Let’s explore together the village of Falerone with a journey through the Old Town, among squares, ancient walls, and authentic local traditions.
A charming village set against the stunning backdrop of the Marche hills; a place where history and culture intertwine in an intimate and warm embrace; an experience to be savored among artisanal traditions and the aromas of local cuisine.
Wandering through the streets of Falerone, an enchanting town in the province of Fermo, one can feel the echoes of a rich past filled with events and traditions, moving between splendid squares and ancient walls, appreciating the atmosphere of bygone days and the friendly simplicity of its inhabitants.
Let’s embark on an exciting journey through the Old Town of a village waiting to be discovered: a unique opportunity to explore an authentic territory, rich with fascinating stories to tell, that continues to surprise with its charm and hospitality.
The unique atmosphere of the Old Town of Falerone
As soon as we enter the Old Town of Falerone, enclosed by the ancient and imposing city walls, it truly feels like stepping back in time.
Walking through the cobbled streets and the peaceful, charming squares, we can experience an authentic atmosphere, whose details take us back to the late Medieval and Renaissance periods, while the buildings we pass by seem to whisper the stories of the artisans, merchants, or nobles who once inhabited the village.
It’s easy to be captivated by the simplicity that pervades this place, a haven far from the modern hustle and bustle, as well as a true open-air museum, where we not only see history but also feel it underfoot and breathe it in the air.
Our itinerary will lead us to experience the heart of the historic center as a fascinating and genuine journey, rediscovering the pleasure of authentic beauty, while the monuments and remnants of the past bring us ever closer to the true spirit of Falerone.
Stage 1. Entrance to the Old Town: Beato Pellegrino theater and Piazza della Concordia
Let's begin our journey by admiring the Beato Pellegrino theater, located at the entrance of Falerone's Old Town. Inaugurated in 1926, the building was designed as a gathering place for all Faleronesi, featuring a theater on the ground floor overlooking a charming garden.
After World War II, it became the first cinema in the area, attracting audiences from neighboring towns. Over the years, the building took on a central role in the cultural life of the village, transforming into a theater in the 1980s to host local companies.
Recently renovated after years of neglect, including damage from the 2016 earthquake, the theater showcases fascinating neoclassical architecture and is now alive with events that enliven the community.
Once past the theater, we can delve into the main street that traverses the center of Falerone, namely Corso Garibaldi, leading us to Piazza della Concordia, home to the Town Hall.
This small yet evocative square is a key social hub for the village, maintaining a calm and serene atmosphere, enhanced by the elegance of the historic buildings surrounding us, including the Town Hall and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, characterized by gothic and baroque elements.
After enjoying Piazza della Concordia, let’s go ahead along Corso Garibaldi until we reach a magnificent 15th-century structure known as Casa di San Paolino, named for the fresco of San Paolino that adorned its facade until the 19th century, an important testament to the past popular devotion.
Let’s fully appreciate the splendid portal and the light framed by the side windows, imagining what this magical place must have been like during the Renaissance, where history and culture intertwine in a fabulous tale of community life.
Stage 2. History and culture in Piazza della Libertà
Continuing our journey along Corso Garibaldi, we arrive at the picturesque Piazza della Libertà, formerly known as Piazza Garibaldi. While Piazza della Concordia serves as the heart of Falerone, housing the Town Hall, Piazza della Libertà represents the historic and authentic soul of the village.
In the center of the scene stands majestically the Church of San Fortunato, an imposing 13th-century building that immediately captures the eye thanks to the presence of the homonymous Tower of San Fortunato.
The tower is a distinctive feature of the square's landscape and integrates seamlessly with the church's architecture. It symbolizes local identity and serves as an important testament to the village's history, having been used in the past to signal public events or emergencies.
Inside, the church exhibits a Gothic-Romanesque style and houses significant works, such as the splendid Madonna adoring the Child by Vittore Crivelli (15th century).
Opposite San Fortunato, the Loggette dei Mercanti stand out, a charming 15th-century portico. In the past, the Loggette welcomed pilgrims, shielding them from the elements, and hosted fairs and markets with merchants and farmers negotiating their trades.
