Senigallia between sea and hills: discovering the hamlets

Senigallia

Senigallia is not merely a seaside resort, but a true state of mind capable of winning over every visitor. Famous throughout Europe as the picturesque “Velvet Beach” thanks to its fourteen kilometres of fine, golden sand, this destination in the Marche region boasts a fascinating and unexpected dual character. On the one hand, it shines with the infectious energy of its seafront promenade, whose undisputed symbol is the splendid Rotonda a Mare: an architectural masterpiece from the 1930s which, with its unmistakable shell-like shape suspended above the waves and its long jetty, offers unforgettable sunsets and a magical atmosphere. Leaving the sound of the surf behind and crossing the River Misa, you discover the other face of the town: an elegant Renaissance-style historic centre. Here stands the majestic Rocca Roveresca, an ancient fortification that tells of centuries of history right up to the splendour of Duke Giovanni della Rovere, overlooking the picturesque and scenic Piazza del Duca. The heart of the city beats beneath the long Portici Ercolani, a marvellous 18th-century colonnade in Istrian stone that today houses shops and cafés, and extends towards the nearby Foro Annonario. This circular neoclassical structure is the true hub of the town: it brings the city to life by day with its lively fish and fruit and vegetable market, before transforming at sunset into the centre of nightlife, with wine bars, live music and shared smiles. Senigallia also stands out as a renowned culinary capital. It is an extraordinary place where the haute cuisine of internationally acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs – who have turned it into a true destination of choice – coexists harmoniously with the authentic, down-to-earth flavours of local tradition, from the historic cheese pizzas to the classic fried fish served in a paper cone, to be enjoyed whilst sitting on the pier. This people-friendly city, perfectly flat and bike-friendly, is ideal for exploring by bicycle, savouring its slow but never dull pace. The energy reaches its peak in August with the Summer Jamboree, the famous international festival that takes the streets back to the 1950s in a riot of rock ’n’ roll, vintage cars and pure joy. Elegant and vibrant, romantic and modern, Senigallia is a destination that you don’t just visit, but experience intensely in every nuance.

Senigallia

Senigallia isn’t just a seaside resort: it’s a state of mind. Famous throughout Europe as the “Velvet Beach” for its very fine sand, it is a city with a double soul. On one side is the overwhelming energy of the sea and Summer Jamboree (the world’s largest 1950s festival held here), on the other is a Renaissance historic center of rare beauty and a concentration of Michelin-starred chefs that has made it one of Italy’s gastronomic capitals.

Famosa in tutta Europa come la Spiaggia di Velluto per la sua sabbia finissima e per i suoi oltre 14 km di costa dorata, è una città dalla doppia anima. Da un lato c’è l’energia travolgente del mare, degli eventi estivi e del Summer Jamboree, il festival anni ’50 più grande al mondo, dall’altro un centro storico rinascimentale di rara bellezza e una concentrazione di chef stellati che l’ha resa una delle capitali gastronomiche d’Italia.

Il viaggio a Senigallia inizia quasi sempre dalla Rotonda a Mare, l’icona della città. Costruita negli anni ’30 in stile razionalista, sembra una conchiglia sospesa sull’acqua, collegata alla terra da un pontile che al tramonto diventa un luogo magico dove il mare si racconta con il rumore delle onde. È uno spazio che ospita mostre, eventi, matrimoni, ma è affascinante anche solo da contemplare dall’esterno, magari con un gelato in mano.

Lasciando la spiaggia e attraversando il fiume Misa, si arriva alla Rocca Roveresca, un monumento che racchiude secoli di storia. Le sue mura raccontano delle antiche fortificazioni romane fino al grande rinnovamento voluto dal Duca Giovanni della Rovere nel Rinascimento. Passeggiando tra i cortili e i camminamenti interni si può immaginare la vita militare del Quattrocento, mentre la scenografica Piazza del Duca, che si apre proprio di fronte, ricorda quanto Senigallia sia anche una città elegante e ricca di arte.

