Monte San Martino, population about 850,
is approximately 600 meters above sea level.
A lovely Medieval village, standing over the valley of the Tenna
River, it has a beautiful piazza on two levels, lovely buildings,
views of the surrounding countryside, a shop for daily needs and
a very good restaurant and bar (there is an additional good restaurant
on the edge of the village). Wonderful artistic works by Carlo and
Vittore Crivelli and Giovanni da Camerino dating back to the 15th
century are preserved in its two churches.
The area around Monte San Martino is rolling hills
and quiet roads well suited for walking and/or bicycle touring.
Back roads can be used to visit most of the adjacent hill towns
within a range of 20+k. These mostly paved back roads have wonderful
views of the beautiful country side, farms and hill towns.
Local festivals include the Chestnut Festival
in Monte San Martino, the Truffle and Fungi Festival in nearby Amandola
and the Flower Festival in Servigliano. In summer Fano has a festival
known as "Fano dei Cesari", where for a week people dress in Roman
tunics, drive chariots and do battle with barbarians from Norway.
The annual Opera Festival "Stagione Lirica" in Macerata is held
at the Sferisterio in July and August. This open air venue for opera
is second only to Verona.
One of the best known white wines of the region
is Verdicchio dei Castelli dI Jesi. October in Cupramontana a festival
celebrates the grape harvest. Other events of note are Verdicchio
Festo at Montecarotto in July and in autumn, the Verdicchio d'Oro
Festival at Staffolo and the Wine Fare at Offida that celebrates
the red wine, "Rosso Piceno Superiore".