Arcevia, Le Marche

Arcevia and her castles (5817 Inhabitants, 535 Meter altitude)

Arcevia has a charming location on the top of a hill with panoramic views of the valleys around her. Previously known as Roccacontrada, this town dates back to the 8^th century and has a surprisingly rich collection of artwork as it had been a favorite destination for noble families and their collections. The painter Ercole Ramazzani was born here in 1500 and in the same era Luca Signorelli worked in the city.

You can still see the medieval walls and walk through the fortified gates of which S. Agostino and S. Pietro are particularly impressive. The town's old fortress used to stand on Monte Cischiano's highest point which is now the relaxing G. Leopardi Gardens.

Wandering the streets you will find several noble palazzi and churches and in Piazza Garibaldi the civic buildings and tower. Chiesa San Medardo is worth a visit for her collection of artwork, specifically those by Luca Signorelli. Nearby is the church and cloister complex of San Francesco where you will also find the biblioteca with another interesting collection of artwork.

Arcevia makes a good location for visiting the northern portions of central Le Marche and the impressive Grotte di Frasassi. There are several small but charming castelli in the area that were once subject to Arcevia and are worth a visit. Via SS76 you have access to Ancona and the coastal A14 autostrada to the east and Umbria to the west. The town itself is fully sustaining with all that you need for daily life.

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