Scendendo verso il cuore urbano, ci si ritrova sotto i Portici Ercolani, un lunghissimo colonnato in pietra d’Istria costruito nel Settecento. Oggi custodisce botteghe, negozi e caffè, diventando uno dei luoghi preferiti per lo shopping e le passeggiate serali. Poco distante si trova il Foro Annonario, capolavoro neoclassico a pianta circolare, che al mattino ospita il vivace mercato del pesce e della frutta e alla sera si trasforma nel centro della vita notturna, con enoteche, musica dal vivo e l’atmosfera conviviale tipica delle città di mare.

Senigallia è anche una capitale del gusto. Nonostante le sue dimensioni contenute, qui lavorano alcuni dei più importanti chef d’Italia, tra cui Mauro Uliassi e Moreno Cedroni, che hanno trasformato la città in una meta di culto per gli amanti dell’alta cucina. Ma il buon cibo è alla portata di tutti: dalle pizze al formaggio dei forni storici al cartoccio di pesce fritto da gustare seduti sul molo, qui la tradizione gastronomica è un patrimonio condiviso, semplice e raffinato allo stesso tempo.

Per visitare la città bastano uno o due giorni, ma il rischio è di voler restare di più. Al mattino si può godere della spiaggia o del mercato al Foro Annonario, nel pomeriggio esplorare la Rocca Roveresca e le vie del centro storico, e la sera lasciarsi tentare da un aperitivo vista mare e da una cena in uno dei tanti ristoranti di qualità. Senigallia è pianeggiante e bike-friendly, quindi la bicicletta è il mezzo ideale per muoversi lungo il lungomare e nel centro.

Ad agosto arriva il momento più iconico dell’anno: il Summer Jamboree, quando la città torna letteralmente agli anni ’50 tra rock’n’roll, abiti vintage, auto americane e concerti che animano ogni angolo. Per chi cerca tranquillità è meglio evitare quella settimana, ma per chi ama musica e divertimento è un’esperienza unica e irripetibile.

Senigallia è così: elegante e vivace, lenta e frizzante, romantica e moderna. Una città che non si visita soltanto, ma si vive.

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Piazza Roma 8, Senigallia, Italy

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Marzocca

Marzocca, Senigallia’s most populous and lively coastal hamlet, is an enchanting strip of land nestled between the blue of the sea and the green of the Marche hills. Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag since 1996, this resort embodies the authentic charm of a deep-rooted seafaring tradition combined with welcoming tourist development. Its roots date back to the Middle Ages, but its fishing heritage, particularly linked to clam harvesting, was the mainstay of the coast until the early 20th century. It was then in the 1930s, thanks to the vision of Count Giovanni Fiorenzi, that Marzocca began to transform into a sought-after holiday destination through the construction of elegant villas. Strolling through its streets, one discovers historic and modern sites that reveal its deepest soul. The Church of St Anthony of Padua stands out, a building with modern circular architecture characterised by a striking dome inspired by the Pantheon and embellished inside with frescoes by Father Marko Rupnik. On the seafront, watching over local traditions, stands the Madonnina del Pescatore, a picturesque turreted shrine that for almost a century has served as a landmark and a symbol of protection for those setting out to sea. The region’s excellence and innovation are also reflected in the aromas of Michelin-starred chef Moreno Cedroni’s botanical garden, situated right opposite the beach, cementing an indissoluble and creative bond between the coastal landscape and haute cuisine. With its boundless horizons and relaxed atmosphere, Marzocca is today the perfect retreat for those seeking the tranquillity of seaside life without sacrificing the richness of local culture and flavours.

Marzocca

Marzocca is a lively coastal hamlet in the municipality of Senigallia, located on the border with Montemarciano and characterized by a privileged position between sea and hills. The town, which in 1996 was awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of its water and services, retains a unique charm made up of maritime tradition and modern tourist development.

