All the narrow streets, alleys, and medieval buildings contribute to characterizing the historic center of Ascoli, which hosts numerous events throughout the year: from the folklore of the historical reenactment of the Quintana, which takes place on the first Sunday of August and evokes ancient medieval knightly games, to Marche cuisine, which finds its maximum expression in the typical and exquisite 'oliva all'ascolana' (Ascolan-style stuffed olives), celebrated by various gastronomic events held right in the streets of the historic center. Art, history, and gastronomic culture blend in the city of Ascoli, which, with its magnificent views, offers a valid alternative if you want to move away from the coast to explore the territory.
This structure has undermined the urban soil of Ripatransone, so much so that it has often been affected by collapses. From the past, a large quantity of remains of ancient medieval fortifications and some noble palaces from various eras still exist. Moreover, one of its alleys competes for the title of the narrowest street in Italy with the Ruetta di Civitella del Tronto. Ripatransone, defined as the 'belvedere of Piceno' for the fantastic panorama it offers to its visitors, can be reached in just a few minutes from Grottammare.
Among them, the oldest is the Church of San Rocco, which stands within the city walls of Acquaviva. Noteworthy events include the annual historical reenactment of the wedding between Forasteria, daughter of Rinaldo degli Acquaviva, and Rainaldo dei Brunforte, vicar of Frederick II, held every year between late July and early August, immersing visitors in the medieval past of the town. Acquaviva Picena is a charming village to visit to learn more about the history of the Piceno territory and to observe one of the most imposing fortresses in the region.
According to an ancient tradition, now supported by historical and archaeological research, the Holy House is indeed the house from Nazareth where Mary was born, raised, and received the angelic announcement.
The house consisted of a masonry room composed of three stone walls closing off a cave carved into the rock.
The cave is still venerated in Nazareth, in the Basilica of the Annunciation, while the three stone walls, according to tradition, were transported to Loreto in 1294 when the Crusaders were expelled from Palestine.
Documents and archaeological excavations continue to confirm the hypothesis that the walls of the Holy House were transported to Loreto on a ship, at the initiative of the noble Angeli family, who ruled Epirus.
In other words, it features a horseshoe-shaped layout and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. The most representative building in Offida is undoubtedly the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, a Romanesque-Gothic style structure among the most appreciated in the Marche region, surrounded on three sides by cliffs, which showcases all its grandeur on the surrounding landscape. Offida is also active from a craftsmanship perspective, with the famous tradition of bobbin lace art, preserved in the memory and skillful hands of the women of the town. As for events, Offida's Carnival is not to be missed, with its allegorical parades and especially the characteristic grand balls ("Veglionissimi") held inside the Serpente Aureo Theater.
The discovery of the Frasassi Caves (Grotta Grande del Vento) dates back to September 25, 1971, by Rolando Silvestri of the Speleological Group Marchigiano CAI of Ancona, who identified its entrance during the expedition led by Giancarlo Cappanera. Since then, this cavity has become part of the karst complex Grotta del Fiume-Grotta Grande del Vento di Frasassi, which has been explored for a total development of over 30 km.
The first major speleological discovery in the Frasassi area, that of the River Cave (Grotta del Fiume), occurred on June 28, 1948, by Dr. Mario Marchetti, co-founder of the Speleological Group Marchigiano di Ancona.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the groups of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) of Jesi and Fabriano explored the caves in the area, including, in 1966, a branch more than 1 km long that starts from the River Cave (Grotta del Fiume).
In July 1971, a group of 7 explorers from Jesi was drawn to a strong current of air emanating from a small opening. After enlarging the passage (later named Strettoia del Tarlo) to make it passable, the explorers ventured into a dense network of galleries, tunnels, shafts, and caves for a length of approximately 5 km.
Hotel Paradiso Grottammare
Lungomare Alcide de Gasperi, 134 – 63066 Grottammare AP