Il Segreto Meglio Custodito delle Marche: il Fascino Naturale del Piceno

Summary

Embark on a three-day journey through the lesser-known Marche region, starting from the unique circular Castel di Luco, a renovated manor house. Discover the untouristy landscapes, traditional foods, and warm-hearted locals. Explore the natural spa at Lu Vurghe, hike the Garrafo gorges, and witness the breathtaking sunset at Forca di Presta. Visit the picturesque Lake Gerosa, the medieval village of Montemonaco, and dine in Montegallo's restaurant-cum-campsite. Wander through Offida's historic streets, admire the architecture, and experience the local theatre. Conclude your trip with an adrenaline rush at Ripatransone's Ripadventure Park and stroll through its historic center. This authentic, rural experience showcases the region's natural beauty and rich traditions, away from the crowds.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Visiting Castel di Luco, a unique circular-shaped manor house that was renovated post-earthquake and offers beautiful rooms with original frescoes.
• 🌄 Exploring the Marche region, known for its untouristy landscapes, authentic villages, and extraordinary kindness of the local people.
• 🍽 Enjoying delicious local dishes with a stunning view of the valley at Castel di Luco.
• ♨️ Discovering natural and free spas with sulphurous water near Santa Maria, offering a relaxing environment away from the chaos.
• 🌿 Hiking through the Garrafo gorges, characterized by horizontally stratified rock and lush spring flora, with the option for canyoning adventures.
• 🏞 A breathtaking sunset view from Forca di Presta, a pass at 1550 meters above sea level that divides Marche and Umbria.
• 🍕 Trying the local pizza with Ascoli olives and truffles in Arquata del Tronto.
• 🏞 Admiring the reflection of the Sibillini mountains in the green and blue waters of Lake Gerosa, an artificial body of water.
• 🏡 Visiting the picturesque village of Montemonaco, known for its authentic appearance and the legend of the Apennine Sibyl.
• 🍃 Experiencing a relaxing and hearty lunch at Montegallo, a nature-surrounded refuge that also functions as a restaurant and campsite.
• 🏛 Offida, a well-preserved town with elegant architecture, including the Serpente Aureo theatre and the Santa Maria della Rocca church, a 14th-century structure built on a rock spur.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide a travel guide to the Marche region, specifically the province of Ascoli Piceno, highlighting its untouristy landscapes, traditional foods, and authentic villages.

Where is the base for the three-day journey mentioned in the script?

The base for the three-day journey is Castel di Luco, a small cluster of houses with a unique circular-shaped manor house at its center.

What is special about the manor house in Castel di Luco?

The manor house in Castel di Luco is special because of its circular shape and the fact that it has been recently renovated after a violent earthquake in 2016. It also maintains its original frescoes on the ceilings.

What is the name of the natural spa with sulphurous water mentioned in the script?

The natural spa with sulphurous water is located in the valley floor near Santa Maria, a hamlet of Acquasanta Terme.

What is the Garrafo gorges known for?

The Garrafo gorges are known for their wild environment, narrow paths surrounded by lush vegetation, and horizontally stratified rock with an unusual appearance. It is also a location suitable for canyoning adventures in the summer.

At what altitude is Forca di Presta, the pass that divides Marche and Umbria?

Forca di Presta is a pass at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level.

What is the name of the artificial body of water with green and blue waters mentioned in the script?

The artificial body of water with green and blue waters is called Lake Gerosa.

What is the name of the village located at 1000 meters above sea level and known for its panoramic position?

The village is called Montemonaco.

What is the name of the restaurant, refuge, and campsite visited in Montegallo?

The script does not provide the specific name of the restaurant, refuge, and campsite in Montegallo.

What is the name of the park featuring unique clayey soil and gray color?

The park with unique clayey soil and gray color is the Calanchi and Monte Ascensione Park.

What is the name of the small, well-preserved town with an elegant appearance?

The small, well-preserved town with an elegant appearance is Offida.

What is the nickname of the village Ripatransone and why?

