Join us to discover the iconic sites of Falerio Picenus in the Tenna Valley, where history, culture and nature blend in a unique experience.
An exciting itinerary in the heart of the Tenna Valley, where the charm of the ancient Roman colony of Falerio Picenus gradually unfolds through an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Every corner of this territory invites us to explore and discover an atmosphere rich in stories and traditions that have deep roots in time, revealing a heritage that unites the past and present in an inseparable embrace.
So, let’s prepare to embark on an adventure that will awaken our senses, offering us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a world where every step tells a story, and every flavor celebrates the authenticity of a culture that never ceases to enchant.
History, flavors and breathtaking scenery: discovering Falerio Picenus in the Tenna Valley
The Tenna Valley is a charming area that stretches between the gentle hills of the Marche region, starting from the source of the river of the same name and following its tranquil course to the Adriatic coast. It is truly a picturesque corner of the Marche, filled with breathtaking landscapes and historic villages—a place where nature and culture harmoniously intertwine.
For this reason, we have decided to embark on an exciting journey to discover the sites associated with the ancient Roman city of Falerio Picenus.
Our six-stage itinerary will first lead us through the majestic ruins and monuments of the past in the municipality of Falerone. Then, in the town of Servigliano, we will immerse ourselves in the allure of local products, such as wine, which has been appreciated since Roman times, to experience an authentic taste of tradition.
Along the way, we will also encounter enchanting views, and places where the soul of the territory continues to thrive through the ancient local traditions.
Let’s prepare to be amazed by the timeless beauty of the Tenna Valley, traveling through historic attractions and stunning towns that tell us stories from millennia past.
Stage 1. The unique atmosphere of the Falerio Picenus archaeological park
We begin our journey in the heart of the ancient Roman colony of Falerio Picenus, exploring one of the most beautiful and significant archaeological sites in the Tenna Valley and the entire region.
The Falerio Picenus Archaeological Park is located in the territory of Falerone, along Via del Pozzo, just a short distance from the hamlet of Piane. The first site on our route is also the most impressive and best-preserved: the Roman Theatre of Falerone, built in the 1st century BC.
At that time, the theater could accommodate up to 1,500 spectators (today it has a capacity of 500 seats), a number that highlights how Falerio was a major cultural center. Sitting on the stone steps, we can imagine the theatrical performances and public debates that once took place in this evocative space.
Besides the theatre, Falerio Picenus also had an even larger amphitheater, which could seat up to 5,000 spectators. Today, only a few remnants of this building remain, but they can be admired not far from the theatre, along Via dell'Anfiteatro Romano, which winds through the countryside of Falerone.
While the theatre was (and still is) a place of culture, the Roman amphitheater was the lively hub of local entertainment, hosting gladiator fights that entertained the local population and drew visitors from neighboring territories.
Beyond the amphitheater remains, continuing until we rejoin Via del Pozzo, we arrive at the Falerio Picenus reservoir, a complex known as the Bagni della Regina, which testifies to the excellence of Roman hydraulic engineering.
Admiring this structure allows us to understand the Romans' ability to address daily needs with advanced solutions: the systems used to collect and distribute water throughout the colony represent a remarkable feat and demonstrate how sophisticated urban planning was during that era.
Stage 2. From the Beato Pellegrino theater to the Pompilio Bonvicini Archaeological Museum
Let’s leave behind the wonders of the Falerio Picenus Archaeological Park and head towards the old town of Falerone, where we find the small yet charming Beato Pellegrino Theater.
Inaugurated in 1926 for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, this theater has undergone several transformations, becoming the first cinema in the area after World War II, and then being converted into a theater for local companies in the 1980s.
Today, after the damage caused by the 2016 earthquake and a thorough restoration, Beato Pellegrino is once again a vibrant place, testifying to the community's connection to Roman traditions. Although it doesn’t have ancient origins, Beato Pellegrino holds significant meaning within our itinerary tracing Falerio Picenus in the Tenna Valley.
Why? Because of what it represents: the desire to keep alive the theatrical tradition started by the Romans, a true testament to the community's commitment to preserving its past.
After admiring the theater and appreciating the role it plays in the community, we continue our journey by spending some time in the beautiful old town of Falerone, particularly in the charming Piazza della Libertà. Here, apart from splendid medieval and Renaissance buildings, we are welcomed by the Pompilio Bonvicini Archaeological Museum.
This museum, dedicated to artifacts from the ancient city of Falerio Picenus, allows us to discover an extraordinary collection that includes coins, pottery, weapons, and statues. Among the most famous works is the magnificent Venus of Falerone, a sculptural masterpiece that perfectly embodies the elegance and refinement of Roman art.
Exploring the Bonvicini Museum is truly an unmissable activity in our itinerary: this place represents the union between past and present, thanks to the work of archaeologist and scholar Pompilio Bonvicini, after whom the museum is named, who dedicated his life to preserving the extraordinary historical heritage of the Tenna Valley.
Stage 3. Servigliano: the city of Falerio wine
Let's leave the municipality of Falerone and head towards the village of Servigliano, an enchanting hamlet on the banks of the Tenna River, located just a couple of kilometers from the Piane district and known for the production of the famous Falerio wine.
