Relishes Tradition...

Between ’s hills lies an ancient land: the castle’s land. The area includes 5 municipalities: , , , and Santa Maria Nuova. Our land, with its historical, cultural and gastrono- mic traditions has a unique charm that you could appreciate simply by walking through historical centres, tasting typical products and relaxing, in contact with the nature.

Here, the frenetic pace stops and you can choose to discover the tradition’s taste.

Agugliano Agugliano and its hamlet Castel d’Emilio are ancient villages located on a hill. During the Middle Ages they were ’s property. Here you can taste the delicious craftmade ice-cream and you can also visit the Sacra- mento and the Santa Maria in Nazareth, where you’ll find a marble inscription that recalls the year 1304, the date of construc- tion. Moving on to Castel d’Emilio, you will immediately see the castle’s front door. Inside the medieval walls, you can walk and admire some well-preserved ancient buildings. Moreover you could observe the working society of mutual aid founded in 1883 by local people and reopened in 1924.

In social security’s history, this type of solidarity had a special importance in the XIX century. In June, Agugliano hosts the craftmade ice-cream festival. You’ll appreciate ice-creams by master ice-cream makers both from and several other foreign countries. Camerata Picena

Camerata Picena stands on a hill (125 m. a. s. l.) and still presents the original unit in the historical centre, which was an active field conceived for defending the area. Its strategic position was essential in 1309, during the Camerata’s battle, when the battle between Ancona and Jesi occured.

After this event, Camerata had become famous becau- se of its defensive location.

Visiting the historical centre you could remark the ancient perimeter, some original towers and tangled system of underground caves, used as location for art exhibition and cribs.

Moreover you will admire the parish church with its organ, dated in 1857, which is famous on a national scale.

The Cassero hamlet hosts a splendid castle, built in 1337 by Toriglioni count and restored in XIX century from Bianchi’s family, whose ancient house, Villa Lavagnino, can be admired. The building, filled with historic beauty, is a perfect location for art exhibitions, concerts and cultural events.

Through the year, Camerata Picena hosts many events dedicated to culture lovers, like philoso- phic reading in the evocative Cassero’s Castle, debates, books’ presentations by regional authors, in collaboration with renowned theatrical associations. Offagna The splendid village of Offagna stands on a rock at 309 meters above sea level. We notice the first “Castrum ofanie” at the end of 1000 (AD).

Afterwards, in 1454 the land, which was ’s property, was given by the Pope to the city of Ancona that, in just two years, built the castle.

Offagna’s castle was never in state of siege so, up until today, we can admire it.

Apart from the castle, which hosts a wonderful collection of weapons from the prehistoric age to the XX century, the historical centre was enriched by (1743-1817), architect and hydraulic engineer. His most important works at Offagna are the Santa Maria della Visitazione monastery and the Santissimo Sacramento church. Moreover you could visit the L.Paolucci museum which hosts a rich faunal collection by the name- sake scholar who lived in Ancona during the XIX century.

Moreover you can admire the Museum of Liberation of the city of Ancona from the nazi forces, which houses a photographic and weapon collection that witnesses the arrival of the Allies in the city and the release from the German troops.

In this village, known as “one of the most beautiful villages in Italy”, from 1988 during the last week of July, takes place the Medieval Festival. On this occasion, the village comes to life thanks to a fascinating scenery and central streets filled with musicians, folks, jesters and warriors. Torches replace electricity lighting and every corner becomes a scene of attraction.

Polverigi Anciently called “Pulverisium”, for the sandy soil, Polverigi arises at about 1000 AD. In Middle Ages, it was one of the most important villages of the area, also becau- se an important peace treaty was signed here in 1202 by 27 municipalities. After a period of crisis, this village rised up again thanks to the arrival of French people who brought models of self- government to many municipalities and, consequently, the appointment of the first mayor in 1797: the Nappi count.

Sir Nappi bought the thirteenth century monastery, founded by Augustinians not far from the centre of the village and the building became his summer residence. This property, called Villa Nappi and now as in that time allows to walk and relax through its centenary park.

Now, only the SS Sacramento Church of the ancient monastery is left. Inside it contains beautiful paintings and frescoes.

Villa Nappi, is now the residence of “Inteatro association” which organises accommodations for artists. Inteatro offers possibilities of creation, learning and artistic expression through the whole year.

This association organises in July an International festival dedicated to contemporary art. Santa Maria Nuova Santa Maria nuova leans on a hill, at 249 metres above the sea level.

The first settlement, called “Santa Maria delle Ripe”, had to move southwards becau- se of frequent epidemics and only in 1472, found a good location.

It was populated by people from Lombardy and Veneto and called with the current Santa Maria Nuova.

The village had always to face up the supremacy of Jesi. It was exploited by Jesi because of its strategic location and its productivity. Only after many fights, Santa Maria Nuova, gained its independence, in 1859.

Walking through the villages’ roads you can’t miss visiting San Rocco Church, the pearl of Santa Maria Nuova, built in 1756. Also, the neoclassic Sant’Antonio da Padova Church, built at the end of XIX century, is a very beautiful place which deserves a visit.

For agreeable evenings, Santa Maria Nuova proposes the Festival of the Quail that, in the first week-end of September, for 3 days, offers typical dishes of Marche cuisine and entertainment.