Ripatransone is nicknamed 'the Piceno viewpoint' due to its super panoramic position.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 Discovering the Hidden Gems of Marche

The video embarks on an exploration of the Marche region, specifically the province of Ascoli Piceno, known for its unspoiled landscapes and authentic traditions. The base for the journey is the recently renovated Castel di Luco, a circular manor house with preserved frescoes. The region offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing in natural spas with warm sulphurous water to hiking through the Garrafo gorges and enjoying the panoramic views from Forca di Presta pass. The video also highlights local gastronomy, including a lunch featuring Ascoli olives with truffles and a homemade breakfast at the castle.

05:03

🌄 Exploring the Scenic Beauty and Rich History

The second part of the video takes viewers to Lake Gerosa, an artificial body of water reflecting the Sibillini mountains, ideal for swimming or a picnic under the pine trees. The village of Montemonaco, known for its medieval legend of the Apennine Sibyl, retains its authentic charm with exposed brick houses. Montegallo, a nature retreat with a restaurant and campsite, offers a warm welcome and a delightful lunch experience. The Calanchi and Monte Ascensione Park showcase unique clayey landscapes, and the town of Offida, with its well-preserved architecture and the Serpente Aureo theatre, adds to the cultural richness. The video concludes with a visit to Santa Maria della Rocca, a 14th-century church with a surprising interior, and a walk through the changing evening atmosphere of Piazza del Popolo.

10:06

⛺️ Adventure and Reflection in the Final Leg

The final morning involves a tour of Castel di Luco, appreciating its romantic and historical ambiance. The old kitchen has been repurposed into a relaxation room, maintaining a connection with the castle's past. The journey continues to Ripatransone, known as 'the Piceno viewpoint', where the video features an adrenaline-pumping adventure at the Ripadventure Adventure Park amidst a protected forest of oaks. The historic center of Ripatransone is characterized by its homogeneous brick houses and well-preserved ancient appearance. A visit to the theater in Palazzo del Podestà and navigating through the narrowest alley in Italy are part of the exploration. The video ends with a scenic walk up Via Margherita and a heartfelt farewell to the Piceno region, expressing gratitude to the collaborators and inviting viewers to engage and explore more of the Marche region.

Keywords

💡Marche

Marche is a region in central Italy known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic traditions. In the video, it is the primary destination for the journey, showcasing its untouristy and picturesque aspects. The script mentions exploring the Marche hinterland, particularly the province of Ascoli Piceno, highlighting its authenticity and traditional richness.

💡Castel di Luco

Castel di Luco is a small cluster of houses with a unique circular manor house at its center, which serves as the base for the video's journey. The castle has been recently renovated after an earthquake and has reopened to guests. It represents the historical and architectural charm of the region, with its original frescoes on the ceilings, adding to the authentic experience of staying in a real castle.

💡Sibillini Mountains

The Sibillini Mountains are a mountain range in the Marche region, noted for their natural beauty and serving as a backdrop for various activities in the video. They are depicted as a majestic and stunning natural spectacle, offering panoramic views and serving as a key attraction for visitors seeking outdoor adventures and scenic vistas.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity is a central theme of the video, emphasizing the untouched and traditional aspects of the places visited. The script speaks of discovering places that are 'still authentic and rich in traditions,' which is a key draw for travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences. The villages, foods, and people encountered are all described as authentic, providing a contrast to more commercialized tourist destinations.

💡Calamari and Monte Ascensione Park

The Calamari and Monte Ascensione Park is a natural park near Ascoli Piceno, characterized by its unique clayey soil and contrasting landscapes. The park is depicted as a place of natural beauty and a highlight of the region's rural charm. The script describes the park's landscape, with its gray, clay soil devoid of vegetation, contrasting with the surrounding green woods.

💡Offida

Offida is a small, well-preserved town in the Marche region, described as a 'small jewel' with an elegant appearance. It is noted for its historic architecture, including the Piazza del Popolo and the Serpente Aureo theatre. The town's preservation and cultural landmarks, such as the theatre with its green frescoes, contribute to the region's rich heritage and are a key part of the video's exploration of local traditions and history.

💡Ripatransone

Ripatransone is a village nicknamed 'the Piceno viewpoint' due to its panoramic location. It is featured in the video for its historic center, homogeneous brick houses, and the narrowest alley in Italy. The village represents the quintessential charm of small Italian towns and is part of the exploration of lesser-known destinations in the Marche region.

