Rocca di Offagna – The fortress that dominates the Marche region

Rocca di Offagna – A medieval fortress overlooking the hills of the Marche region

History and Description

The Rocca di Offagna is one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in the Marche region, located in the town of Offagna, about 300 meters above sea level. Built between 1454 and 1456 by the Republic of Ancona to defend its territories from the expansionist ambitions of Osimo, the fortress is part of the renowned Castles of Ancona and was declared a national monument in 1902.

The structure is a massive quadrilateral with a central keep rising atop a fortified tuff cliff, making the fortress virtually impregnable. Two drawbridges—one for horses and a smaller one for pedestrians—allowed complete isolation of the fortress in case of attack. The thick brick walls were designed to withstand firearms of the time and housed 50 bombard positions. At the top, the walkway is crowned with Ghibelline swallowtail battlements.

The keep, a five-story watchtower, contains a 30-meter-deep well and a bell dated 1477 bearing an invocation to the Virgin Mary. The entrance to the keep was located on the fourth floor, a defensive strategy that allowed the castellan to hold out even if enemies breached the outer walls.

Curiosities

The Rocca di Offagna is not just a military monument: today it houses the Museum of the Fortress, featuring ancient weapons exhibitions in collaboration with the Academy of Hoplology and Military Studies of Ancona and the State Museums of San Marino. From the walkway and the keep’s terrace, visitors enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Marche hills, from the Apennines to the Conero Riviera.

Throughout history, the fortress was the site of numerous conflicts: first between Ancona and Osimo, then between the Malatesta and the Sforza. One famous episode is the Battle of the Pig in 1477, when the valiant Boccolino da Guzzone reconquered Offagna for Osimo. After the 16th century, the fortress lost its military function and became the residence of the Podestà of Ancona.

Access Information

The Museum of the Fortress is open from June 1 to September 30: daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitors can access the fortress, climb the keep, and walk along the ramparts. Updated schedules and temporary exhibitions are available on the official website: www.visitoffagna.it

How to Get There

Offagna is located between Ancona and Osimo, easily reachable by car via the SS76. Parking is available near the historic center, from which visitors can walk to the fortress, located in a dominant position above the town. For those using public transport, regional bus connections from Ancona and Osimo stop near the historic center.

photo credits of rivieradelconero.info