History and development

The origins of Marzocca date back to the Middle Ages, when the area was lapped by the sea and characterized by salt pans and brackish lakes. Until the 14th century, the territory was crossed by fishing routes and the post station for changing horses. Over the centuries, the hamlet has maintained its agricultural and fishing vocation: until the early twentieth century, it was inhabited mainly by clam breeders and fishermen, whose production was transported to cities such as Rome, Turin, and Naples via the Marzocca railway station.

Modern tourist development began in the ’30 years thanks to Count Giovanni Fiorenzi da Osimo, who began the construction of villas for families from various Italian cities. Since then Marzocca has become the most populous hamlet of Senigallia.

What to see in Marzocca

Church of Sant’Antonio da Padova: originally built in 1918 by vow of the Knight. Campari, the church was rebuilt in 1979 to a modern design with a circular plan and a dome reminiscent of the Pantheon. Inside, contemporary frescoes by Father Marko Rupnik depict biblical scenes and figures of saints. Every year, on June 13th, the Patron Saint’s Day is celebrated with an evocative procession towards the sea.

Madonnina del Pescatore: On the seafront, this small turret-shaped shrine is a landmark and protection for local fishermen. Built in the years ’30 and restored in 1991, the niche houses the wooden statue of the Virgin and becomes a place of prayer during the feast of August 15th.

Moreno Cedroni Botanical Garden: Located directly across the sea, this garden provides the aromatic herbs used by Michelin-starred chef Cedroni, creating a unique connection between cuisine and nature.

The charm of the coast

Marzocca is ideal for those who love the sea and the tranquility of the beach, as well as for those who want to explore the local culture and typical gastronomy. The maritime landscapes, with the sea as far as the eye can see and the profile of the hills in the background, offer perfect scenery for walks, photographs and moments of relaxation.

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Montignano

Montignano is a picturesque hillside hamlet of Senigallia, nestled amongst the green hills of the Marche region and offering views of the Adriatic Sea. The village retains the atmosphere of an ancient medieval settlement, characterised by narrow streets, stone houses and picturesque views that tell the thousand-year-old history of the area. Montignano is an ideal stop for those wishing to combine history, nature and breathtaking views, whilst enjoying the vista of the surrounding hills and the Adriatic Sea.

Montignano

Montignano is a picturesque hilltop hamlet of Senigallia, nestled between the greenery of the Marche hills and views of the Adriatic. The village retains the atmosphere of an ancient medieval core, characterized by narrow streets, stone houses, and evocative views that tell the story of the area’s thousand-year history.

Main attractions

Church of San Giovanni Battista: located in the heart of the village, the church dates back to the Middle Ages and was under the guidance of the monks of Chiaravalle Abbey. Rebuilt after the 1930 earthquake, it houses a precious Callido organ from 1770 and hosts religious and cultural events. The patronal feast of San Giovanni Battista, on June 28th, enlivens the town with processions and concerts by the local choir.

Torre Albani: outside the center, in a panoramic position after the cemetery, the tower was an ancient military garrison built by the Montefeltro family at the end of the fifteenth century to monitor the territory and the coast. Renovated and expanded in the 18th century by the Della Rovere family and later by the Ruspoli family, it still retains the charm of its historical sighting function today.

Montignano is an ideal stop for those who want to combine history, nature and breathtaking views, enjoying views of the surrounding hills and the Adriatic Sea.

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Church of San Giovanni Battista – Montignano

The Church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the Middle Ages, under the spiritual guidance of the monks of Chiaravalle Abbey, while the administration was entrusted to the bishops of Senigallia.
In the second half of the 16th century, the church was restored, as noted during the visit of Bishop Pietro Ridolfi. In 1752, the church was expanded and modernized. Following the 1930 earthquake, the church was demolished and rebuilt, consecrated in 1933 by the Bishop of Senigallia Tito Maria Cucchi. On the left, in an isolated position, is the bell tower of the previous church, which remained standing: it is made up of three superimposed modules, with a bulbous spire that surmounts the bell chamber, the bells are from 1672 and 1752. The façade is in neo-Romanesque style, with a porch, arched portals and small arches along the slopes of the roof. Three radial rose windows complete the ornamentation of the facade.

