Beyond what the eye can see: an emotional landscape. From the terraces at the seaside to those of the hinterland | Itinerario

When we talk about the landscapes in the “Fermano” area, we discover a context of memories from long ago; the constant and conscious presence of man has in fact changed the appearance, guaranteeing the conservation of the natural and cultural elements.  There are so many “borghi” (= boroughs) with their wonderful terraces from which you can admire the immense variety of the ‘Fermano’ Landscapes where the longstanding metayage traditional system has outlined the hills with geometrical precision.    

A continuation of harmonious slopes and fortified ‘borghi’ succeed each other and our route invites us to turn back in time as wayfarers and to lose ourselves amongst the many roads that lead us from one hill to yet another. 

Our first place of interest is Torre di Palme which is easily accessible from the motorway exit of Porto San Giorgio/ Fermo.  Coasting along the Adriatic state road towards the south, we take the turn on our right and in just a few minutes we can reach the village of Torre di Palme: a splendid terrace overlooking the sea which on serene summer days, have us marveling at the spectacular Adriatic Landscape.

We continue south-west on the SP35 arriving at Lapedona: a village of roman origins situated mainly in the hills, famous for its Picenum agricultural products like olives, pears and apples.

Continuing on the SP35 and turning left onto the SP2, the first village we come to, along the Aso Valley, is Altidona. The historical centre of medieval origins is divided by a main road which splits the village up lengthwise.  One of the best places to admire the suggestive panorama is from the “Torrione di Guardia” (= the watch-tower) situated in Piazza Cesare Battisti.

Going back along the Adriatic State Road / SS16, we continue south and a brief detour to the right takes us to Campofilone, the gastronomical destination renowned for its particular maccheroncini.

To the north, after part of the SP238, we turn right and arrive at Moresco, which has the official status of being one of the “Borghi piú belli d’Italia.” Here from the medieval walls, which are still intact, the view opens up onto a hilly landscape.

Not far away is the village of Monterubbiano, a very ancient small Picenum town and one of the highest on the coast side.  We are now at the centre of the Aso Valley and we can appreciate the beauty of the fertile countryside outlined by fields and colored by fruit trees; in spring the countless peach trees paint the whole valley pink, bestowing a breath taking image.

We reach the ‘borgo’ of Monte Vidon Combatte where, from its fascinating medieval historical centre, we can admire the hills of the Aso Valley and amongst its landscaped peculiarities, the Macchia Pelagallo which hosts oak and one of the rarest species in the Marchigiano territory. 

Back on the SP56, we come to Ortezzano, recognizable even from a distance by its triumphant tower with Ghibelline battlement.  Back in Roman times, due to its conformation, it was the ideal place to build rustic villas; it was not until the Farfense era that it was bestowed with castle walls.

The last stage of our itinerary takes us towards the valley of the River Ete in order to reach Monte Giberto where the present urban centre rises onto a delightful hill with a 360º panoramic view, surrounded by green hills.

This route has taken us along lesser known roads and marvelous landscapes, as though wanting to remind us that “The voyage of discovery lies not in discovering new lands but in seeing with new eyes” (Proust).

We advise spending 2 days to enjoy this route satisfactorily.