The medieval castle of Lapedona: discover how life began in the village

The castle of Lapedona, which today is the historic centre of the village, appears to have been built between the 13th and 14th centuries. There are no official documents attesting to this, the dates are hypothesised taking into account the building of the churches and monuments that can still be visited today.

It was originally a defensive structure, surrounded by strong walls and towers, designed to protect the population from enemy attacks. Today, it retains its medieval charm intact and allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of times gone by on every visit.

Even the restored buildings retain details typical of the period and bear witness to the thousand-year-old history and traditions that have been handed down.

The village of Lapedona will make you rediscover the historical value of its castle. The churches inside, such as those of San Giacomo and San Quirico, are part of the life of the community. Many historic buildings today are venues for cultural events and exhibitions: the municipality has a vitality that attracts tourists throughout the year and allows you to get to know an evocative place.

The castle of Lapedona is precisely the fulcrum around which the settlement developed. The noble palaces are often characterised by stone portals and many have been restored and converted into private homes.

The ancient walls and gates are fundamental elements of the landscape: even from a distance they stand out, telling centuries of history.

The style of the castle of Lapedona still retains the distinctive features of medieval fortifications, although it has undergone modifications over the centuries. For example, the stone used for the construction gives a sense of strength and solidity.

Round arches are a recurring element and many buildings retain vaulted rooms decorated with historically valuable frescoes. The watchtowers were designed for the purpose of guarding the surrounding countryside: today, beautiful landscapes can be admired from these posts.

From its strategic location, you can find nooks and crannies offering picturesque views, an easy and immediate way to discover wonderful places that will enchant you. During your visit, make an invigorating stop at the Loy viewpoint, it will leave you breathless!

The village of Lapedona represents one of the hidden gems in the Fermo area. Its origins date back to Roman and medieval times and it still preserves interesting remains that testify to a history full of tumultuous events.

Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, you can admire these historic buildings, immersed in an evocative atmosphere that recalls the spirit of the most authentic Marche region. All of them represent historical moments lived with great intensity and are still part of the lives of the local inhabitants: located in the historic centre or in the surrounding area, they are protected, preserved and protagonists of the festivities and events organised by the municipality of Lapedona.

One of these symbols is the Saltareccio Castle, which in the past had a defensive function but was also a point of reference for the local population. It is a typical example of how the architectural and historical heritage is perfectly integrated with the natural landscape: a visit to the Castle, then Convent, of Saltareccio will let you discover a new side of this beautiful region.

The oldest traces of Saltareccio Castle date back to around the year 1000, when it was donated to the bishop of Fermo by a nobleman of Longobard lineage. The property included many surrounding lands and a mill that stood on the banks of the river Aso. At the time, it was a fortress and a gathering place: it had the church of Santa Maria and cells where the monks resided.

Later, with the construction of the castle of Lapedona, many inhabitants moved to the new residence and Saltareccio became the convent of the Augustinian monks and then the Franciscan friars. It was then sold to a private individual. In 1647 there is a document that defines it as a ‘house’. In fact, it was later restored and made into a holiday home, with its own chapel and farmhouse.

Today it remains a historical monument, a destination for visits and pilgrimages, enchanting tourists with its majesty.

The convent is located in a secluded place and appears mysterious. Nestling amidst the hills of the Marche, it has a strategic position, hidden in nature but with a view of the surrounding area stretching as far as the sea.

The castle is surrounded by lush, unspoilt nature that lends an atmosphere of tranquillity and serenity. You can get there by following a road that is partly unpaved, from which you can admire picturesque views of the woods and fields of olive groves and vineyards. The entrance is guarded by two imposing oak trees that give a good idea of the historicity of the place and the importance it has had for the inhabitants of Lapedona over the centuries.

Far enough away from the village not to hear any noise, it offers the typical sounds of nature: festive birds, wind breezes, small wild animals living peacefully in their natural habitat.

The interior of the Saltareccio castle reveals a past rich in spirituality and recollection. Although the structure is not well preserved, walking around the convent and observing its walls will prompt you to meditation and personal reflection.

The rooms, which were once enlivened by monastic life, are now enveloped in a quiet atmosphere. The rooms are sober and austere, as befits a place of worship dedicated to a simple existence of prayer.

In the centre of the cloister there is still a church dedicated to St Mary. It is small, the size of the convent, with three altars. The ideal complement to make monastic life complete and independent.

Lapedona is an example of how it is possible to combine the protection of cultural heritage with the development of the area. Historical monuments are intertwined with daily life in the village, creating a unique and evocative atmosphere. The ancient castle walls, which have withstood the passage of time, dialogue with the modern houses, creating a unique and harmonious urban landscape.

Today, both castles represent cultural and historical attractions, inviting tourists and enthusiasts to discover not only their architecture but also the medieval life of Le Marche. Established as fortifications for the purpose of defence, they have evolved over time to meet the needs of the local population.

Walking through the streets of the village, among noble palaces and ancient churches, one has the feeling of leafing through a history book. A place where time seems to have stopped, but where life continues to flow, rich in traditions and new projects. Visit Lapedona and let yourself be enchanted by its magic!