Corinaldo, the village born under Lombard rule

Corinaldo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, probably owes its name to the “Curia di Rinaldo,” an ancient Lombard designation. Its foundation dates back to the year 1000, during the period of castle-building. In the fourteenth century it was an important military outpost, contested between Guelphs and Ghibellines. After being destroyed by the papal army, it was rebuilt in 1367 with a first defensive wall. The walls, later expanded in 1480, withstood several sieges, including that of Braccio da Montone. In 1503 Niccolò Machiavelli stayed here, writing from Corinaldo a famous letter. Elevated to the rank of city in 1517, Corinaldo experienced a golden age in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, enriching itself with palaces and works of art, until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.

Discover the architectural treasures of Corinaldo

Corinaldo preserves an extraordinary historical and architectural heritage. Its fourteenth‑century walls, enlarged in the fifteenth, are a masterpiece of military architecture, with towers, walkways, and monumental gates. The famous Piaggia, a staircase of more than one hundred steps, leads to the Pozzo della Polenta, the symbol of the village and the centerpiece of historical reenactments. The late eighteenth‑century Town Hall, designed by Ciaraffoni, elegantly overlooks Via del Corso. The former Augustinian convent, now a cultural center, also houses an art gallery. The fifteenth‑century House represents well‑preserved minor architecture. Among the religious buildings stand out the Collegiate Church of San Francesco, with works by Ridolfi, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Goretti, the Church of the Addolorata with its Callido organ, and Santa Maria in Portuno, an ancient early Christian site. The Patregnani Mill tells the story of rural tradition, while the birthplace of Santa Maria Goretti still preserves original furnishings and testimonies of deep faith.

Events in Corinaldo

In the evocative village of Corinaldo, events throughout the year transform its walls into unique settings. In April the Festa dei Folli comes to life, with music, performances, food, and the famous Crazy Run, a colorful race bursting with energy and joy. In July tradition is revived with the Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta, a historical reenactment with archers, drummers, and flag‑throwers. In August the spotlight turns to music with Corinaldo Jazz, which brings internationally renowned artists to the village, and to the dynamism of the Urban Dance Festival, where streets and squares become open‑air stages. The medieval summer closes with Millenarja, featuring markets, acrobats, and shows. Autumn is marked by Halloween, with haunted tunnels and themed taverns. The year continues with the Theater Season, between drama and music, and culminates in the magical Christmas of Corinaldo, illuminated by enchanting lights.

photo credits Sean Pavone