Ostra

What to know

Set on a hill between the valleys of the Misa and the Nevola, not far from Senigallia, Ostra is an elegant village enclosed within a well-preserved 14th-century circle of walls, which traces its profile along the ridge. Of ancient origins, the present historic centre developed in the medieval period under the name of Montalboddo, later changed to Ostra in the 19th century in memory of the ancient Roman city that stood in the valley. A faithful possession of the Papal States, the village preserves its intimate layout gathered around the square, with its arcades, the theatre and the churches rich in art, witnesses to a long past of devotion and culture. The walls, with their towers and walkways, testify to the defensive past of the community, grown at the crossing of ancient hill roads. Awarded the Orange Flag of the Touring Club, Ostra is today a quiet hill village immersed in a landscape of vineyards and cultivated fields, where the work of the land still marks the rhythm of the seasons. Appreciated for its historic and artistic heritage, for its popular traditions and for its closeness to the Adriatic coast and to the other walled villages of the valley, it offers the visitor the peace of the hill towns of the Marche. The surrounding hills, dotted with farmhouses, rows of vines and small country churches, invite walks and slow itineraries, in an area that harmoniously unites history, nature and authentic flavours a short distance from the sea. Here time seems to flow more slowly, among the scent of the fields and the tranquillity of a village that has stayed faithful to its farming roots.

What to see

The charm of Ostra is enclosed in its castle walls, with the towers and walkways that gird the historic centre and offer evocative walks along the defensive perimeter. The heart of the village is Piazza dei Martiri with its arcades, onto which face the town hall and the graceful Teatro La Vittoria, a 19th-century jewel with elegant interiors. Worth seeing are the numerous churches, among them the Collegiata of Santa Croce and Santa Lucia, rich in paintings, stuccoes and works of sacred art, and the Pinacoteca with its collection of canvases. Strolling among the alleys one comes upon evocative glimpses, stone portals and panoramas that range over the hills cultivated with vineyards to the horizon. In the surroundings open up food and wine itineraries among the cellars of Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, while the closeness to Corinaldo, Senigallia and the coast allows one to combine in a single journey walled villages, sea and countryside in a gentle and welcoming landscape. The surrounding territory, made of gentle rolling hills, farmhouses and orderly rows of vines, lends itself to excursions on foot and by bicycle along quiet roads immersed in greenery. The festivals and popular re-enactments, which enliven the village calendar, offer the chance to discover ancient traditions and the authentic hospitality of the community, in a succession of glimpses and atmospheres that make every visit a serene and engaging experience. Every corner of the village, from the arcades to the walls, invites one to slow the pace and enjoy the discreet beauty of this quiet corner of the Marche.

What to eat

The cuisine of Ostra is the genuine fare of the hills of the Vallesina and the Senigallia area, rich in handmade pasta and in farming flavours handed down over time. Among the first courses triumph cappelletti in broth, tagliatelle and vincisgrassi, the substantial Marche lasagna prepared with care on feast days. Among the main courses are coniglio in porchetta, flavoured with wild fennel and aromatic herbs, roast meats and local salumi, accompanied by cheeses and garden vegetables from the fields. The closeness to the sea also brings to the table the fish of the Adriatic, fresh and cooked according to the recipes of the coast. Providing the setting are the great wines of the territory: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, an elegant and versatile white, and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, a fragrant and intense red, produced in the nearby hills. Among the desserts one savours crostate, ciambelloni and the biscuits of the farming tradition, often linked to the festivities and served with sweet wine. The numerous village fairs celebrate these typical products, offering the chance to rediscover the hospitality and authentic rhythms of the Marche countryside in a convivial and familiar atmosphere, where good food is accompanied by the pleasure of being together and by the telling of local traditions, among garden scents, welcoming cellars and the warm welcome of the people of the village. In the trattorias and farm inns of the area the tradition is renewed with every course, between the authentic pleasure of the farmhouse table and the taste of ancient flavours.