💡Adventure Activities

Adventure activities, such as the ones offered at the Ripadventure Adventure Park, provide an adrenaline-filled experience for visitors. The park features Tibetan bridges, stairs, and zip lines amidst a protected forest of ancient oaks. This activity is an example of how the region offers a mix of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, enhancing the travel experience.

💡Local Cuisine

The local cuisine is a significant aspect of the video's journey, with the script mentioning delicious typical foods and a lunch experience featuring Ascoli olives with truffles. The culinary experience is an integral part of the travel narrative, allowing viewers to connect with the region's culture and traditions through its food.

💡Natural Spas

Natural spas with sulphurous water are a unique feature of the Acquasanta Terme area. The spas are described as a place to relax and disconnect from the chaos, offering a natural and tranquil environment for visitors. The mention of the spas highlights the region's natural attractions and the opportunity for restorative experiences.

💡Garrafo Gorges

The Garrafo Gorges are a natural site featuring horizontally stratified rock with an unusual appearance. The gorges are part of the region's diverse landscape and offer an adventurous canyoning experience for those who are fond of such activities. The gorges represent the region's natural beauty and the opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Highlights

Exploring the authentic and untouristy region of Marche, specifically the province of Ascoli Piceno.

Staying at Castel di Luco, a uniquely circular-shaped manor house recently renovated post-earthquake.

Enjoying delicious local dishes and stunning valley views at Castel di Luco.

Visiting the tranquil and natural spas with sulphurous water in the valley near Santa Maria.

Hiking the Garrafo gorges, characterized by horizontally stratified rock and lush spring flora.

Experiencing canyoning adventures in the gorges during summer with proper equipment.

Admiring the breathtaking sunset over the Sibillini mountains from Forca di Presta pass.

Tasting Ascoli olives with truffles, a local delicacy, in Arquata del Tronto.

Discovering Lake Gerosa, an artificial body of water with opportunities for swimming and SUP in summer.

Visiting the medieval village of Montemonaco, known for the legend of the Apennine Sibyl.

Dining at Montegallo, a nature-surrounded refuge that doubles as a restaurant and campsite.

Exploring the Calanchi and Monte Ascensione Park with its unique clayey soil and green hills.

Admiring the well-preserved elegance of Offida and its triangular Piazza del Popolo.

Visiting the Serpente Aureo theatre in Offida, known for its green frescoes of the muses and Apollo.

Exploring Santa Maria della Rocca, a fourteenth-century church built on a rock spur with a surprising interior.

Witnessing the vibrant carnival in Offida, which celebrated its 500th anniversary.

Trying out the Ripadventure Adventure Park with Tibetan bridges, stairs, and zip lines in a protected forest.

Walking through the narrowest alley in Italy in Ripatransone, a village with well-preserved ancient architecture.

Appreciating the authenticity and rural beauty of the Piceno region, away from mass tourism.

Transcripts

We are ready for a new journey! After having been to Puglia in the previous videos,

today we move to the Marche! In these three days we will take you with us to discover

some pearls of the Marche hinterland in the province of Ascoli Piceno! This area, which is so

untouristy, gave us unexpected landscapes, delicious typical foods, villages

that seem frozen in time and allowed us to meet people of

extraordinary kindness; if like us you love discovering places

that are still authentic and rich in traditions, you are in the right place!

Now, without wasting any more time, come with us to the Marche!

Our base for the next three days will be Castel di Luco, a tiny

cluster of houses where in the center stands a unique manor house of its kind with a

circular shape; the castle has just been renovated after the violent earthquake of 2016 and reopened

to guests in March this year; the rooms are each more beautiful than the other and maintain the

original frescoes on the ceilings. Not to mention the room where we go for lunch

is an absolute marvel, the typical dishes we try are all delicious and the view of the

valley from the windows is stupendous, we couldn't have started our stay here better.

Let's begin the exploration of the surroundings; just 10 minutes by car and we are in Santa Maria,

one of the many hamlets of Acquasanta Terme to start the path to Lu Vurghe.

We follow the wooden signs and walk along a downhill road

surrounded by greenery and close to the mountains.

