doors remind the Jubilee Fair, St. Pio V and Sisto V. Some saints are also portrayed, among which the patron saint of Grottammare St. Paterniano and St. Teresa, and St. Umberto, to remember the committee’s parents. The interior preserves a lot of interesting works; the High Altar piece represents St. Pio V praying in front of the Virgin by the painter from Recanati Falconi, who portrays the saint Pope thanking the Virgin for the victory of the Christian Navy over the Turkish one in Lepanto.

The Church is the most important architecture of the ancient town, situated in a very visible position which features thanks to its façade, the view of the ancient town. It was built, as Pope Sisto V desired, on the spot where he was born, on 13 December 1521, and is named after the patron saint of his birthday.

The first project was entrusted to Domenico Fontana and the building was started in April 1590: after the Pope’s death, in the August of the same year. Fontana was dismissed from the charge and the work was interrupted. The building went on for will of Camilla Peretti, Sisto’s sister, as reminds the inscription on the architrave over the portal and the medal preserved in the Sisto’s Museum, with Camilla Peretti’s effigy on the recto and the Church’s façade on the verso. The building was probably finished in 1595 and in 1597 was considered collegiate Church by Pope Clemente VIII.

The Church presents an essential and plain style, inspired to the rigorous principles of the Tridentine architecture. Over the portal there was the Peretti family coat of arms, today inside the Church, while it is still in its original place the Sisto ‘s papal coat of arms.

The choir over the portal has got an organ, built in 1752 by Francesco Fedeli, who went back to play in December, 2002, after an accurate restoration. Among the works preserved in the Church, it is worth remembering the altar dedicated to St Vincenzo Ferreri, adorned with a canvas portraying the Madonna with St Vincenzo Ferreri, commissioned by Pietro Ravenna in 1723 and recently attributed to the painter Ubaldo Ricci from Fermo.

St. Martin’s Church is one of the most ancient religious buildings in Ascoli Piceno. It was founded by the Benedictine monks of the Farfa Abbey, probably between the 8^th and the 9^th century A.D. and was probably built where once stood the temple of the Etruscan Great Goddess Cupra. It contains many classical and medieval artefacts, such as the fragment of the foot of a giant statue walled up the entrance and two stones of the Middle Age, carved in bas relief and used as holy water fonts.

Cupra Marittima is a seaside resort belonging to the “Palm Tree Riviera” in southern Marche. The lush vegetation (pines, palms, oleanders), the shortish sandy beach and the peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect setting for a relaxed holiday. A wide cycling path crosses the resort and runs until San Benedetto del Tronto. Cupramarittima’s pride is an interesting shell museum, collecting over 900000 shells. Less than 1 km inland from the town stands the Medieval hilltop borgo of Cupra Alta or Marano, where you can visit historical churches and enjoy a marvellous view over the Palm Tree Riviera. In the northern part of Cupra Marittima, there’s an Archaeological Park, documenting the Roman settlement.


Tourist information
Tel . 0735 779193
iat@cupramarittima.org
www.cupramarittima.org
www.rivieradellepalme.com

Cupra Marittima is a seaside resort belonging to the “Palm Tree Riviera” in southern Marche. Behind the resort there are three hills: Sant'Andrea with the eponymous castle, recently restored; Marano, the medieval hilltop borgo of Cupra Alta, and Boccabianca.The lush vegetation ( pines, palms, oleanders), the shortish sandy beach and the peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. A wide cycling path crosses the seaside resort and runs until San Benedetto del Tronto.

ATTRACTIONS: Cupra Marittima's pride is the Piceno Malacological Museum, one of the world's most important shell museums, with a collection of over 900,000 shells. In the northern part of Cupra Marittima, there’s an Archaeological Park, documenting the Roman settlement: the urban layout of the Roman site is still recognizable. In nearby San Michele are the ruins of Villa Magna with a nymph, while in Civita the area of ​​the Forum can be seen. The archaeological site of Cupra Marittima hosts the Theatre Festival called TAU (Classical Theatre Productions), staging Greek and Roman plays. To the south of Sant'Andrea's hill are the ruins of St. Andrew's Castle, the remains of the XII century village. Heading west and turning north you come close to the medieval hilltop Marano, housing many art treasures: Villa Grisostomi Villa; the medieval church of Santa Maria in Castello; Palazzo Sforza; the Archaeological Museum of the territory, which is home to the Church of the Annunciation with its artistic permanent Nativity of Spanish art; the Church of the Suffrage, boasting the wonderful altarpiece of the "Deposition". It's worth visiting the Collegiate Church of St. Basso to admire the extraordinary triptych made by Vittore Crivelli and once entirely painted by Giuseppe Pauri in the thirties of the twentieth century. You can also appreciate the impressive staircase built by Vespignani and then reach Piazza della Libertà in front of the Town Hall, with its beautiful clock tower designed by Sacconi. In August the Feast of St. Basso enlivens the town.

