Scapezzano: Defensive Walls, Sacred Art and Expansive Panoramas

Scapezzano between Defensive Walls and the Adriatic Coast

Scapezzano is an old walled village with medieval towers and defensive walls. The preserved defensive wall circuit is approximately trapezoidal and includes four corner towers as well as a fortified entrance tower. The four corner towers mark the corners, while the fortified entrance tower completes the line of the walls.

Towers and Fortifications

West of the entrance tower stands Scapezzano’s round defensive tower. It was equipped to defend against firearms and is therefore one of the military-oriented structures within the defensive wall circuit. Its round design adds an independent element to the defensive walls.

Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista and Fresco

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista was built at the end of the 18th century on the site of an older medieval church. The present building stands in Scapezzano on the site of its medieval predecessor. Inside, the church preserves a detached fresco fragment that was reinstalled in its original location. It depicts the face of God the Father surrounded by angels. The fragment is attributed to the school of Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s father.

Religious Dates and Festa Castellana

The patron saint of Scapezzano is Saint Filippo Neri; his feast day is celebrated on 26 May. The community of Scapezzano has a particular devotion to the Madonna della Speranza; her feast is held on the third Sunday in September. 26 May falls in spring, while the third Sunday in September falls in autumn.

The traditional Festa Castellana takes place in Scapezzano every year. It includes a medieval procession, a camp with falconers, archery stations, chess games, and a market with craftspeople and medieval exhibitors. The festival combines historical reenactment with games, crafts and a competition between the Contrade. It concludes with the Palio dell’Oca, a competition between four Contrade.

Hillside Panorama and Giacomelli Viewpoints

In terms of landscape, Scapezzano is situated on a hill. From there, views open up over the Adriatic coast and the surrounding hills. In clear weather, the panorama extends to the Catria, Nerone and San Vicino mountains, as well as to the Vettore. The coast and hills nevertheless remain the closer landscape setting.

The Giacomelli viewpoints are located in the immediate surroundings of the walled village. From there, the views extend over hills and sea; photographer Mario Giacomelli captured these scenes, which inspired some of his best-known works. This is where hills, sea and photography come together.

Olive Growing in the Senigallia Area

The Festa dell’Olio Nuovo takes place in November. It highlights the qualities and nuances of olive growing in the Senigallia area, where olive trees have been present since antiquity. The November date provides a seasonal focus for olive growing.

Further Destinations

Further destinations include Serra Deʼ Conti, San Vittore, Precicchie, Poggio San Marcello, Nebbiano, Cupramontana, Serra San Quirico and Rosora.

More about Ancona.