Offagna: a journey through the Middle Ages amid history, traditions and magic

Nestled in the hills of the Marche region, a few kilometres from Ancona, lies Offagna, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club: a place where time seems to have stood still among cobbled streets, panoramic views and an atmosphere steeped in history and tradition. The real star of the village is the majestic 15th-century fortress, built at the behest of the Republic of Ancona, which stands imposingly, dominating the surrounding landscape. Visiting the fortress means immersing yourself in a past of watchtowers, armoured rooms and walkways, with the opportunity to admire spectacular views stretching from the Sibillini Mountains to Conero and the Adriatic Sea.

Inside the ancient fortress is the Rocca Museum, where ancient weapons, armour and historical reconstructions recount the events of a distant era that still echoes and animates the life of this village today. During the summer, Offagna shows its most charming and lively side to its visitors: every year, at the end of July, the village comes alive thanks to the Medieval Festival, a historical event that transforms the town into an authentic village of the past. For a whole week, the streets and squares are filled with jesters, knights, ladies and merchants, bringing to life a re-enactment that involves all the senses. Falconry shows, tournaments, costume parades and historical encampments alternate with performances by musicians, fire-eaters and street artists, in a succession of emotions and colours that transport visitors to a fascinating world of the past. Every corner of the village becomes a stage under the flickering light of torches and the rhythmic beat of drums, offering an authentic and engaging experience that allows visitors to experience the history and ancient life of the place first-hand. In the evening, the open-air taverns offer typical dishes inspired by medieval cuisine, where ancient flavours blend with local wines, completing a journey through time that also involves the senses of taste. But Offagna is a place that enchants all year round: outside the festival period, it remains an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and culture. The village is home to the ‘Paolucci’ Natural Science Museum and the Museum of the Liberation of Ancona, as well as being surrounded by numerous nature trails perfect for hiking or cycling. Offagna’s strategic location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby Conero Park, the beaches of Sirolo and Numana, the caves of Camerano or cities of art such as Osimo and Loreto, enriching every visit with the opportunity to discover further treasures of the Marche region. Offagna is, in fact, a real hidden treasure: a charming oasis of peace, a step back in time and a destination capable of surprising and captivating even the most curious travellers.