Acquaviva Picena is a small town located in the hinterland of San Benedetto del Tronto; it  lies on a hill where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Apennines. In Acquaviva Picena flies the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag), that is a recognition of quality awarded by the Touring Club Italiano to small towns (population 15,000 or less) in Italy for excellency in tourism, hospitality and the environment.

The village features the fortress, a real masterpiece of Renaissance military architecture, whose first construction dates back to the fourteenth century. It was then rebuilt in 1474 by architect Baccio Pontelli. The plan is an irregular quadrangle, enclosing a large central courtyard with a well, with the tops strengthened by pinnacle towers. The highest tower, the keep, has a cylindrical shape and is about 22 m high. The interior, which is occupied by two vaulted rooms which are linked by a masonry staircase, now houses an interesting exhibition of ancient weapons. At the foot of the fortress is the square of the Fort, which is impressive with its small houses. The square of S. Nicholas is in the heart of the old town, surrounded by homonymous sixteenth century church, Casa Rossi Panelli and the Civic Tower. Outside the old town, the Church of San Francesco with the adjoining convent is the oldest Franciscan site of the whole region, established by the same S. Francesco d' Assisi upon invitation of the Acquaviva family. The traditional activity of the village is the production of straw baskets, carried out according to a method handed down from generations.

It is a typical female tradition of Offida "the art of pillow lace", which today is still passed on by generation to generation. In the historical centre there is the monument devoted to the lace makers, by the sculptor Aldo Sergiacomi.

The tourist, which walks along the alleys and streets of Offida, will surely come across, especially in the summer evenings many women of Offida of all ages, seated near their front doors, working the pillow lace.

A real art, a typically female tradition goes back to the 15th century. At the beginning only the popular class was involved in this work, but gradually the pillow lace's art infected also the religious communities and noble families. The Benedictine nuns, who arrived in Offida in 1655, (see information on St. Marco Monastery) gave a great boost to the diffusion of the pillow lace.

The Historic Carnival of Offida covers the lapse of time between 17^th January and the first day of Lent and is characterized by a triumph of traditions that make the event of this village, that is part of the Club of The most Beautiful Villages of Italy, a uniqueexperience. The Carnival of Offida, which origins date back to the mid-eighteenth Century, is featured by some very exciting moments such as the representation of the hunting of "lu bov fint" on the first Friday of Carnival, in which a shape of an ox being led by men covered with a white cloth with red stripes, called "lu guazzarò" and dating back to the tradition of rural work, runs through the streets of the village. Now an equally important and rich tradition is the procession of the "Vlurd" which takes place on the evening of Shrove Tuesday when long fiery bundles of reeds are taken along the streets and thrown in the square for the final bonfire symbol of the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent. Characteristic is also the “Veglionissimi” which take place in the splendid setting of the Serpente Aureo Theatre (Golden Snake Theatre). A fundamental role is played by the Congreghe (congregations), typical masked groups that, to the sound of their brass-bands, give birth to propitiatory farces mostly focused on the themes of virility and fertility. For the occasion, tourists and people from neighboring villages come to Offida not to be spectator of parades of great floats but to be involved in a true celebration of the people where, laying aside any rule or social convention, it is a must to have fun playing as actors of symbolic representations of great value in force and instinct.

Being linked to the traditions of Ascoli Piceno, Castignano and Pozza-Umito, the Carnival of Offida represents one of the most important events of the year in the entire Piceno territory.

For more information: http://www.turismoffida.com/carnevale-storico-offidano.html

The 2016 program can be seen on: http://www.inoffida.it/carnevale_offidano_003.html 

On one side of central Piazza Arringo is the "Cathedral of Saint Emidius".

The cathedral underwent many adaptations between the eighth and sixteenth centuries. The first building actually dates back to the fourth or fifth century, according to some on the site of the Roman forum or on an building existing in Roman times, perhaps dedicated to Hercules or to the Muses.

