Hidden Gems - The Charming Villages of Le Marche: Lapedona

On our route to Lapedona, I leave the sea behind me and enter the Marche hinterland. I let the blue colour of the Adriatic and lose myself in the blue of the sky that forms the background to enchanting landscapes. The meadows turn into hills, with hues and shades that recall nature in all its beauty. The journey is pleasant, I feel like stopping every now and then to admire these paradisiacal places and to admire the coast of the Marches that appears ever more distant, yet magnificent.

As we approach Lapedona, I notice the grandeur of this village, with the most recent houses built around what was once a castle: I imagine the ancient times when the population enclosed themselves within its walls and lived in safety... I can breathe in the millennial history that still leaves its majestic traces in the remains of the walls, witnesses of a glorious past, and I continue on our way with curiosity.

After a short and pleasant climb, we arrive at the entrance to the old town, the heart of village life. I really feel as if I am taking a plunge into history, everything here has retained its original appearance and modern life has integrated perfectly. I can find everything I need, I can smell the fragrance of freshly baked bread and I get ready to taste the flavours that are typical of the area...you won't want to go home without having tasted the local delicacies, I hope!

The ancient gateway that gives access to the inside of the walls bears the obvious signs of time and instantly plunges you into another dimension. The stone houses are leaning against each other and overlook the narrow cobbled streets: all life once took place here, now I can still see the craftsmen's workshops and the places where the much-vaunted festivals and fairs take place.

As I walk, I feel part of the community, not least because of the friendly glances of the people I meet, eager to tell and share their stories: I stop at a café to sip a coffee, listening to interesting tales of a life lived in Lapedona. The background of the chirping of festive birds is the perfect setting for this moment of total relaxation.

I always get excited when I listen to stories, especially here in Italy where you can find a strong sense of belonging to the territory and a bond with traditions handed down through the generations. With a new awareness I go to discover the main square, where I want to admire a fountain that dominates the whole scene. It is just as I expected, majestic with its eagle and municipal coat of arms, and wonderful now that it is lit up by the sun.

What strikes me most is the perfect harmony of the surrounding buildings.

The first, the Palazzo Comunale, is the centre of many interests and its elegance reflects the identity of the town. I find myself strolling under its arcades, observing life flowing slowly and orderly, almost as if it were another planet.

The other work that draws my attention is a church: I can't resist the temptation to go inside, also attracted by the large bell tower that soars behind its façade! Let's venture out together!

It is difficult to describe the emotions I feel, you should experience them for yourself! The Church of Santi Nicolò e Martino has a ceiling of wooden panels decorated in Baroque style; the work is attributed to the Fermo painter Filippo Ricci and makes the building unique. The altar is very special, with a painting by Simone De Magistris depicting the Madonna and her child, St Michael the Archangel and St Quirico. It is a religious building but is no longer consecrated. It is used as a venue for art events and classical music concerts...can you imagine the magic that is created? This is the spirit that is experienced in Lapedona!

I now take you to a wonderful spot, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama. It is called Belvedere Loy and I assure you that it did not disappoint my expectations! I got there after a short climb that leads directly to the top, you will be breathless not for the effort but for the view.

I lose myself in the greenery around me, I see valleys of muted colours, interrupted by other villages to be discovered on future journeys...The sun is no longer high on the horizon and gives golden hues to the lush nature. I feel a light breeze on my face, the scent of the earth, wild flowers and cultivated fields. I am enchanted by this spectacle and feel out of the world again, forget all thoughts and enjoy the fleeting moment.

This stop has filled my eyes and soul, but now I also want to dedicate myself to local gastronomy! I am looking for a typical place to refresh myself and taste local products: there are many activities that offer Marche cuisine and I will certainly also try the famous vin cotto. Have you ever tried it? They say it is really delicious!

During my stops I had time to reflect and appreciate the wonderful places I am visiting. The ancient streets are easy to navigate and lead me to another masterpiece of Romanesque art: the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a place of worship that invites reflection and prayer.

Its exterior is simple, made of stone like many other houses in the area. I walk through the wooden door and find myself enveloped in an atmosphere of peace and recollection. Inside, the sun's rays filter through the stained glass windows and illuminate the faded frescoes. I sit on a wooden bench and listen to the silence that reigns over the place.

I feel a connection with the history of Lapedona, every place speaks of a glorious past and the testimonies are a sign of the pride of its inhabitants. The restoration of this church, for example, shows the attachment to the events that took place and the desire to preserve the memory.

I contemplate the architectural details and imagine the life of the faithful who once attended this place. It is a moment of pause and reflection that allows me to appreciate the beauty of nature and art even more.

At the Belvedere Loy point, I felt enveloped in an almost surreal quietness, which encouraged me to undertake an inner reflection: could I live here, far from the daily chaos and frenzy? It would be difficult to get away from it all, but a holiday in Lapedona would certainly be regenerating for the body and spirit. I decide to see more, so let us continue on our way: let us discover together other remains of ancient times that make the place unmissable!

We enter a peaceful oasis that envelops me in a mix of scents and colours: it is the Bosco della Madonna Bruna. Among century-old trees I proceed along these paths that invite me to go further. The forest has a history going back thousands of years and is linked to legends and popular traditions that give it an aura of spirituality. We arrive at the chapel dedicated to the Madonna Bruna, a place for a pause and a moment of prayer. The Madonna is said to have appeared here centuries ago, you can feel a mystical atmosphere that gives you deep emotions.

Nature is generous here; I am surrounded by different species of rare and protected plants that create a varied colour palette: a spectacle for the eyes and soul. I am enveloped by positive energy that gives me an immense charge: I find myself in a suspended atmosphere, where silence once again takes centre stage.

As I leave the village behind, I realise that Lapedona is not just a place, but an experience that stays with you, made up of silences, views and memories that ring out like the bells I hear in the distance. I reconnected with nature and rediscovered my inner self.

Every corner of Lapedona seems to whisper forgotten stories, and from every little square there are wonderful views of the hills of the Marches, offering moments of pure contemplation. I turn my gaze to the sea and set off on a new and charming route.

It’s time for me to hit the road again. I’m wondering where the roads will lead me. To another village, another story, another hidden gem of Le Marche.