A Unique Architecture
The Magic of the “La Scarpa” Walkway
The architecture of Morro d’Alba represents a unique example in the European landscape, an extraordinary case of how a structure originally built for defense has organically transformed into a living and vibrant urban fabric. The original medieval fortress, the Castrum Murri, has evolved over time, integrating the residential needs of its community without losing its imposing identity. Walking along the ancient moat, now Via Morganti, you can still notice the metal rings fixed to the walls: a detail that takes us back to when, during fairs, farmers tied their livestock here, a tangible testimony to the close bond between the village and its countryside.
The heart of this distinctive architecture is the “La Scarpa” Patrol Walkway. Built in the first half of the 17th century, this 300-meter path runs along the entire perimeter of the walls, remaining almost completely covered. Its name derives from the characteristic “scarpata” slope of the outer walls. Walking along “La Scarpa” is an immersive experience: on one side are the entrances to private homes and public venues, on the other a sequence of large “windows” frames the landscape of the Marche like a natural art gallery. The view stretches unobstructed from the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains to the outline of Mount Conero, the blue of the Adriatic Sea and even the distant Monte San Bartolo of Pesaro. The route is punctuated by two uncovered medieval towers, which offer an even broader panoramic perspective over the surrounding hills.
The city walls, with their characteristic pentagonal layout, do not reveal all their surprises on the surface. Beneath the village lies an “underground village,” a dense and mysterious network of tunnels, caves, and wells dating back to the 14th–15th centuries. This subterranean labyrinth, once a route for escape and refuge, adds another layer of fascination to an already extraordinary architecture. This fusion of military function and civilian life has created a monument that is not only to be admired but to be experienced—a place where history is not confined to a museum but is embedded in the very fabric of the village.
A Journey Through History
In the Footsteps of Kings, Emperors and Artists
Despite its modest size, Morro d’Alba has been a crossroads of events and a stage for figures of great historical and artistic importance. Its origins reach back to a distant past, with evidence dating to the Roman era and the subsequent Gothic domination. A tangible proof of this period is the discovery, made in 1894 in the hamlet of Sant’Amico, of the precious Teodorico Medallion—the only minted effigy of the famous Gothic king to have survived to the present day.
The strongest connection, however, is with Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, born in nearby Jesi. The ancient Castrum Murri was part of his county, and the memory of this association is carved into the names of the imposing towers that mark the perimeter of the walls. This bond is visually sealed by the bas-relief of the rampant lion, Frederickian symbol, placed in 1504 on the civic tower as a testament to the historic subordination to Jesi.
- Stupor Mundi: The tower overlooking the entrance to the village, named in honor of Frederick II himself, nicknamed the “Wonder of the World.”
- Costanza: Dedicated to his mother, Constance of Hauteville, who gave birth to the emperor in Jesi.
- Teodorico: One of the uncovered towers, facing the Sant’Amico area where the famous medallion was found.
- Frederick I (Barbarossa): Linked to a legend according to which Frederick II’s grandfather, during the siege of Ancona in 1167, was able to enjoy from Morro d’Alba the grape juice of the ancestor of the Lacrima wine.
The village is not only the guardian of ancient history but also a cradle of contemporary artistic talent. Here was born Maestro Enzo Cucchi, an internationally renowned exponent of the Transavanguardia, whose works are exhibited worldwide and within the Town Hall. In addition, the village museum hosts a permanent exhibition dedicated to the photography master Mario Giacomelli, who captured the region’s most cherished traditions with his unmistakable shots. This rich historical and artistic heritage is not merely a memory, but a living legacy that can be explored while strolling through the squares, museums, and hidden treasures of the village.
The Lacrima di Morro d’Alba
The Scent of a Land
If there is one element that defines the identity of Morro d’Alba more than any other, it is wine. Viticulture here is not just an economic activity, but a cultural fact that has shaped the landscape, dictated the rhythms of rural life, and given rise to a unique nectar, known and appreciated worldwide.
The undisputed star is the Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC wine. Its poetic name comes from the characteristic of the grape, which, once fully ripe, tends to split, releasing a drop—a “tear” of juice. The result is a wine with an intense ruby-red color and an unmistakable bouquet of rose and violet, an olfactory and gustatory experience that reflects the delicacy and strength of this land. Morro d’Alba is also one of the Castelli di Jesi, and the Lacrima vineyards alternate with those of Verdicchio, the Marche’s most famous wine and recognized as one of Italy’s most important white wines.
