The heart of the
Piceno, in the area called
Valdaso, with its castles and old Medieval villages,
farmhouses, mills and churches, where nature is closely intertwined with history. This valley has been inhabited since before Roman times and its rural landscape is dotted with orchards: peach blossom is the typical feature of the
Piceno springtime. Among the gems to be found in the area are many picturesque villages, like
Montefiore dell' Aso, where archaeological finds, necropolis, ancient Roman villas, Medieval churches and monasteries illustrate its history dating back to the iron age. Also worth a visit are
Monterinaldo with its wonderful Roman - Hellenistic temple ;
Campofilone with its fortified walls, towers, 11th century Benedictine abbey and its famous
Maccheroncini pasta ; Moresco with its castle, the original tower and triangular square ;
Montalto delle Marche, linked to Pope Sisto the Fifth, with its shrine and the 14th century fortified mill called
Zecca di Sisto V (
The Pope' s Mint) and
Ortezzano, whose origins date back to the
Piceno people (9th - 4th century BC). With its 30 centuries of history Fermo is an important destination for art and culture lovers. You will be enchanted by its "Piazza del Popolo" with the
Palazzo dei Priori, the gothic cathedral, palaces, library (the largest in Le Marche and one of the first 10 in Italy), museums, including the archaeological and diocesan, and the impressive
Teatro dell' Aquila. Of particular historical interest are the Roman cisterns built under the old town.