The walk is relaxing, in about 15 minutes you arrive at the valley floor where there are

natural and free spas with sulphurous water; You will realize that you are close by the classic

pungent smell of sulphur. The water is transparent and all year round at around 25-30 degrees; in this

days the place is deserted and is perfect for completely disconnecting from the chaos

and reading a book with the sound of the river in the background; in summer it could

obviously be more chaotic but still very suggestive

If you pass through these parts it's obvious to tell you and we already know how similar you are to

us but always remember to respect such a fragile natural environment in every possible way.

We make the climb which in the heat can become challenging, we get back in the car

and after 5 minutes we take a dirt road that takes us to a small car park, from

here the route to the Garrafo gorges starts, the environment is even wilder we walk

along narrow paths surrounded by flowers and plants which in spring are incredibly lush.

We come across some stretches where you have to use the rope to descend

further and further into the Canyon; the gorge is beautiful and characterized by

horizontally stratified rock with an unusual appearance, in spring the water flow is too high

but if you are fond of canyoning and have an adventurous soul in summer it is possible to take

a route of about 2 hours to go in the canyon where the walls become increasingly higher and

closer to each other; It is recommended to do it accompanied or in any case

with a helmet and suitable equipment, we would be really curious to try it!

As the last point of today, we completely change the scenery,

we move from a river environment to the majesty of the mountains.

A panoramic road full of curves takes us in front of the Sibillini mountains, more precisely at the foot

of Mount Vettore, our destination is Forca di Presta, a pass at 1550 mt above sea level

that divides Marche and Umbria; I'm not even going to tell you the landscape is crazy

but it's better to let the images do the talking.

We managed to see a spectacular sunset over the Sibillini and among other things

in front of us we have the Castelluccio di Norcia plain which is a spectacle!

it was wonderful to be able to visit a place like this, to be in front of this

natural spectacle and listen only to the sound of the wind.

We would have liked to have stayed longer but when it started to get dark we set off.

Before returning we stop for a pizza in Arquata del Tronto , the Ascoli olives with truffles

that we ate here are absolutely worth trying!

We return to Castel di Luco for the night; guys if you have always dreamed

of sleeping in a real castle there is an incredible atmosphere here!

We wake up early this morning we can't wait to continue discovering the area

We have an excellent breakfast with homemade cakes in a frescoed room

it certainly doesn't happen every day to start the day in a place like this

The first stop of today it is Lake Gerosa: an

artificial body of water with green and blue waters where the Sibillini mountains are reflected.

You can get there directly by car and in summer it is also possible to swim

or go on a SUP ride, the forest is perfect to relax in the shade of the pine trees

If you feel like a picnic this is the ideal place!

And then within a short distance there are so many things to see such as Montemonaco

This village is located in a super panoramic position at 1000 m above sea level

In the Middle Ages it was very famous because of the legend of the Apennine Sibyl who is

said to have lived in a cave a few kilometers from here among the Sibillini mountains; there were

many alchemists, necromancers and travelers who based themselves in Montemonaco to visit

the Sibyl, I personally love learning about these legends! The village has retained

its authentic appearance with all the houses still in exposed brick, in the highest part

of the town there is a large park from which you can admire a splendid panorama of the

mountains; for its uncontaminated beauty Montemonaco

has been defined as the pearl of the Sibillini.

For lunch we move to Montegallo, here at the foot of the mountains and surrounded by

nature we find a refuge which also acts as a restaurant and campsite; a fantastic place with

outdoor tables and where you can eat very well!

The genuine welcome received from all the people

we have met so far is what in our opinion is making the trip unforgettable

Mario, the manager of the refuge sings while we have lunch

there is a nice, cheerful and convivial atmosphere.

We leave Montegallo after a super lunch, Now we need to walk a

bit to work off everything we've eaten, our next stop is the

Calanchi and Monte Ascensione Park, a few kilometers from Ascoli Piceno.

We are surrounded by the green hills until

we arrive in Porchiano and the scenery suddenly changes.

Our short trek starts right from the tiny village that is now almost

uninhabited, we start walking in one of the most suggestive points of the whole park with the

Calanques that extend all around us. The clayey soil is particular, the gray color

and devoid of vegetation contrasts with the green of the woods creating a unique landscape.

Having said goodbye to the Calanchi we go towards one of the most beautiful towns nearby.

