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.