The Council Chamber, located in the 18th-century building that houses the Town Hall, not only represents the political heart of the village but has also long served as an art gallery. The most important work preserved here is a painting by Claudio Ridolfi, dating back to 1630, depicting the Coronation of the Virgin. The large hall features half-bust portraits of local benefactors along its walls and can accommodate up to 99 people. This venue is ideal for those wishing to host a large number of guests, as well as for lovers of fine art, who will be able to admire the work of the renowned painter of Venetian origin. The hall is equipped with a sound amplification system, and it is also possible to enhance the event with music.

The medieval dedication to Santa Maria di Marciano changed after reconstruction to Santa Maria del Fiore di Marciano, because the single altar was decorated with a fresco of the pregnant Virgin holding a rose—a depiction that was rare and soon abandoned, as it was considered unsuitable to represent Mary’s mystical role. The current building appears simple, and at first glance does not reflect the numerous transformations it underwent over the centuries. During a restoration and structural consolidation carried out by the Superintendency for Environmental and Architectural Heritage, unexpected richness in the church’s decorative elements was revealed. On the left wall, there is a depiction of the Virgin with a chalice, a long cross, and a vase from which floral elements emerge. On the right wall, the Virgin and Child, an image of a praying saint, and floral and vegetal decorations are represented. These frescoes were executed with a mixed technique, partly in true fresco and partly in dry tempera, and can be chronologically placed between the late 17th century and the early 18th century.

To visit this charming hamlet of the village, we suggest bringing a camera and strolling among the rows of vines, letting your eyes rest on enchanting views, surrounded by lush and untamed vegetation in areas not shaped by human hands. In summer, you can get lost in the aromas of grapes left on the vines, even stealing a few to savor their taste. In autumn, the area becomes a riot of colors: the Lacrima vines display all shades of red, while the Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio vines shine in bright yellow. A visit to one of the local wineries is a must, as is seeing the rural church of Saints Simon and Jude, built in the 16th century using some bricks of Roman workmanship, likely collected from the nearby archaeological site. In the second half of the 19th century, a 6th-century Byzantine gold medallion depicting King Theodoric—the only known image of the Ostrogothic ruler—was discovered in Sant’Amico. The area’s historical connection to this figure is highlighted by Teodorico Tower, the panoramic tower near the village, which faces the hamlet. For those wanting to experience an ancient village winery, a stop at the Antica Cantina Sant’Amico is essential. This evocative location, also suitable for weddings, is said to have hosted the poet Giacomo Leopardi in the villa within its private park. Text by Alessandra Boldreghini

The Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, built outside the city walls, does not have a known exact construction date, but it was certainly completed by May 4, 1670, when the first Mass was celebrated. In later years, it became better known as the Church of Santa Teleucania, after it housed the saint’s body from 1836. The saint became an object of local veneration and was displayed to the faithful only on her feast day (September 4). As the religious devotion waned, the church fell into disuse and disrepair. In 1997, the Municipality, owner of the property, decided—after its deconsecration—to promote its reuse for socio-cultural purposes, such as conferences, concerts, and exhibitions. The area previously dedicated to worship was converted into an Auditorium–Conference Hall, while the rooms below were set up as an Exhibition Center. Inside, the church houses an altarpiece depicting the Annunciation with Saint Joseph and Saint Anthony of Padua (18th century) and two other paintings: Visitation (17th century) and Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony (18th century), all by unknown artists.

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.

Exploring the village at night is a fascinating experience, recommended in every season but particularly enchanting in summer, when the heat from the coast and the inland areas drives people to seek refuge on the hill, where it is more breezy—a tradition dating back to the 1500s, followed by noble families. The suggested itinerary begins in the center at Tarsetti Square, where the Stele with a graffito by Maestro Enzo Cucchi is located. Here, the installation called “The Sign” was conceived and created to highlight the work of the father of the Transavanguardia movement, a native of Morro d’Alba. Turning your gaze toward the castle, the village entrance arch is illuminated with different colors depending on the event or the season, a customization that always offers a fresh visual experience. As you cross the arch, you’ll notice Barcaroli Square deep within the fortress, featuring another light installation called “The Symbol”, which illuminates a land art work that tells the story of the local territory. This piece was created during a workshop with the Poliarte Academy during the first edition of the Green Loop Festival. Just past the village entrance arch, we suggest entering the La Scarpa walkway. The Bacio Monument invites visitors to recognize this spot as one of the most romantic locations in the Marche region. The monument’s side wall features numerous doors or windows, which are access points for local residents who share this extraordinary architectural jewel with tourists. These openings, called “finestroni,” allow views of the Marche countryside. Along the walkway, you will encounter two towers offering panoramic views. Federico I Tower (Il Barbarossa) faces west, while Teodorico Tower, often used in summer for concerts, weddings, and theatrical performances, faces east, offering a view of the coast where the moonlight reflects on the sea. Continuing, another spectacular viewpoint is the terrace in front of the restaurant, a gap in the walkway roof caused by post-WWII demolition. The absence of the roof creates a breathtaking panorama, both day and night, where you can see the coast near Falconara and Ancona and the lights of surrounding villages on the hilltops. In the warmer months, it is not unusual to catch the scent of sea breeze from the coast, which influences the local wine—whether Verdicchio, particularly mineral in this eastern production area, or Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, with its unmistakable bouquet of roses and violets. Along the La Scarpa walkway, you will find the entrance to the Sotterranei – Museo Utensilia, housing the photographic works of Maestro Mario Giacomelli along with a curated collection of tools from the sharecropping culture. Another entrance not to miss is the enoteca, where wine lovers can taste and purchase local wines, often paired with regional products. Further along the walkway, a reddish light on the pavement marks “Hellish Walk”, a luminous installation inspired by Dante, recreating the thrill of walking among flames—a unique monument in Europe. Exiting the walkway brings you to Romagnoli Square, opposite the entrance, completing in just 300 meters a captivating journey that blends history and landscape for a truly immersive experience. If visiting Morro d’Alba during an event, don’t miss the view of the castle from Piazzale Bersaglieri to admire “Green Heart”, a videomapping projected on the castle facade that offers a spectacular and original storytelling of the village. The installation is visible from kilometers away, and at Christmas, it is customized with lights celebrating the magic of the season. Amid light magic, intoxicating glasses, and breathtaking landscapes, a nighttime visit to Morro d’Alba is an unforgettable experience. Text by Alessandra Boldreghini