Morro d’Alba is a charming borgo (historic village) in the Marche region, rich in history and tradition. Beyond its ancient origins, it preserves a well-maintained historic center, characterized by the picturesque ‘Scarpa’, a unique rampart walk of its kind.

It is also renowned for the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, a DOC wine with an intense aroma and a strong territorial identity. Furthermore, its panoramic position between the sea and the hills makes it an ideal place for those who love authentic landscapes and relaxed atmospheres. It is a small gem waiting to be discovered, especially for those who appreciate local food and wine (enogastronomia) and history.

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, also called Lacrima di Morro, is a Marche DOC red wine whose production is permitted only in the Province of Ancona (Marche Region) in the area of Morro d’Alba and neighboring municipalities. It is predominantly sold in the three versions recognized by the production regulations (“Base,” “Superiore,” and “Passito”) and is made using the ancient local black grape variety called Lacrima.

A typical autumn wine (traditionally consumed in its region of origin as a novello during the Christmas period) or late-summer wine (for the aged version of one year or more), Lacrima is served at 16–18 °C and pairs well with local specialties such as cured meats (like “Fabriano” salami, ciarimboli, or liver sausages), “red” first courses (like Fettuccine or Maccheroncini di Campofilone with Marche-style ragù or game sauce), and white meat dishes (poultry, turkey, rabbit, etc.). It can also be paired with some marinated first courses and appetizers (blue fish, stockfish) or with the famous Ancona-style fish soup (brodetto di pesce).

The passito (sweet) version is excellent for accompanying aged cheeses, blue cheeses, red jams, dark chocolate, and dry pastries. Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is, in any case, excellent both as an everyday table wine and for special occasions (aperitifs, celebrations). To best appreciate its qualities, it should be served in a smooth, spherical, transparent, medium-sized glass with a long stem.

After a restoration lasting several months, the Municipality of Morro d’Alba (a Wine Town in the Province of Ancona) will finally inaugurate the “La Scarpa” Patrol Walkway on February 15th at 11:00 AM. This walkway is a symbol of the town, alongside the Lacrima wine.

“La Scarpa” is a unique rampart walk; located atop the ancient castle walls, it is distinguished by being almost completely covered, with its two sides marked by panoramic arches facing outwards and by buildings and dwellings facing inwards.

Constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries and expanded around the 17th century, when its defensive functions diminished, some of Morro d’Alba’s most important buildings overlooked it. Its name derives from the steep incline of the walls, so precipitous that they resembled “scarps” or steep slopes.

Along the walkway, you encounter several towers, named after historical figures important to Morro d’Alba’s development. The two main ones are the Federico II Tower, facing west, and the Teodorico Tower, facing east.

“La Scarpa” is special for the magnificent views it offers over the Marche region, with the eye sweeping from the Sibilline Mountains to the Conero Riviera and getting lost in the surrounding countryside; a unique landscape that can be admired from the arches opening onto the walkway or from the towers.

The Marche Wine Town continues its path of protection and enhancement of its small historic center, an extraordinary example of fortified architecture and today a place for meeting and culture, as well as the seat of the Town Hall.