Some archaeological finds unearthed between 1882 and 1883 show that the cathedral was built using the remains of the civil basilica of the Roman Forum, still visible in the older parts of the building as the transept, the part of the apses and the dome from the end of the eighth or early ninth century.

The facade, built between 1529 and 1539 , was designed by Cola dell'Amatrice, has only one architectural style and a central main entrance to the cathedral.

Two Romanesque travertine towers rise at the edge of the facade while the Renaissance Door of the Muse is situated at the side; it’s named from an epigraph on its outside wall.

In the interior there are extraordinary works of art; it’s in the shape of a Latin cross and in Romanesque- Gothic style; it’s divided into a nave and two aisles and in the crypt below St. Emidio’s corpse is kept. In the Sacrament Chapel, above the altar  where a valuable sixteenth-century tabernacle in gilded wood and a painting of uncertain origin are placed, there’s the splendid polyptych by Carlo Crivelli, one of the few works of art that weren’t pillaged by Napoleon’s troops and that weren’t sold during the nineteenth-century. 

It’s one of the very few works of art by the Venetian master which has preserved intact all of its parts, including the complex frame. Crivelli masterfully represents the Virgin with saints and apostles. The Virgin sits on a throne decorated with precious marble and with the characteristic fruit festoon having rich symbolic meanings. With great virtuosity he also paints the cope and the crosier of Saint Emidius, the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno to whom the cathedral is also dedicated.

The cathedral will be opened again at Easter 2017 and in the following week. Then it will be probably open every day.

The unique and evocative sanctuary of St. Emidius alle Grotte is a magnificent example of religious Baroque art in the Marche. It’s called “ alle grotte” because it’s placed against the caves of the old Christian necropolis.

It’s set apart from the town and it’s surrounded by vegetation and silence.

People say that St. Emidius himself brought here miraculously his decapitated head in order to be buried here.

This site was rediscovered in 1721 as the people from Ascoli Piceno wanted to thank their patron saint for the protection allowed during the earthquake of the year 1703. The most famous local architect of that time, Giuseppe Giosafatti, projected the little temple: he unearthed the pre- Christian caves by partially demolishing the stone wall and he added a finely carved travertine façade to it.

This traditional medieval fight on horseback (La Quintana) has been celebrated every year in Ascoli Piceno since medieval times (originally dating back possibly to  Roman Times). Every first Sunday in August, in order to celebrate St. Emidio, the first bishop of the city and patron saint, it is here organized this most thrilling tournament where clarions and the roll of drums echo around lanes, streets and the valley, with thousands of people in their colorful and elegant medieval outfits crowding the city and bringing it back to an antique and glorious past.
For some time now there is also an edition of the Quintana at night, on the second Saturday of July; this event is renewed every year since 1955 when, after a period of suspension, it took place again.
In short, a thrilling event!

Pope Niccolo IV (Girolamo Masci) was the first Franciscan Pope in the history of the Church. He was born in 1227 in Lisciano, a few kilometers far from Ascoli Piceno, and he died in 1292.

In 1288 he gave the cathedral of Ascoli Piceno a thirteenth century outstanding cope made in England of great quality. At present it’s displayed in Ascoli Piceno Town Museum.

He moved the seat of the Curia from Rome to Rieti and he lived in the hope of the reunification of Western and Eastern churches.

He played an important role in Medieval culture, as, in November 1290, he laid the foundation stone of the new cathedral of Orvieto, and gave a strong impulse to universities, including that of Macerata and Ascoli Piceno in the Marche and abroad, in Montpellier.

He ordered the re-founding of the city of Cagli, destroyed by a fire started by the Ghibellines in 1287 in an attempt to take over the Guelph government of the free commune.

Acquasanta Terme  is a southern municipality of the Marche, along the Salaria road, a consular road that connects Rome to Ascoli Piceno, where the Garrafo  stream  flows into the Tronto river. It’s surrounded by a particularly natural environment, characterized by hills and by the the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, to which it belongs, and the Sibillini mountains to the south.  

Nature lovers will find ideal its woods of chestnuts, firs,  beeches and oaks. Starting from Pozza and Umito there are wonderful excursions to the Volpara and Prata waterfalls of the Laga Park as well as to the Macera della Morte pathway.

Chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles are appreciated by gourmands.