The interior of the church is based on a Latin cross plan with three naves divided into four bays, of which the last one towards the presbytery is smaller. The church is illuminated by single-lancet windows placed along the walls of the side naves and by windows created under the ceiling impost. The central nave ends with a curved apse in whose wall there are three single-lancet windows with stained glass. The arches of the naves are supported by bundled pillars composed of four columns with Corinthian capitals. The three naves have a flat, coffered roof with panel decoration and supported by beams, while the apse has a smooth, undecorated semi-spherical dome vault. The main altar is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the two smaller ones to Our Lady of Good Counsel and the Holy Crucifix.

In 1969, the 1930 presbytery was completely dismantled: the new altar consists of a base covered with a wooden panel depicting the Last Supper, on the sides there are two wooden ambos carved with statues of the Four Evangelists. The tabernacle is placed in the center of the semicircular septum behind the altar and is accessed via a short staircase. The Stations of the Cross were renovated in the 1990s by the artist Lorenzo Marconi. Inside there is a precious Callido organ built in 1770 for the Collegiate Church of San Francesco di Corinaldo and purchased in 1964 by Don Pietro Sallei, parish priest of Montignano from 1953 to 2003. The feast days of the patron saint, St. John the Baptist, are deeply felt on June 28th, with a procession and concert by the St. John the Baptist Choir, St. Petronilla at the end of May, and St. Anthony the Abbot, a saint particularly attached to the countryside and animal protection.

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Via Principe Umberto, 7, 60019 Senigallia AN 7

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The Tower of Montignano

Tor Feltresca…Albani Tower…Montignano Tower stands atop the highest hill facing the sea, opposite the hill on which Montignano stands.
Built towards the end of the ‘400, a watchful eye towards the sea, it was to serve the “Feltreschi” that is, first the Montefeltro and then the Della Rovere, lords of Senigallia, as a lookout and communication point in case of attack and danger from the sea. Communications were carried out promptly with visual and light signals, torches and fires, in order to signal and hinder the incursions of Turkish corsairs invading the Adriatic, alerting the armed garrison of the Rocca di Senigallia, Montemarciano up to Ancona, as well as the towers in the more inland territories.
Towards the end of the 18th century the Tower was mentioned as Torre Albani, belonging to the noble Albani family, who owned the entire territory up to Senigallia, in 1830 it was restored: a floor was added, narrower than the body of the tower, and the central staircase was modified
At the end of the nineteenth century it was purchased by Prince Emanuele Ruspoli, landowner, member of parliament, mayor of Rome, and city councilor in Senigallia. The Ruspoli family marked this area from a historical and economic point, in Montignano there was also the holiday villa …

The coat of arms on the entrance door is that of Emanuele Ruspoli, in polychrome ceramic, it has a circular shape, bordered with green leaves, in the centre is reproduced the shield of the family (6 hills) with the initials of Emanuele Ruspoli on the sides, surmounted by a crown.

In 1973 the property passed to other families and is still private property (Manzoni family).

Built with reddish bricks, the tower is 18.6 meters high and has a base formed by a rectangle of 11 meters for the North and 10 meters West and East sides respectively.

When it was raised by one floor, the original battlements were eliminated, and on the added third floor a Guelph-type battlements (square summit) were placed. At the top there is a small bell gable inside which we can find a bell with the date written in Roman numerals MDLXVII (1567) and the Della Rovere symbol.
On the north facade, the one with the entrance door, it is still possible to see a blind arch, which indicates the location of the very first entrance, which was originally located on the first floor and was reached by a ladder, which could be pulled up in case of enemy attack.

Over the years, the Manzoni family has carried out consolidation and embellishment works, contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the building.

Secret passage to the Rocca di Senigallia? Or up to the Prati della Maddalena, in front of the church of the same name?

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Strada Torre Campetto, 158, 60019 Senigallia AN 158

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Castellaro

Castellaro is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The Giusti Winery, nestled in the hills, produces organic wines such as the famous Lacrima, a true expression of the Marche region, continuing a family tradition that dates back to 1930. After this wine-tasting stop, the route winds through the hills, passing through the small village of Grottino before reaching Filetto.