This wine, already appreciated in Roman times, has a long tradition rooted in ancient times. The territory of Falerio Picenus was indeed renowned for its excellent production of wine, oil and wheat.
Moreover (as described in Falerone, storia e cronaca di una comunità, a comprehensive work that perfectly describes the territory and its history), the indissoluble link between winemaking and the Tenna Valley area is evidenced by significant historical testimonies: the writings of Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD already mentioned the importance of vineyards in this area, a fact also confirmed by more recent works, such as those of the physician and botanist Andrea Bacci, dating back to the late 16th century.
Today, while strolling through the streets of Servigliano, we can visit wineries that preserve this valuable winemaking tradition and immerse ourselves in the authentic flavors of Falerio. Tastings provide a unique opportunity to discover the distinctive characteristics of this D.O.C. white wine, appreciated for its delicate and fruity taste.
In addition to its history and wine, the village also offers an idyllic landscape, with vineyards stretching across the hills, inviting us to explore the surrounding nature through pleasant walks.
Thus, Servigliano is an ideal stop on an itinerary to discover the heritage of Falerio Picenus in the Tenna Valley, as it allows us to combine the exploration of local history with an immersion in flavors and natural beauty.
Stage 4. A dive into the past of Belmonte Piceno
Continuing our journey through the Tenna Valley, we head towards Belmonte Piceno, located not far from the town of Servigliano. This small, charming village, perched atop a green hill, tells stories rooted even before the Roman era.
Here, the proud Piceni people left an indelible mark, evident in the archaeological remains that reflect a rich and flourishing civilization. With the subsequent arrival of the Romans, Belmonte underwent an inevitable process of Romanization, further enriching its cultural heritage.
Excavations have revealed burial artifacts and everyday tools, traces of a prosperous community integrated into the vast agricultural system of the time, where the surrounding fields were dedicated to the cultivation of oil and wine, essential resources for the economy.
The rustic villas unearthed in the area also give us a glimpse of a past where agricultural tradition was deeply rooted in the Roman model of land management. This tradition continues to this day, representing an important, heartfelt link that embodies the true heritage of Falerio Picenus.
Even without visiting specific archaeological sites, our trip to Belmonte Piceno reveals how ancient history continues to live on through local customs, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the rich culture of the Marche.
Stage 5. Grottazzolina - From the necropolis to the vineyards
Leaving the village of Belmonte Piceno, we follow Provincial Road 42. About 3 km from Belmonte, along the road to Grottazzolina, in a lush area brimming with bucolic charm, we make a stop at the “Morrecini”, a historic site where the remains of a Roman funerary monument from the 1st century AD can be found.
Perched on a panoramic hill, this place preserves fragments of a tower structure, with remains of marble decorations and niches for urns and statues, indicating a collective tomb for a high-ranking family. Underground connections with the Tenna River have fueled legends of hidden treasures, attracting archaeologists and curious explorers in search of precious and mysterious artifacts.
We set off again and, within a few minutes, arrive in Grottazzolina, a charming village that, like Belmonte, has its origins in the Picene civilization. Here, in fact, an ancient necropolis once stood, yielding significant finds that offer insight into both the earliest settlements in the area, dating back to the 8th century BC, and the transition from Picene to Roman culture.
During the height of Falerio Picenus, this area also became an important center for cultural and commercial exchange. Recognizing the region’s potential, the Romans established numerous settlements, contributing to the development of several villages that still exist today.
A local tradition dating back centuries and continuing to shape the local economy is viticulture: the wines produced here are celebrated both nationally and internationally, representing a well-established heritage.
Today, arriving in Grottazzolina on our journey through the Tenna Valley, we can appreciate the village's atmosphere, enhanced by breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal stop to explore the traditions, culture, and history of the Valley.
Stage 6. Conclusion in Fermo
From Grottazzolina, let’s continue along the southern bank of the Tenna River, passing through Girola and Molini di Tenna, until we arrive in the beautiful Fermo after about 20 minutes—a city that represents an important evolution in the narrative of the Tenna Valley's history.
During the Roman period, Fermo developed as a center for cultural interaction with Falerio, which at that time was the most important colony in the area. The geographical proximity of the two cities helped create a strong bond, to the extent that when Falerio began to decline, many of its traditions and influences passed to Fermo, which took on a leadership role in the region.
In Fermo, we cannot miss the fabulous Roman Cisterns, a spectacular archaeological site ideal for understanding the urban organization and water infrastructure of Roman cities. The cisterns are located beneath the historic center and are connected by a system of tunnels. Exploring them will leave us in awe at their design and the advanced engineering techniques used at that time.
Next to the cisterns is the Civic Archaeological Museum of Fermo, an interesting place to discover local history and its connections to Falerio Picenus. Here, we can appreciate artifacts such as coins, ceramics, and everyday objects that testify to how Falerio's cultural influences were absorbed and transformed in Fermo over the centuries.
Thus, in an ideal passing of the torch between the two cities, we conclude our itinerary tracing the footsteps of Falerio Picenus in the Tenna Valley. A journey that has allowed us to admire the cultural wonders of the Marche and has shown us that history is an invisible thread connecting our experiences, inviting us to explore and appreciate every corner of this fascinating region.
