Falconara Marittima between Castles, Art and Sandy Beaches

Falconara Marittima between History, Art and Coastline

Falconara Marittima combines historic sites, contemporary art, wildlife experiences and landscapes along the Esino into a diverse destination. Those who do not want to stay only by the sea during a trip to Italy, but also want to discover castles, frescoes and cultural institutions, will find a variety of options here for planning their own day trips. The long sandy beach is just as much a part of the townscape as the flat first kilometres of the “La pista Ciclabile dell’Esino” cycling route.

Castles and Medieval Traces

Castello di Falconara Alta reaches far back into history. According to tradition, it was built in several stages between the 11th and 12th centuries by the Counts of Cortesi. From there, the view extends from the Apennines to the sea. Musical and theatrical performances also take place at Castello di Falconara Alta, meaning that the historic site is also associated with cultural events.

Castelferretti, too, is shaped by a long history of rule: The Ferretti family ruled over the area of Castelferretti from the 13th century well into the 18th century. To this day, Castello di Castelferretti retains a square layout with defensive walls. Four towers, battlements, a drawbridge and a courtyard have also been preserved. There is an accessible tour for people with motor disabilities, providing practical guidance when planning a cultural visit.

Frescoes, Contemporary Art and Archives

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Misericordia is one of Castelferretti’s important historic art sites. It was built by the Counts of Ferretti after a plague epidemic at the beginning of the 15th century and was constructed between 1450 and 1455. At the same time, it forms part of a valuable fresco cycle in the cemetery chapel of Castelferretti. The combination of architectural history and surviving paintings makes the site particularly interesting if you would like to consider religious art and historical contexts together.

The cultural offering extends into the present day. CART is a permanent documentation centre for contemporary art in Palazzo Pergoli in Falconara Marittima. The Centro Cultura Piero Pergoli permanently displays works by Valerio Trubbiani on Giacomo Leopardi, as well as sinopias of the frescoes from Santa Maria della Misericordia. The premises of the Biblioteca Archivio Pinacoteca dei Frati Minori delle Marche also house the “San Giacomo della Marca” Historical Franciscan and Picenian Library, the Provincial Archive and the International Pinacotheca of Contemporary Franciscan Art “Nel nome di Francesco”.

Rocca Priora and the Landscape along the Esino

Rocca Priora has been known as “Rocca di Fiumesino” since the early Middle Ages. A historian places its construction at the mouth of the Esino River on the left bank; according to this account, it was intended to protect Falconara’s borders from attacks from Ancona. The Esino also shapes the character of the landscape: The first kilometres of the “La pista Ciclabile dell’Esino” cycling route run flat along river embankments and through open landscapes.

The long sandy beach provides another way to experience Falconara Marittima. This allows different interests to be combined during a stay: historic sites and art venues on the one hand, and the coast, river landscape and cycling route on the other. Which focus you choose depends on whether you would rather spend your days enjoying culture, observing the landscape, being active or spending time by the sea.

Wildlife Experiences and Recurring Events

At Parco Zoo Falconara, visitors can see around 200 specimens from 40 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. FalComics is a recurring festival for comics and pop culture held in the centre of Falconara Marittima.

More Destinations

Senigallia, Camerano, Montemarciano, Polverigi, Jesi, Camerata Picena, Campodiegoli, Sirolo

To the higher-level travel overview: Ancona.