Ripe San Ginesio: Italy's First Pilot 'Artiturismo' Village

Ripe San Ginesio: Italy's first Artiturismo pilot village

Ripe San Ginesio, in the province of Macerata, has been chosen as the pilot village for Artiturismo, a project designed to promote local craftsmanship as a cultural asset and a catalyst for territorial development.

The Artiturismo model aims to turn visits into direct experiences with local skills: visitors meet artisans, take part in practical workshops and discover typical products and flavors, supporting micro-enterprises in the village.

Event program

During the two-day launch, the village opened its craft activities to the public with events designed to showcase traditional trades and local workshops:

• in-workshop demonstrations and hands-on artisan labs;
• roundtables and institutional discussions on craft policy and local development;
• tasting routes featuring local produce and food pairings;
• presentation of the local tourism network and access opportunities to the village.

Why Artiturismo matters for small villages

The initiative acknowledges craft enterprises not only as productive activities but also as cultural presences that can drive social and economic regeneration, particularly in inland areas and communities affected by earthquakes. By creating synergies between residents, businesses and visitors, Artiturismo supports responsible and engaged tourism.

Institutional support and outlook

Local and regional representatives attended the inauguration, stressing the project's potential as a replicable tool for village promotion. The goal is to expand the format to other communities to foster economic recovery and cultural promotion across the territory.

Practical information

Dates: 9–10 May 2026
Location: Ripe San Ginesio (Macerata), postal code 62020
Promoters: Confartigianato Imprese in collaboration with the Municipality of Ripe San Ginesio and the Marche Region.

For lovers of small villages and experiential tourism, Artiturismo is an opportunity to discover traditional crafts, support local economies and experience the territory in close contact with the community.