Piazza della Libertà has always been vibrant with cultural events involving the entire community. Notably, it hosted the Diocesan Convention in 1926, which attracted thousands of worshippers and became a significant moment for the village's religious life.
Even today, during festivals, the square fills with colors and sounds, offering a unique experience that allows visitors to discover the true atmosphere of Falerone.
Stage 3. Discovering Roman roots at the Pompilio Bonvicini Archaeological Museum
For the third stop of our itinerary through the Old Town of Falerone, we remain in the picturesque Piazza della Libertà to explore the Roman heritage preserved in the Pompilio Bonvicini Archaeological Museum.
This museum is a true treasure chest, showcasing numerous artifacts from the ancient Roman colony of Falerio Picenus and the excavations carried out over the centuries.
Inside the museum, we can admire an extensive collection of items that tell the story of the city's daily life: coins, pottery, weapons, and statues makes the museum not just an exhibition of artifacts but a real bridge between the past and present. It offers a fascinating perspective on the peoples who inhabited this region and encourages reflection on the importance of the historical and archaeological heritage that continues to shape Falerone’s identity even today, for example with the events held in the historic Roman Theatre located in the hamlet of Piane.
The museum is named after Pompilio Bonvicini, a prominent archaeologist and historian whose dedication helped preserve and enhance the history of Falerone and the Tenna Valley.
His work made it possible to safeguard this significant legacy, making the museum a must-see for anyone seeking to fully understand the historical and cultural importance of Falerio Picenus.
Stage 4. The splendid atmosphere of Via Pellegrino dei Bunforti
From the historic Piazza della Libertà, we descend along the picturesque Via Pellegrino dei Bunforti, an ancient street that allows us to immerse ourselves in the charm of Falerone.
Surrounded in its first part by splendid historic buildings, whose facades display details that testify to the elegance of the town's past, this street is a place where we can truly capture the purest essence of Falerone, the beauty of its streets, and its unique, serene atmosphere.
We continue descending along this beautiful road, enveloped in a special and timeless aura. Suddenly, the buildings gradually give way to a small glimpse that reveals a fantastic panorama of the green hills surrounding Falerone.
Let’s pause for a few minutes to take some photos and enjoy a little break while contemplating the beauty of this extraordinary landscape, with its colors and tranquility, in a fusion of history and nature that truly makes our journey unique.
Stage 5. The Medieval walls: strolling through the past of Falerone
Once we have fully traversed Via Pellegrino dei Bunforti, we leave the upper part of the town, where the true historic center is located, and find ourselves on the modern provincial road.
However, our itinerary is not yet over. We proceed along the road to admire the medieval walls of Falerone, an imposing structure that once protected the town from external attacks. These walls enclose the ancient heart of the village and represent an important testament to the defensive system of the time.
As we walk along these impressive fortifications, we can imagine life in the village during the Middle Ages, when the walls served as a true physical and cultural boundary.
Here we can explore a piece of history while enjoying a pleasant walk to conclude our journey in Falerone, admiring the wonderful surrounding landscape.
Let’s take one last look at the hills before us, and then, turning around, we bid farewell to the enchanting walls, which, along with all the splendid sites in the Old Town, remind us how Falerone has managed to preserve the beauty of its fascinating past.
Stage 6: Bonus experiences of trekking and local products
As we’ve seen throughout our tour in the heart of the village, Falerone is very rich in cultural sites to discover and visit. There are also various authentic experiences to enjoy, both in the historic center and the charming surrounding area.
Those who love walking or sports can explore the trails of San Paolino Park, located in the district of the same name, and immerse themselves in the Marche countryside with a scenic trekking adventure.
Food enthusiasts and lovers of local gastronomy can savor the extraordinary products of the area. There’s something for every taste: from local wines like Rosso Piceno and Falerio to the "Piantone" extra virgin olive oil, rustic homemade bread, and traditional sweets.
The cuisine of Falerone is a true journey into the flavors of the Marche, an essential part of discovering the secrets that make this region so special.
