Barcaroli Square

Barcaroli Square is located in the innermost part of the historic village of Morro d’Alba. Until 1813, as shown in images from the Gregorian Cadastre, what is now a square was a densely built area housing municipal offices, the homes of wealthy residents, an olive mill, the Monte di Pietà, and other typical elements that defined village social life. However, from the 19th century onward, the most prominent families stopped living in the castle, no longer considering a residence in the historic center a sign of social distinction. As a result, the central buildings and the city walls began to show signs of decay. Most of the structures within the village were demolished, leaving only the peripheral buildings that remain today.

Today, part of the square hosts a garden, while the other part transforms into an open-air theater in summer—a kind of arena for theatrical performances, the cinema under the stars series, outdoor dinners, events from the Lacrima in Giallo Literary Festival, and concerts from Le Notti del Vino.

Two entrances from the square lead to the La Scarpa walkway. On the northern side, there is a recess where a building once stood. During the day, a land art installation can be seen in the background, created for the first edition of the Green Loop Festival in collaboration with the Poliarte Academy of Ancona. The structure resembles a rose window that evokes symbols of the Morro d’Alba territory. On the outer part, olive and vine leaves are represented—the most common crops in the area—while the innermost circle is composed partly of an agricultural cart wheel, also seen in the Museo Utensilia, and a mechanical wheel representing local industries. At night, the work is illuminated by the light design installation “The Symbol”, which is also visible from Tarsetti Square.