Spring in the Villages — Marche: history, castles and the Mediterranean

Spring in the Villages — Marche

On April 19 towns, hamlets and historic centres across the Marche will open monuments and typically closed spaces to visitors. The initiative aims to highlight local heritage, support community resilience and encourage responsible tourism.

What to see and do

The Marche programme features guided walks through Montegiorgio's historic centre and access to buildings not usually open to the public, showcasing artworks from several centuries. Visits to local castles are also included.

• Montegiorgio historic centre: strolls through lanes, churches and viewpoints with insights into architecture from the 14th to the 20th century.
• Castles of Montegiorgio, Cerreto and Alteta: tours of the defensive structures that once formed the area's fortification network.
• Mediterranean-diet lunch: a home-style meal made with local, kilometre-zero ingredients reflecting traditional regional cuisine.

Why attend

The event is a chance to discover lesser-known places, support local producers and see how traditional foodways connect to landscape and health. In some locations visits may be limited because of past earthquake damage, so check which sites are open before you go.

Practical tips

• Confirm exact meeting points and schedules with the local organising association.
• Wear comfortable footwear: routes cross historic areas with uneven surfaces.
• Bring water and sun protection for outdoor stops.
• If you plan to join the lunch, notify organisers in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Note: similar events take place across Italy on the same weekend; consult regional listings to find other village visits nearby.