Castellaro

Castellaro is a small hilltop hamlet of Senigallia nestled in the greenery of the Marche countryside, known for its winemaking tradition and the views that embrace the surrounding hills. The village is an ideal stop for lovers of good wine and local products, thanks to the presence of wineries that promote the area’s native varieties.

Main attractions

Giusti Winery: a local excellence where you can taste organic wines such as Lacrima di Morro d’Alba and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, the fruit of a long family tradition that began in 1930.

Scenic landscapes: the hilly location allows you to enjoy evocative views of the Marche countryside and the vineyards that characterize the area, offering ideal views for photography and nature enthusiasts.

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Filetto

An ancient settlement, inhabited since Neolithic times, Filetto is home to the Church of Santa Maria del Filetto, linked to the Knights of St John and rich in historical frescoes. The village was also the site of Roman and Byzantine settlements, which have left their mark on the area. Continuing on, you pass through the hamlet of Bettolelle, where you can stop at Cantina Mezzanotte, famous for its local wines such as Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba. From here, the route heads towards Sant’Angelo. Along this stretch, the surrounding hills offer vantage points from which one can recognise the scenes dear to Giacomelli: rows of vines, fields and hills that seem suspended in time.

Filetto

Immersed in the tranquility of the Senigallia countryside, Filetto is much more than just a hamlet: it is a place that has breathed history since the Neolithic, preserving traces of a strategic past that saw a succession of Roman and Byzantine settlements. The beating heart of this thousand-year-old memory is the Church of Santa Maria del Filetto, a building with ancient charm linked to the order of the Knights of Jerusalem and custodian of precious historical cabrei that document its importance. The journey through these hills is not only a historical path, but also a visual and emotional one: looking around, one immediately recognizes the geometries of earth and light, the rows and fields suspended in time that inspired Mario Giacomelli’s famous photographs. Descending towards nearby Bettolelle, the experience becomes sensory with a mandatory stop at Cantina Mezzanotte, where the glasses fill with native delicacies such as Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, preparing the traveler for the next stop towards Sant’Angelo.

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Sant’Angelo

Sant’Angelo is one of the oldest and most picturesque hamlets of Senigallia, situated on a hill overlooking the Adriatic coast and the surrounding rolling hills. Its strategic and panoramic location has made the village the subject of some of Giacomo Giacomelli’s most famous photographic works, capturing glimpses of rural landscapes and views of the town and the sea. Main attractions Church of Sant’Angelo: dating back to the 11th century, it is the spiritual heart of the hamlet. It preserves local religious traditions and maintains the atmosphere of the small rural villages of the Marche hinterland. Historic village: the narrow streets and houses of Sant’Angelo retain an old-world charm, typical of hilltop villages, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. Giacomelli’s Views: from the hilltop vantage points, you can admire the views that inspired the famous photographer from Senigallia, which have become visual icons of the area. Sant’Angelo is the perfect stop for those seeking an authentic experience, combining religious traditions, historic architecture and the beauty of the Marche landscape.

Church of San Michele Arcangelo – Sant’Angelo

Inside the Church of San Michele Arcangelo which is located within the community of Sant’Angelo. The first document that attests to the existence of a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel dates back to 1081, although in all likelihood a church dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel already existed some time earlier. Some sources even tell us of an entrance gate to the city of Senigallia with the name Porta Sant’Angelo. So it is not excluded that what was originally Porta Sant’Angelo, then later became a community of Sant’Angelo, a little detached from the city center, where the church dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo was later built.

It has undergone several renovations over the centuries, starting in the 16th century, where under Bishop Marco Vigerio II della Rovere it underwent a truly decisive and fundamental restoration, only to be restored again several times over the centuries, and the last renovation took place after 1930, following the devastating earthquake that struck all of Senigallia and its surrounding area.

