Morro d'Alba is the only example, as far as Italy is concerned, of village-castle entirely surrounded by porches, whose hinges are placed in the walls.
Walking under the hanging portico, the three aspects of the Marches' landscape can be admired:
the sea, the Apennines and the waving line described by the hills.
Height 199 m.
History
Morro d'Alba has ancient origins. Historically, it goes
back about the year one thousand but the countryside was
already inhabited during the Roman age.
During the Longobard period, Morro d'Alba must have been the
seat of an administration centre, responsible for the whole
surrounding territory; afterwards, it became an important
point of exchange and trade.
The name Morro draws its name from the
pre-roman age ("moor" or "murr" = Rise)
and it indicates a prominent hill, as other villages
belonging to this area.
Since 1213, it had developed as a castle and joined the
rural area of Jesi, as the Commune of Senigallia renounced
all rights on it.
In 1862/1863, d'Alba was added to the ancient
original name, as it was thought that an ancient town called
"Alba Picena" or "Alba Marina" existed
in the nearby, but there's no proof of its real existence.
What to visit
A walk along the Town Walls (XIV century)
offers a vivid and unique path, from where you can admire
wonderful foreshortenings and landscapes. The covered raised
walking known as "LA Scarpa" (The Shoe )* (XVII
century) is typical of this village.
*translator' s note
Utensilia - It is a unique museum that shows to
the visitors the whole ergonomic development accomplished by
the share croppers and craftsmen in the production of
agricultural implements or domestic tools. There are several
kinds of leather and other skins, textile fibres, semi
precious and precious stones, metals; in short, all the raw
materials used in the manufacturing of ploughs, looms, casks,
carts and household-furniture.
The Church of St.Gaudenzio - It was built in
the XVIII century and enriched with the paintings of Silvio
Galimberti and fifteen oval paintings, representing the
"Rosary's Misteries" (XVI-XVII century).
The Church of Holy Sacrament - It was built in
the XVII century and there are kept the Church ornaments and
vestments of the homonymous Confraternity and a painting of
Bernabeo Francioni, representing the "Annunciation"
Festivals:
The Grape Festival - Half September The Lacrima Festival - 1st Sunday of May The Cantamaggio - 3rd Sunday of May, draws many singers, even foreign groups, to celebrate the springtime. On this occasion the great local wines are served.
