Points of Interest

Cartoceto is a charming village, rich in history and places that tell the story of its identity. At its heart lies Piazza Garibaldi, overlooked by the Palazzo del Popolo, featuring the Torre dell’Orologio with its 17th-century sundial. Strolling through the historic center, visitors encounter picturesque views, historic buildings, and architectural details that evoke its medieval past.

One of the most charming landmarks is the Teatro del Trionfo, originally an olive mill and storage facility, later transformed in the 18th century into an elegant theater where the great soprano Renata Tebaldi once performed. With its wooden framework and 19th-century stage wings, it is now the heart of the village’s artistic and cultural scene. Thanks to funding from the Italian Ministry of Culture, as part of the 2023 Strategic Plan for Major Cultural Projects, a major restoration project has begun. The theater will become Italy’s first Multisensory Performing Arts Hub, an innovative space blending tradition and experimentation, opening new horizons for the performing arts.

A symbol of Cartoceto’s olive-growing heritage is the Fontana dell’Olio, a sculpture by the monk and artist Father Stefano Pigini, depicting the Goddess of Abundance, from whom the region’s precious olive oil symbolically flows. Nearby, the Palazzo Marcolini, once a noble residence, still preserves a historic library, decorated ceilings, and period furnishings.

For lovers of sacred art, the Collegiata di Santa Maria della Misericordia is a must-visit, housing valuable paintings, as is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Grace, famous for its miraculous fresco. In the surrounding countryside, the Pieve of Saints Peter and Paul, a charming Romanesque church, stands amidst lush greenery, offering breathtaking views over the Metauro Valley.

Just outside the village, the Convent of Santa Maria del Soccorso, founded in the 1500s by Augustinian friars, is nestled on Monte Partemio, surrounded by woods and olive groves. For history enthusiasts, the Torre di Ripalta, dating back to the 11th century, provides a spectacular panoramic view over the rolling hills of the Marche region. Nearby, the ancient pink stone washhouse and devotional shrines narrate the history of the local frazione (hamlet).

In Lucrezia, the most remarkable landmark is Villa Adanti, an elegant 19th-century residence built by baritone David Squarcia, later acquired by the Adanti family. During World War II, it served as a Nazi headquarters and was one of the few buildings spared from destruction. Also intriguing is the Cappella del Pilone, a small chapel with a bell tower. In 2009, excavations along the Via Flaminia led to the discovery of an Early Medieval burial ground (6th–7th century) containing grave goods and artifacts.

Finally, for those seeking immersion in nature, the Via dell’Acqua offers scenic trails through ancient mills, natural springs, and olive groves, providing walks through history, tradition, and untouched landscapes. Cartoceto, with its blend of history, culture, and pristine countryside, is an unmissable destination for those wishing to experience the most authentic essence of the Marche region.