Inside you can recognize artistic testimonies of a certain prestige and importance, starting from this crucifix on the right of the person entering, from the 17th century. Beneath which crucifix, however, is preserved a statue, as if inside one of a sarcophagus, which in reality a sarcophagus is not, a wooden statue representing Saint Peter Martyr, much venerated in these parts, while on the opposite wall there is a large statue of the Madonna and Child, known as the Madonna of the Rosary.

But certainly the most important artistic testimony is the altarpiece behind the main altar, depicting in the upper register the Madonna with Child and the angels around it, and below you can recognize, in the foreground, what for a long time was recognized as Saint Michael the Archangel on the right and Saint Sylvester on the left, perhaps San Silvestro due to the nearby presence of a small community with its church of San Silvestro.

Although there are some doubts about this, as there are doubts about the attribution, because, according to the still official version, this altarpiece appears to have been executed by one of the most important students of the Urbino painter Federico Barocci, namely Claudio Ridolfi, but this hypothesis is not accepted by everyone. Moreover, the chiaroscuro and the typology of the faces of the characters depicted has recently made some painters even think of those from the Caravaggio school, but moreover the studies are still ongoing.

Another important crucifix, also important for the community of Sant’Angelo itself, because it is carried in procession every year on Good Friday, is preserved inside the sacristy, on the right compared to, indeed, on the left compared to, the perspective of those entering this church.

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Borgo Marzi, 40, 60019 Sant'Angelo AN 40

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Le Grazie

Leaving the liveliness of the “Velvet Beach” behind, you need only travel a few kilometres towards the first hill to discover Le Grazie, a place where Renaissance history and rural heritage blend in a captivating embrace. The beating heart of this hamlet is the monumental complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a true architectural gem commissioned in 1491 by the lord of Senigallia, Giovanni Della Rovere, and designed by the skilled hand of the architect Baccio Pontelli. Recently returned to the community following a meticulous restoration completed in 2024, the church now shines with new splendour, once again serving not only as a spiritual beacon but also as a vibrant cultural and social hub. But the visit does not end within the sacred naves: the rooms of the ancient convent are home to the ‘Sergio Anselmi’ Museum of Sharecropping, an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to understand the true soul of the Marche region. Here, amidst ancient tools and artefacts of rural life, one discovers the deep and arduous bond between man and the land, retracing the history of the sharecropping families who for centuries have shaped this landscape. Le Grazie thus represents the perfect “gateway” to the Senigallia hinterland: a refreshing and culturally enriching stop before continuing the journey along the scenic bends, heading towards the nearby castle of Roncitelli, where the authentic beauty of the countryside continues to unfold.

Le Grazie

Leaving behind the vibrancy of the “Velvet Beach,” just a few kilometers to the first hill reveals Le Grazie, a place where Renaissance history and peasant memory merge in a suggestive embrace. The beating heart of this hamlet is the monumental complex of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a true architectural jewel commissioned in 1491 by the lord of Senigallia, Giovanni Della Rovere, and designed by the expert hand of the architect Baccio Pontelli. Recently returned to the community after a meticulous restoration completed in 2024, the church today shines with new light, once again becoming not only a spiritual beacon, but also a vibrant cultural and community center. But the visit doesn’t end between the sacred naves: the spaces of the ancient convent house the Mezzadria Museum “Sergio Anselmi”, an essential stop for anyone who wants to understand the true soul of the Marche. Here, among ancient tools and evidence of rural life, one discovers the deep and laborious bond between man and the land, retracing the history of the sharecropping families who have shaped this landscape for centuries. Le Grazie thus represents the perfect “gateway” to the Senigallia hinterland: a refreshing and cultured stop before continuing the journey through the panoramic curves, heading towards the nearby Roncitelli Castle, where the authentic beauty of the countryside continues to unfold.

