Trecastelli

Trecastelli is the “widespread” municipality par excellence in the Ancona hills. Located just 10 minutes from Senigallia, it is a destination that requires curiosity: there is not a single center, but three beating hearts, each with its own distinct personality. Ripe is the artistic and mysterious soul, Monterado the aristocratic and panoramic one, Castel Colonna the collected and fortified one. It is the ideal destination for those who love to “jump” from one hill to another discovering hidden treasures without traveling too many kilometers.

1. The Artistic Soul (Ripe): The Nori De’ Nobili Museum The true cultural jewel of the municipality is located in Ripe, in the Villino Romualdo.

Who was Nori: The Museum is entirely dedicated to Nori De’ Nobili, a 20th-century painter with a tormented and fascinating life. Her works are powerful, disturbing and colorful, so much so that she has been called a “female Ligabue”.
The experience: Visiting the museum is not just looking at paintings, it is entering the psyche of an artist who has used art as therapy. It’s one of the few museums in the world entirely dedicated to a female figure, and it’s a powerful emotional experience you wouldn’t expect in a small village.

2. The Noble Lounge (Monterado): The Castle and the Woods Moving to Monterado, the atmosphere changes. There is nobility here.

The Castle: The historic center is dominated by Palazzo Cinciari (or Monterado Castle), designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli (the same as the Royal Palace of Caserta!). Although it is a private residence (often used for events), its imposing size and the elegance of its lines define the landscape.
The Pine Forest: In front of the village there is a rarity: a 7-hectare forest of ancient pines and oaks planted in the mid-19th century. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll through the greenery with sea views, a peaceful oasis beloved by locals for Sunday picnics.

3. The Silent Fortress (Castel Colonna): The Borgo Murato Castel Colonna is the smallest and most intimate of the three.

The Walls: It still retains the appearance of the medieval “castrum”, with the defensive walls holding the houses in a protective embrace. The Malatesta
Tower is the symbol of this warrior past.
The Balcony: Strolling along the walls offers intimate panoramic views of the Cesano Valley. It’s the place where time really slows down, perfect for those looking for absolute silence and “minimal” landscape photography.

4. Gastronomy and Events: Porchetta and Arte Trecastelli combine the flavors of three regions.

The King of the Table: If you’re here in the summer, look for the Porchetta Festival (often in Castel Colonna or Ripe, tradition rotates). Porchetta here isn’t just street food, it’s an art: crunchy on the outside, soft and spicy (wild fennel first and foremost) on the inside.
Wine: We are always in the lands of Verdicchio and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, but there are also excellent producers of extra virgin olive oil here.
Culture: Ripe frequently hosts contemporary art festivals that transform the country into an open-air museum, connecting with the legacy of Nori De’ Nobili.

Logistic tips for the visit

Getting around: The car is indispensable. The three centers are a few kilometers apart (5-10 minutes drive), but are on different hills.
The ideal itinerary: Start in the morning from Ripe with a visit to the Nori De’ Nobili Museum. Then move to Castel Colonna for a quick lunch or a walk on the walls. Close the afternoon in Monterado: walk in the woods and sunset overlooking the Vanvitellian palace.
La Chicca: In Monterado, look for the “balcony” that looks towards the sea. On clear winter days, it is said that you can clearly see the mountains of Croatia across the Adriatic.