The Lacrima and Verdicchio vineyards shape the landscape, especially in autumn during the foliage season. Unlike Verdicchio, whose leaves turn yellow, the Lacrima leaves take on scarlet shades, eventually becoming a deep red—the same color as the wine it produces. During this period, walking among the rows in the Sant’Amico hamlet becomes a sensory experience, amidst the vivid colors of the countryside and the scents of the grapes still clinging to the vines.
The reference point for every wine enthusiast is the Public Wine Cellar, which also serves as a Tourist Information Center. Located along the Camminamento di Ronda, this is not just an ordinary wine cellar: it is a place full of history. Housed in the former headquarters of the “Mutual Aid Society,” it preserves on its ceiling a magnificent fresco depicting the symbolic handshake between the bourgeois and the worker, sealing a pact of solidarity. Here, in addition to tasting and purchasing wines from all the local wineries, visitors can consult the only public library in the Marche specialized in wine—a true treasure for connoisseurs.
To accompany these extraordinary wines, the local cuisine offers authentic and genuine flavors. Among the must-try dishes, we suggest:
- Vincisgrassi, the classic baked pasta pie of the Marche
- Country-style tagliatelle with chicken offal
- Rabbit in potacchio, a traditional Marche-style preparation
- Lacrima wine cookies, a simple and aromatic dessert
Gastronomic excellence is the common thread of a vibrant social life, celebrated through events and festivals that bring the village to life throughout the year.
The Beating Heart of the Village
Squares, Museums and Hidden Treasures
The squares and museums of Morro d’Alba are not merely places to visit, but true centers of social and cultural life, where the community gathers and the dialogue between past and present is constant. From the squares that serve as stages for summer events to the museums that preserve the village’s rural and artistic soul, every corner of the village offers a discovery.
Tarsetti Square
The entrance to the historic village, dominated by the 18th-century arch and the stele featuring a graffiti by Maestro Enzo Cucchi, welcomes visitors.
Romagnoli Square
The main square, overlooking the elegant Town Hall and the Church of San Gaudenzio. Here is the “Kiss Sign,” which identifies it as one of the most romantic spots among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.
Barcaroli Square
The most intimate and secluded part of the village, which during the warm season transforms into a charming open-air theater for performances and film screenings under the stars.
Utensilia Museum
Located in the evocative undergrounds of the castle, it houses a collection of tools from rural culture and the moving permanent photographic exhibition “Cantamaggio” by Mario Giacomelli.
Town Hall
It houses precious works of art, including the 17th-century altarpiece by Claudio Ridolfi and an important collection of works by the local artist Enzo Cucchi.
Church of San Gaudenzio
18th-century building that preserves the relics of Saint Teleucania and an altarpiece from 1596 by Ercole Ramazzani, a pupil of the renowned Lorenzo Lotto.
From these cultural and meeting places, the journey continues toward the territory’s deepest and most flavorful soul, one inextricably linked to its land and its flagship product.
A Village to Experience
Events, Experiences and Nighttime Magic
Morro d’Alba is a dynamic destination, a village that does not merely display its past but invites you to experience it through a rich calendar of events and activities designed for every type of visitor. From families seeking leisure to lovers of culture and fine wine, there is always a good reason to return, in every season of the year.
The village comes alive with events that celebrate its excellence and traditions:
- Food and Wine Events: The Festa del Lacrima e Tartufo (October) brings together two Marche excellences, while Calici di Stelle (August) transforms the village into an open-air wine cellar under the shooting stars.
- Cultural Events: Lacrima in Giallo is a popular literary festival that adds a touch of mystery to the evenings in June, while the summer Film Festival offers auteur screenings in the evocative setting of Piazza Barcaroli.
- Tradition and Romance: Cantamaggio (May) revives ancient folk songs immortalized by Mario Giacomelli, and Il Borgo dell’Amore (February) celebrates Valentine’s Day with a unique atmosphere.
A particularly captivating experience is “Morro d’Alba by Night.” As the sun sets, the village transforms, enveloped in a magical atmosphere created by light design installations. The illuminated route begins in Piazza Tarsetti with “The Sign,” highlighting the stele by Enzo Cucchi. Continuing to Piazza Barcaroli, “The Symbol” lights up a land art work that tells the story of the territory. Inside “La Scarpa,” “Hellish Walk” recreates a stroll among flames in tribute to Dante. Finally, from Piazzale Bersaglieri, visitors can admire the spectacular “Green Heart” videomapping, projected onto the castle walls and visible for kilometers around.