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Roncitelli

Roncitelli, a charming hillside hamlet in the hinterland of Senigallia, is a picturesque village where historical heritage blends harmoniously with everyday life and gentle rural landscapes. Its ancient roots, dating back to the year 1000 and intertwined with the Hermitage of Fonte Avellana and the rule of the Malatesta family, still permeate the atmosphere of the village today. The beating heart of the village is its Castle, an imposing defensive structure built between the 13th and 14th centuries, historically linked to Cardinal Albornoz and the Mastai family, from whom Pope Pius IX descended. Welcoming visitors at the entrance to the village is the Church of Santa Liberata, the oldest place of worship in the hamlet, which, despite its 19th-century layout, still preserves precious traces of the 17th century. The community’s deep-rooted social identity is celebrated in the “Chiave di Cicchino” Museum, a charming space in the historic centre that traces the last century of village life, illustrating through photographs and historical artefacts the events linked to agriculture, sharecropping, wars and emigration. Far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, Roncitelli offers an immersive experience amidst ancient architecture and unspoilt nature, proving to be the ideal destination for those wishing to explore the most intimate and authentic soul of the Senigallia area.

Roncitelli

Roncitelli is a hilly hamlet of Senigallia that preserves a rich historical and cultural heritage. Located inland, among rolling hills and rural views, it is a place where the memory of the past meets the daily life of the community. The origins of the village date back to the year 1000, with documents linked to the Hermitage of Santa Croce di Fonte Avellana, and over the centuries it has been influenced by various dominations, including the Malatesta and the Marquises of Ancona.

Main attractions

Roncitelli Castle: built between the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the castle represented the defensive heart of the village. In 1355 it came under the control of Cardinal Egidio Albornoz. Over the centuries it has maintained a role of reference for the community, also linked to the Mastai family, from which Pope Pius IX descended.

Church of Santa Liberata: located at the entrance to the village, the church is the oldest place of worship in Roncitelli. The current building dates back to the 19th century, but retains historical elements dating back to the 17th century.

Museum “Cicchino’s Key”: In the center of town, this museum chronicles village life over the last hundred years, from agricultural activities to sharecropping, from wars to emigration, to the first contemporary cultural developments. It shows documents, photos and objects that reconstruct the social history of the hamlet.

Roncitelli offers visitors an immersive experience in local history and traditions, including medieval architecture, hillside views, and unique cultural relics. It is an ideal stop for those who want to discover the authentic side of the Senigallia hinterland.

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Scapezzano

Scapezzano is a charming walled village nestled in the hills around Senigallia, a veritable natural balcony offering spectacular views suspended between the coast and the surrounding mountains. This perfectly preserved medieval gem tells the story of centuries of history and its former strategic importance through the remains of its mighty defensive walls and the keep. A proud past that comes to life every year thanks to the evocative historical re-enactment of the Siege, an event celebrating the village’s tenacious resistance in 1480 against the ambitions of Giovanni Della Rovere. Dominating the village stands the parish church of San Giovanni Battista, an elegant example of 18th-century architecture housing fine 15th-century frescoes and works by the painter Lelio Leoncini. In addition to its priceless historical heritage, the village is a paradise for lovers of beauty and nature. It is in these very countryside landscapes that the famous views immortalised by the master photographer Mario Giacomelli are hidden; his shots have made the gentle slopes of the Marche region stretching towards the sea iconic throughout the world. Rounding off this immersion in the region’s authentic character are the local culinary delights, which can be discovered just a short walk from the town centre at the Mazzola Winery and Oil Mill, where tasting wines and extra virgin olive oil becomes a unique sensory experience. With its medieval charm, artistic photography and authentic flavours, Scapezzano proves to be the ideal destination for those seeking the true soul of the Marche region.

Scapezzano

Scapezzano is an ancient walled village located on a hill in the Senigallia countryside, offering spectacular views of the coast and surrounding mountains. The perfectly preserved village is an example of medieval architecture with towers and defensive walls that tell centuries of history.

What to see in Scapezzano

Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista: an example of eighteenth-century architecture, it dominates the village and houses works of art of great value, including fifteenth-century frescoes and paintings by the painter Lelio Leoncini.