Offida is a small jewel perfectly preserved

and with an elegant appearance; Piazza del Popolo with its

triangular shape and beautiful loggias is the focal point of city life; churches,

noble palaces and above all the town hall overlook this square.

And it is precisely inside the latter that we find the Serpente Aureo theatre.

I don't know if you know it but the Marche is the region of theatres,

practically every town has one! The one in Offida

is particularly beautiful with the green frescoes on the ceiling representing the muses and Apollo.

We'll pass through this beauty but we have yet to visit one of the symbolic places of the town

Santa Maria della Rocca is a fourteenth-century church built on a spur of

rock to the west of the Old Town; it is built on two levels and the main access is today

located in the crypt; walking between the columns and the low vaulted ceiling, one does not expect

to find such a large room just after a short flight of stairs, the surprise effect is guaranteed

Just think that this incredible structure remained abandoned for almost 100 years

until the municipality decided to intervene in 1974.

When we go out the sunset light is splendid and gives us a special view

of the village and the rolling hills around us

it gets dark, let's go back to Piazza del Popolo which looks totally different in the evening!

One of the most important celebrations here in Offida is the carnival, you can

see it from the bright writings here behind me and this year it celebrated its 500th anniversary

We take a walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the center before stopping for

dinner in a typical Offida tavern; after the trip to Puglia and this one to the Marche

we would have gained at least a couple of kilos but I'd say that's okay! It's time to return to our

home but let's not miss the opportunity to take a last walk through a deserted Offida,

our favorite time of day to discover hidden corners of a place in peace.

Last morning here! We pack our backpacks and then take a tour of the castle, it is so

romantic and fascinating to wander around these rooms

knowing how much life and history took place within these walls.

This is the old kitchen of the Castle which has been converted into a relaxation room,

in fact there are herbal teas for guests, the

scent of smoke has been retained, you can also see parts of the walls which are blackened

so as not to completely distort what was there to give a continuity

between past and future is what Francesco, the owner of the castle, explained to us.

It was truly an exceptional experience to sleep here, we had

a great time, but it's time to say goodbye to Castel di Luco to drive to the last stage of this journey

We are in Ripatransone, a village nicknamed "the Piceno viewpoint"

for its super panoramic position.

However, we want to start the morning with a bit of adrenaline; in fact, just outside the town,

close to the ancient walls is the Ripadventure Adventure Park where it is possible

to try out various routes with Tibetan bridges, stairs and zip lines.

There are attractions for adults and children aged 3 and up.

I had never tried anything like it and I had a lot of fun

and it's in an incredible natural context which makes the experience even

more beautiful! In fact, we are inside the Selva dei Frati, a protected forest of centuries-old oaks.

A few minutes and we find ourselves in the historic center

the first thing that strikes us is the homogeneous color

of the houses, all in bricks which maintain their ancient but well-kept appearance, on some doors

at the entrance, the engravings with the names of the original owners of the house are still visible.

We visit the theater located on the first floor of the Palazzo del Podestà, it could not be missed.

We head immediately after towards one of the most famous curiosities of Ripatransone,

the narrowest alley in Italy! Just think that at the height it is 43 cm wide but further up

it narrows to 32, a real record! We continue through the alleys of the village up to the

scenic staircase of Via Margherita, among the most beautiful and picturesque corners

of the centre. In our opinion it is a perfect place to say goodbye to this area of ​​the Piceno.

In these 3 days we have managed to greatly appreciate the authenticity of this rural area

so little known to mass tourism and therefore so beautiful; nature is still uncontaminated,

genuine people are happy to talk about their land and the villages are little gems

that can be visited in peace without fear of the crowd! First of all, we want to thank

Viral Passport for inviting us to discover such a beautiful reality together with PicOn,

Gal Piceno and Istao Ancona and for giving us the opportunity to tell you about it too!

As always we have to thank you for reaching the end of the video, if you want to support us in

our work you know that the best way to do it is to leave a like and subscribe to the channel!

We look forward to seeing you in the comments because we are curious to know

if you already knew these places or if you have others to recommend

write to us; lastly, if you are planning a trip to the

Marche, don't miss the video on the right, there are other suggestions to follow about

this beautiful region; thanks see you next week! See you soon! Bye bye!