Ripatransone

What to know

Defined the "belvedere of the Piceno", Ripatransone rises on a long panoramic ridge between the valleys of the Menocchia and the Tesino, dominating a vast territory that descends gently from the Sibillini down to the Adriatic. Of ancient origins, it was a flourishing free commune and episcopal see, rich in churches, palaces and cultural institutions that made it an important centre of power and faith. The historic centre, elegant and well preserved, retains its medieval layout with alleyways, squares and patrician palaces, witnesses of a prosperous and refined past. A curiosity of the village is the famous narrowest alley in Italy, barely some forty centimetres wide, an unmissable destination for visitors. Linked for centuries to the Papal States, Ripatransone safeguards a rich heritage of art and popular traditions, such as the spectacular Cavallo di Fuoco (Horse of Fire), a pyrotechnic display unique of its kind that lights up the sky amid sparks and glimmers. The surrounding landscape, made of hills planted with vineyards and orchards, offers panoramas of rare breadth in every direction. Awarded the Orange Flag of the Touring Club, it is today a destination appreciated for its panoramic position, for its historical and artistic heritage and for its proximity to the beaches of the Riviera delle Palme and to the hilly hinterland of the Piceno, a territory where art, nature and traditions blend in a harmony that wins over those who discover it calmly, following the slow and serene rhythm of the Marche villages.

What to see

The historic centre is discovered by strolling among alleyways, squares and patrician palaces, as far as the famous narrowest alley in Italy, an unmissable curiosity that amazes every visitor. Worth seeing are the Co-Cathedral, the Luigi Mercantini theatre, an elegant nineteenth-century Italian-style theatre, and the numerous churches rich in paintings, stuccoes and works of sacred art. The Pinacoteca and the civic museums, including the archaeological one, safeguard paintings, finds and works of value that recount the history of the territory from its ancient origins to the modern age. From the village's belvederes the gaze ranges over the hills planted with vineyards and orchards as far as the sea, with panoramas of rare breadth that earn the town the title of "belvedere of the Piceno". Ripatransone is famous for the Cavallo di Fuoco, a pyrotechnic spectacle that closes the patronal festivities lighting up the spring evening. The streets of the centre, well-kept and dignified, safeguard shops, historic cafes and intimate views that invite unhurried strolls, among stone portals and elegant facades. In the surroundings open up food-and-wine itineraries among the cellars of the Piceno and towards the coast of the Riviera delle Palme, amid vineyards, olive groves and old farmhouses. The panoramic position and the rich calendar of feasts, festivals and re-enactments make the village an ideal destination for combining art, traditions, landscape and the flavours of the Piceno territory, in a journey that offers unforgettable views and the genuine welcome of its people, keepers of an identity ancient and still alive.

What to eat

The cuisine of Ripatransone is the generous one of the Piceno, rich in flavours of hill and sea. Queen of the table are the famous olive all'ascolana, olives stuffed with meat and fried, together with the fritto misto all'ascolana, which combines vegetables, meats and cream in a festive dish. Among the first courses are maccheroncini, tagliatelle and vincisgrassi, the sumptuous lasagne of tradition, while among the main courses are roast meats and Adriatic fish, from the fragrant brodetto to the fritture di paranza. Not to be missed are the local cured meats, the spreadable ciauscolo and the sheep's cheeses, accompanied by field vegetables and by the extra-virgin olive oil produced on the surrounding hills. Giving character to the dishes are the great wines of the territory, first of all Rosso Piceno and the fresh Falerio, fruit of the vineyards that shape the hilly landscape. There is no shortage of stuffed vegetables, legume soups and the humble dishes of the rural tradition, simple and authentic flavours. Among the sweets stand out the delicacies of the Piceno tradition, from Carnival fritters to fruit and jam tarts. The village festivals and popular feasts, such as those linked to the striking Cavallo di Fuoco, offer the chance to savour these typical products in a festive atmosphere, among the trattorie of the village and the cellars of the hills, where the warm hospitality and the authentic flavours recount the soul of a fortunate land, suspended between the gentleness of the hills and the breeze of the Adriatic, capable of winning over every guest with its sincere and abundant table.