History and cuture, religion, nature, food & wine traditions: in Corinaldo there's plenty to see and try during your itinerary. In late October, do not miss the event Halloweenin Corinaldo and take part in the mysterious Witches' Feast, a truly scary experience in one of the most mysterious settings of Italy!
Corinaldo is a town in the province of Ancona, just a few km away from Senigallia in Le Marche region and it's located at 203 metres above sea level. You will be immediately impressed by its dominant position and its imposing walls which have remained almost intact since the XV century. The gates, the ramparts, the defence towers, the Ghibellines' crenels distinguish this rare example of a fortified city. Not surprisingly, in 2007 it was named the most beautiful village in Italy. The materials and architecture give the historic centre a great charm but the real heart of the village is the so-called Piaggia - a stairway of one hundred steps surrounded by red brick houses arranged in a herringbone pattern - where every year is held the oldest historical commemoration of the Ancona Province: the “Contesa del pozzo della polenta” (well of polenta contest). The town has been awarded by the Italian Touring Club with the “Orange Flag” which stands for quality of life and environment; it also boasts the “Green Flag” for agriculture.
Whilst Corinaldo attracts many medieval history enthusiasts, it also welcome pilgrims from all over the world. Famous for being the birthplace of Saint Maria Goretti, it is now a spiritual destination for travellers all year round. The faithful can visit the birthplace of the Saint and the Diocesan Shrine in the town centre, which houses a silver urn containing a relic of the saint.
You'll experience a mix of culinary traditions of Emilia Romagna and Le Marche. The two most renowned and important dishes are the “passatelli” in capon soup and the “vincisgrassi”, a sort of lasagna with layers of sauce, Parmesan cheese, pasta sheets and bechamel. Meat lovers should visit the local restaurants to try the roast goose stuffed with sage, rosemary, garlic and served with potatoes. The world famous Verdicchio wine originates here, from the vineyards of the surrounding hills. A dry, harmonious, delicate straw coloured wine ideal to accompany fish based dishes. And even if not as famous, the Rosso di Corinaldo is worthy of a taste. As in most towns of the region, you will find excellent extra virgin olive oil, salami and many varieties of good honey.
In the last weekend of October, Corinaldo goes from being the most beautiful village in Italy to being the national capital of Halloween. Every year since 1998, on the feast of Halloween, the historic centre of the town is transformed into a dark horrific place among candles, cobwebs, pumpkins, fascinating scenery and terrifying characters. In other words, it's a sort of exciting autumn carnival where masks are an absolute must! For the occasion there is all kind of entertainment in the streets, decorated taverns, music, fire shows and various attractions such as the tunnel of fear and other scary places. Thousands of tourists of all ages crowd into the village, but kids are the real stars and can take part to the many workshops and shows where the Zuccotto (a man dressed up as pumpkin) is the mascot. During the event there is also a contest to choose the 'Miss Witch', in which anyone can take part. Entrance is free and a shuttle bus will take you to the town centre, saving your legs a little!