Cupra Marittima between Archaeology, Borgo and Adriatic Coast

Cupra Marittima combines exceptional shell collections with Roman and pre-Roman remains, a fortified medieval borgo and a protected coastal landscape. Along the Adriatic coast, cycling routes, water sports and local traditions add to the experience. This allows you to shape your trip around cultural interests, nature experiences or active time by the sea.

Archaeology from Prehistory to the Roman Era

Founded in 1977, the Museo Malacologico di Cupra Marittima is one of the largest museums of its kind in the world. It has 3,000 square metres of exhibition space, more than one million specimens on display and over seven million shells.

The Parco Archeologico di Cupra Marittima extends over approximately 32 hectares near the northern edge of the present-day town. Its forum is roughly rectangular and measures about 90 metres from east to west and 60 metres from north to south.

Along the Statale Adriatica, immediately outside the Roman city of Cupra Marittima, the structures of a villa with a nymphaeum are visible. This villa was used until the 4th century AD.

The archaeological area of Cupra Marittima is designated as an Archaeological Park and documents a settlement history spanning the pre-Roman period, the Roman imperial era and the post-antique period.

The Museo Archeologico del Territorio di Cupra Marittima displays evidence of human presence from the Palaeolithic to the late Roman period. The exhibition is divided into three sections: prehistoric, Picenian and Roman.

Notable finds include stone artefacts and faunal remains from Contrada Boccabianca in Cupra Marittima. They prove that the area was used by humans during the Lower Palaeolithic; the site is 128,000 years old and is attributed to the Neanderthals.

Borgo and Protected Coastal Nature

The fortified Borgo di Marano forms the medieval core of Cupra Marittima. The first traces date back to the 9th or 10th century; from the 11th century onwards, Marano was a free commune.

The coastal dune of Cupra Marittima is designated as an SAC, meaning a Special Area of Conservation. It is one of the few unaltered stretches of coastline on the central Adriatic coast.

Cycling Routes and Activities by the Sea

The Anelli Piceni comprise five cycling routes through the natural area between Cupra Marittima and the neighbouring municipalities of Ripatransone and Massignano. The routes run along wide gravel roads, a few paved sections, farm tracks, agricultural land and wooded areas.

The Anelli Piceni can be cycled year-round. At several points, route information with QR codes provides direct access to common smartphone apps for cycle tourism.

On windy days in spring and summer, the coast of Cupra Marittima is suitable for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The designated beach and coastal section is one of the widest in the surrounding area. Other leisure activities along the Adriatic coast include day trips by kayak and guided coastal tours, including at sunrise and sunset.

Local Traditions in Marano

Concole fishing in Cupra Marittima began in 1926, when master carpenter Egidio Taffoni built the first Concolara. Another local tradition is the “Castagne al Borgo” event, held every year in Marano on the first weekend of November after All Saints’ Day. Handmade chestnut-based sweets, roasted chestnuts, pork chops and other local specialities are served there in recreated old osterias and cellars.

Further destinations: Montemonaco, Comunanza, Ponzano, Capradosso, Ripatransone, Pedaso, Amandola, Force

For the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.