Walls and Tower: remains of the medieval city walls and the Tower testify to Scapezzano’s strategic importance in controlling the territory.

Historical reenactments: every year the Siege of Scapezzano is celebrated, an event that commemorates the village’s resistance against Giovanni Della Rovere’s demands for submission in 1480.

Giacomelli Viewpoints: Near the village are the famous views immortalized by the Senigallia photographer, with views of the hills and the sea that inspired some of his most famous works.

Mazzola winery and olive press: just steps from the village, you can taste local wines and extra virgin olive oil, enjoying an authentic experience of the Marche region.

Scapezzano is perfect for lovers of history, photography, and nature, offering unique glimpses that connect the medieval past with the beauty of contemporary vistas.

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Raggiungi

Cesanella

Cesanella is home to the modern Church of St Joseph the Worker, characterised by a large circular structure of exposed concrete and large windows that flood the interior with light. The building welcomes worshippers into an intimate and bright space, with the Baptistery and the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary serving as focal points for the community.

Cesanella

Cesanella is home to the modern Church of San Giuseppe Lavoratore, characterized by a large circular exposed concrete structure and large windows that illuminate the interior. The building welcomes the faithful in a small and bright space, with the Baptistery and the painting of Our Lady of the Rosary as focal points of the community.

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Raggiungi

Church of San Giuseppe Lavoratore – Cesanella

The Church of San Giuseppe Lavoratore began in 1967 based on a design by Senigallia architect and professor Gabriele Bonazza. Despite its artistic and decorative simplicity, the church, with a circular plan, has some elements that must be taken extremely into consideration.

For example, starting on the right of the pulpit, the image of Our Lady of the Rosary, who is the protector of the entire community. And then, above all, the interventions by the Senigallian artist Andrea Ippoliti, which concern the portal on the left of the entrance, the creation of the new pulpit and the beautiful crucifix behind the high altar.

The portal, made of cast bronze, features images of the Annunciation: then the Angel and the Virgin, where above their images are the words ‘Hail or Mary, full of grace’, but with the Greek wording, namely ‘Chaire Maria kecharitomene’.

On the front of the ambo, however, we find what are the symbols of the Tetramorph, that is, the symbols of the four evangelists. And these symbols hold in the center an open book where are reported some of the words of the incipit of the Gospel of St. John, written both with the ancient Greek script and with the Italian translation: ‘And the Word became flesh’.

Finally, behind the main altar, a beautiful crucifix, where in reality the cross seems shaped by the wind. This wind which is actually a proper symbol of the spirit and a symbol of salvation and resurrection. And from the portal itself on the left, passing through the ambo, which almost looks like the bow of a moving ship, to then arrive at the cross, covered with a gold leaf, the theme of the wind is the theme that with the cross itself takes us from death to resurrection. And this cross, therefore, which is not only a symbol of torture and death, but is a symbol of salvation and resurrection.

As a final aspect to note inside this circular church, the baptismal font, which today is located immediately to the left of the entrance portal, but was originally actually a baptismal font, not a baptismal font, because there was a desire to remember the path that neophytes who entered in Jesus’ time took, indeed, descended into the apse font, in memory of the descent into the Jordan River, to immerse oneself completely in the waters of the river, in this case, of the basin, albeit symbolically.

I conclude by saying that the word Baptism itself derives from a term that in the ancient Greek language, ‘baptizo’, a Greek verb, means precisely ‘I immerse’, the total immersion in the life and in the greatness of the Christian life.

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Via Guercino, 25, 60019 Senigallia AN 25

Raggiungi

Gallery

Senigallia

Senigallia

Marzocca

Marzocca

Montignano

Church of San Giovanni Battista – Montignano

Montignano

The Tower of Montignano

Castellaro

Castellaro

Filetto

Filetto

Sant'Angelo

Church of San Michele Arcangelo – Sant’Angelo

Le Grazie

Le Grazie

Roncitelli

Roncitelli

Scapezzano

Scapezzano

Cesanella

Cesanella

Church of San Giuseppe Lavoratore – Cesanella

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