Tolentino is situated in the heartland of the southern-central Marche and is a thriving medieval town set in rolling hills. It is surrounded by a long stretch of thirteenth-century walls.  
The handsome Basilica of St Nicholas of Tolentino has a valuable portal, a mix of Gothic flamboyant and early Renaissance style. The Augustinian cloister dates back to the first half of the fourteenth century. The most remarkable parts of the basilica are the grandiose Giottoesque frescoes in the gothic Cappellone di San Nicola ("Chapel of St. Nicholas") - vivid masterpieces of the 14th century, one of the most striking works of art in the Marche, made by Pietro da Rimini and his scholars. Must see attractions are also  the ex-voto Museum and the Ceramics Museum. In Piazza della Libertà there's the bell tower of the Church of San Francesco; it has become the symbol of the town,  thanks to the clock in four quadrants, with the moon phases,  the astronomical time, the days of the weeks and the months. You can't miss: Sangallo Palace, home to the International Museum of Caricature and Humour in Art; Parisani Bezzi Palace, where the Treaty of Tolentino between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Papal States was signed in February 1797; the cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Tolentino, San Catervo, housing the sarcophagus of the saint; the eighteenth-century Teatro Vaccaj. Just east of Tolentino, the swallowtail battlements of the Castello della Rancia come into view by the main road. This solid, square castle was built as a Benedictine abbey in the 12th century and transformed into a castle in 1357 for the ruling Da varano family. It has been the scene of many battles, the last of which was the defeat of Giocchino Murat, the King of Naples, whose first 19th century bid to unify Italy was thwarted by Austrian troops in May 1815 - the battle is re-enacted each May in a colourful event with hundreds of extras. Nearby is the Abbey of Fiastra, a noble old abbey, one of Italy's greatest example of Cistercian architecture.
Tolentino most popular dish is vincisgrassi, one of the region's best known pasta dishes, a kind of baked lasagna with a ragù, or meat sauce, that traditionally includes chicken giblets and sweetbreads or bone marrow. The most important event taking place in Tolentino during the year is the Biennial of Art, drawing artists and satirical cartoonists from all over the world.
The town also host the Festival of Choral Music "City of Tolentino", one of the most prestigious events of its kind.
Between late April and early May each year, it takes place the historical re-enactment Tolentino 815 with battles, camps and military events recalling the Battle of Tolentino in 1815.


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 Museum of the Basilica, that can be reached by staircase, houses numerous paintings and sculptures, precious ceramics, offerings and permanent Nativity exhibitions. The cloister is considered to be one of the most interesting in the Marche. Here the Saint's cell is found, now converted into the oratory of the Augustinian community that still preserves two early 16 th century frescoed lunettes, representing episodes of the saint’s life. 

The Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino is one of the most important sanctuaries of central Italy.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino (1245-1305) was an Augustinian friar, miracle worker and great preacher. He lived in the convent of the Hermit Friars of St. Augustine in the city, from 1275 until his death. He reached such a high notoriety during his life, especially for his extraordinary miracle working powers, that he was venerated and canonized in a short time (1325). St. Nicholas is venerated as the patron saint of the souls in purgatory and the protector of motherhood and childhood difficulties.
The basilica was consecrated in 1465. The interior is a rectangular nave with a polygonal apse. 

The coffered wooden ceiling and eight chapels date back to the 17th century. It preserves important works of art (S. Anna by Guercino, S. Tommaso da Villanova by G. Ghezzi). The great 17th century chapel of the Holy Sacrament, topped by a cupola, is on the left of the altar. The arms of St. Nicholas are preserved in the Chapel of the Holy Arms (Sante Braccia). An attempt at theft was made after the saint's death, but failed because the amputated arms began to gush blood. The miraculous event is represented in the painting by G. Foschi near the high altar. Two large paintings are preserved in the chapel, ex-voto offerings, “L’incendio del Palazzo Ducale a Venezia” by Matteo Stom and "La Peste a Genova” (or in Venice, according to some) by Giovanni Carboncino. 

Of particular value is the Cappellone (Chapel) whose frescoes painted by artists from Rimini (Pietro, Giuliano and Giovanni Baronzio) of the Giotto school, are the highest examples of 14th century painting in the Marche. The chapel floor plan is rectangular and has a cross vault. A Renaissance marble arch, with the statue of St. Nicholas above it, is in the centre of the Chapel. The Museum of the Basilica, that can be reached by staircase, houses numerous paintings and sculptures, precious ceramics, offerings and permanent Nativity exhibitions. The cloister is considered to be one of the most interesting in the Marche. Here the Saint's cell is found, now converted into the oratory of the Augustinian community that still preserves two early 16 th century frescoed lunettes, representing episodes of the saint’s life.

Due to the earthquake occurred in 2016, the basilica is temporarily closed. Nevertheless you can visit a room where the urn of the Saint has been placed. 

The impressive and magnificent Rancia castle is 7 km far from the centre of Tolentino. It was rebuilt by Andrea di Como in the 14^th century. The castle has a rectangular shape and it still preserves its original walls and  three towers. The keep is 30 meter height and is arranged on 4 levels. On the second level, there was the castellan’s room accessible through spiral stairs made of stones. The basement is illuminated by two high loopholes, and it was used as a prison. On the first floor, a porch is near a large living room, probably it was the part of the castle where the family lived. From the courtyard, it is possible to enter a little baroque chapel by the Jesuits. Many battles took place in the castle: the most famous battle was the victory of the Austrians against Gioacchino Murat in 1815.

 Belforte del Chienti is a hilly municipality which was founded in medieval times. It overlooks the river Chienti, it ‘s perched on a high ground and it’s still enclosed within the walls of the 14^th century castle. The typical hilly landscape of the Marche is all around. The Medieval urban layout has been well preserved as you can walk through the steep and narrow lanes, the small squares, widenings and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape.

In the historic centre you can see the two churches Sant'Eustachio and San Sebastiano (deconsecrated) , which are important buildings of religious art and architecture: the first one houses a valuable polyptych by Giovanni Boccati dating back to 1468; the second one boasts a nice 15^th century portal with flower engravings made with cotto tiles, a polychrome statue of St. Sebastian of the same age and it’s also the seat of the MIDAC museum ( International Dynamic Museum of Contemporary Art).

In the hamlet Santa Maria you can pay a visit to the church San Pietro Apostolo, which used to be the abbey of Silvestrine Benedictine Fathers, and in the hamlet San Giovanni worth visiting is the 15^th century church of St. John the Baptist.

Caccamo Lake is the ideal destination for a one day getaway.

You can find it along the valley of the Chienti river, in the heart of the Unione Montana Monti Azzurri (Mountain Union of the Blue Mountains), in the municipality of Serrapetrona, between Civitanova Marche and Foligno.

Along the banks of this lake, which is popular with fans of fishing and canoeing, it is also possible to enjoy relaxing walks, excursions and picnics. In its vicinity  are available a campsite, several agritourisms, many BBQs, a historic local restaurant, an equipped area for sunbathing, many outdoor tables and various amenities such as a space to play petanque, a kids' car circuit, biliardini and various games.

Here are also practiced canoe and kayak races and every week on Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 08 p.m., is organized a market offering typical local products such as oil and the renowned Vernaccia di Serrapetrona wine.