Force between Copper Tradition, Church Art and Landscape

Force on the Ridge

The medieval centre of Force lies on a ridge between the Aso and Tesino valleys. From here, the view extends across forests, mountains and valleys all the way to the Adriatic. This distinctive location combines a historically shaped townscape with a landscape that reveals itself on different scales: directly in the centre, throughout the municipal area and in the wider regional surroundings.

Force’s distinctive character also includes its long connection with copperworking. It was already widespread here from the early 17th century. Associated with the former coppersmiths of Force is Baccaiamento, a form of speech that, according to tradition, was used for communication at fairs and markets. Anyone interested in craftsmanship, regional traditions and the development of a place will find a special way into Force through this heritage.

Art and Architectural History in the Townscape

An important point of interest is the Museo di Arte Sacra di Force. It was established in 2007 in the historic Palazzo Canestrari and displays works of art from the local churches. The collection also includes Giuseppe Sacconi’s original drawings for the Church of San Francesco in Force. The museum is part of the Musei Sistini del Piceno network and displays two important works by Simone De Magistris: scenes from the childhood of Christ painted on wood, and a Madonna and Child made of polychrome stucco.

San Francesco brings together several historical periods. Construction of the monumental church, based on a design by architect Giuseppe Sacconi, began in 1882. The church stands on the site of a Franciscan monastery built in 1272. The monastery’s 13th-century bell tower and two supporting lions remain. The Porta-torre di San Francesco, an 18th-century gate tower, also stands on Via San Francesco.

Beneath the 19th-century Church of San Francesco is a mechanised artistic nativity scene created in 1992, covering an area of 250 square metres. Another distinctive building is the Villino Verrucci. It was built in 1935 in the Liberty style at the initiative of the architect Ernesto Verrucci Bey, who was born in Force. The Casa Nativa della Beatrice Maria Assunta Pallotta is considered the birthplace of Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta.

Copper and Hands-on Museum Experiences

The Museo del Rame is located in the Palazzo Canestrari and the former Church of San Biagio in the historic centre of Force. It has an educational workshop where visitors can learn about copperworking first-hand. This makes it possible to explore the town’s craft heritage not only through historical context, but also through an engaging hands-on experience with the material.

Landscape, Trails and Views

With the exception of a 250-metre radius around the built-up centre, most of the municipal area of Force is protected as a landscape of significant public interest. Contrada Madonnalago has a cycle and pedestrian path. Stage 15 of the Cammino dei Cappuccini includes a viewpoint overlooking the opposite side of the valley of the Pallone stream. The same stage leads to Force at Villino Verrucci Bey.

The surrounding mountains also broaden the landscape horizon. Monte la Torre is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Force, while Monte dell’Ascensione is a mountain in the surrounding area. In the wider regional surroundings are Monte Camperi and the summit of Monte Sibilla. These different spatial connections can help you plan your stay: the centre represents history and architecture, while trails, viewpoints and mountains offer a different focus for your days.

Other Destinations Nearby

Near Force is the Museo civico archeologico. Also nearby are the Palazzetto Longobardo, a palace, and the Museo-Biblioteca F.A.Marcucci, a museum. In the wider regional surroundings is the Pinacoteca Fortunato Duranti, a museum. This allows you to combine your stay with additional cultural stops without losing sight of Force’s distinctive character.

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation for your trip to Force, you can shape your days around your interests: San Francesco, the Museo di Arte Sacra and the Museo del Rame represent art, architecture and craftsmanship; the landscape, the cycle and pedestrian path in Contrada Madonnalago, and Stage 15 of the Cammino dei Cappuccini represent trails and views. You can therefore decide whether to get to know Force primarily through its architectural and museum heritage or through its landscape and hiking routes.

More places for planning your trip: Offida, Piane Vecchie, Acquaviva Picena, Venagrande, Vallefusella, Marsia, Carassai and Venarotta.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.