Acquasanta Terme has been known since Roman times for its thermal waters. The thermal establishment offers  a wide variety of cures ( mud therapy, wellness centre, aesthetic centre, sulphorous swimming pool, etc…).

Travertine is extracted in the important local quarries.

Acquasanta also offers interesting cultural itineraries, such as Castel di Luco, a wonderful 14^th century round – shaped castle which lies not far from the town centre, built upon a rocky spur. (This castle has been damaged by the earthquake in the year 2016). There are also important Roman buildings such as the Garrafo bridge, the first stone bridge built along the Salaria road, with a single round arch which still supports a 19^th century bridge. In the hamlet Ponte d’Arli  you can still admire some Roman walls supporting the Salaria road by the Roman Emperor Augustus and the 16^th century Ponte Vecchio, built by the master builders from Como in the most rigorous respect of Roman building rules,a unique synthesis of civil architecture and natural environment. Nearby lies the 17th century water mill.   

Among religious buildings worth mentioning are: in Acquasanta Terme the Church of  San Giovanni Battista, which houses two paintings by Giulio Cantalamessa, a 19^th century painter and critic of art from the area of Ascoli Piceno, and the 14^th century round- shaped church of Santa Maria Maddalena with a 18^th century painting of Maria Magdalene by Cardi di Cagli; in the hamlets: the 13^th century church of San Lorenzo in Paggese with a  valuable 16^th century triptych “Madonna and Child with Saints Mark and Lawrence” attributed to Pietro Alemanno, a fine 14^th century travertine canopy and the wonderful travertine tombstones set in the church floor; the 13^th century abbey and monastery of San Benedetto by Farfa monks in Valledacqua, with some remainders of frescoes.

For those interested in history, worth mentioning is the cemetery located between Pozza and Umito, which is dedicated to the massacred victims during World War Two in the fight between Italian and Slavic partisans and the German enemy.

Among traditional festivals worth mentioning are the Historical Carnival of the Picenum in the hamlets of Pozza and Umito; in summer the sculpture symposium “The travertine shapes”; on 10^th of August the “Festa of San Lorenzo” with historic re-enactment in medieval costumes and dinner in the square of Paggese; the “Festa d’autunno” (“Autumn festival”), on the third Sunday of October with market of forest products, photo exhibitions and performances; at Christmas the exhibition of artisans’ cribs in the little village of Quintodecimo.

 The historic center, the monuments and the museums of the town are partially accessible. For information please write to Toll-free Number Marche Tourism (numeroverde.turismo@regione.marche.it) or contact the phone numbers listed below.

The Monastery of San Benedetto in Valledacqua is situated in a hill, pretty close to the National Park of Sibillini Mountains and the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga ; it dates back to 970 a.d.; the frescoes on some walls retain the original architecture. It was completely restored in 2002 by Ascoli Piceno's Curia and the Ministry of Culture in 2002 ; it now houses a community of Camaldolesi Nuns. The simple facade has a  thirteenth century sail shaped tower. The monastery includes a guesthouse, with a total capacity of 38 rooms; it is open all around the year and welcomes those who wish to share the experience of prayer and liturgy with the nuns in a peaceful atmosphere.

The National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga covers an area of 150.000 hectares of protected land, 9.900 of which are in the Marche. It was established in 1995; the towns included in the park are Arquata del Tronto and Acquasanta Terme. Further south of the Sibillini Mountains, over the gorges carved out by the river Tronto, stand the Laga Mountains, that are the northern part of the national park, which also includes the Gran Sasso massif. Monti della Laga are made up of sandstone and marl; Mount Gorzano is the highest peak reaching 2,458 metres. In the park there are over 2,000 species of plants, such as the edelweiss of the Apennines and several rare orchids. While the Gran Sasso area is full of pastures , Monti della Laga are mainly covered with forests. The most widespread trees are: the beech, the holly, the maple, the lime, the ash, the fir and the mountain elm . The most typical animal living in the park is the chamois. There are also other animals like the deer, the roe deer , the wolf, the bear , the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon and the eagle owl . Beautiful excursions can be made all around the year; the mountains are also ideal for rock climbing, skiing, hiking or skiing. In winter time Laga waterfalls offer unusual and challenging routes for climbers.

Info
Center for Environment Education
Due Parchi
Fraz. Borgo
63096 Arquata del Tronto (AP)
Management: Cooperativa Forestalp
Tel. 071 9330066
info@forestalp.it