Ripatransone
Ripatransone - The Balcony of Le Marche
Our hometown during the season, Ripatransone – also called Ripa by the locals – sits high on a hill and is rightly nicknamed the “balcone delle Marche”: from the town, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding hills, vineyards, olive groves, and the Adriatic coast, and on clear days, you can even see the distant mountains.
The historic center is fully walled and medieval in character, with elegant squares, charming streets, and Renaissance buildings. An absolute must-see is Italy’s narrowest street, il Cosiddetto del Belvedere, also known as Il Vicolo più stretto d’Italia, a particularly narrow alley that perfectly captures Ripatransone’s unique medieval atmosphere. Strolling through the town, you’ll also encounter the old Luigi Mercantini theater, a beautifully preserved 19th-century building that still hosts performances and events, as well as the two central squares, home to a few cozy cafés and a local wine bar.
At the edge of the historic center lies the Theatro delle Fonti, a unique amphitheater surrounded by the old city walls, where cultural activities and performances are regularly held during the summer months. Wandering through the narrow streets of the town is a delight, with endless surprises in the form of charming viewpoints, hidden corners, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Feel free to pop into the tourist office opposite the theater for tips or a guided tour of the town.
At the top of Colle San Nicolò (the highest point of Ripa), near an old tower and part of the city walls, there is a park where all sorts of summer activities take place. It’s a wonderful spot to relax, enjoy the views, and let children play in the playground.
One of Ripatransone’s most impressive traditions is the Cavallo del Fuoco, an age-old celebration on the Sunday after Easter, during which a large wooden horse decorated with fireworks is paraded through the town. The spectacle is colorful, spectacular, and a perfect example of local folklore.
Surrounding Ripatransone are the vineyards of the region’s best wineries, producing local wines such as Pecorino and Rosso Piceno.
The town itself is compact but lively, especially in summer, when cultural and gastronomic events in the center and on Colle San Nicolò create a vibrant atmosphere. Wander the narrow streets, visit the theater, enjoy a drink while looking out over the valleys, vineyards, and the sea, or watch the sunset behind the mountains.
Ripatransone is a place where history, tradition, culture, panoramic views, and gastronomy come together – a charming town not to be missed during your trip through Le Marche.
Ripatransone seen from Colle San Nicolò with a view of the sea.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The old city walls at the foot of Ripatransone near the Theatro delle Fonti.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Theatro delle Fonti, an amphitheater surrounded by the old city walls..
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Le Scalinata di Via Margherita, where events take place.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Il Cosiddetto del Belvedere, or Il Vicolo più stretto d’Italia, Italy’s narrowest street.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
In Ripatransone, you can wander the narrow streets without any traffic.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The Scalinata di Via Margherita, hosting various events during the summer.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The central square in Ripatransone, Piazza Ascanio Condivi, with a small market every Saturday.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The Duomo dei Santi Gregorio e Margherita on the central square, with the Museo Sistino Vescovile.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The Duomo with its impressive statue atop the tower, seen from Colle San Nicolò.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The Luigi Mercantini theater located at Piazza XX Settembre.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Stunning views over the rooftops of Ripatransone.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Little streets like these can be found everywhere.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Even this cat enjoys the sunshine and relaxed atmosphere.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Ripatransone sits high on a hill among the vineyards.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
Beautiful view of the mountains from the terrace of Bar Sammagno.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The Cavallo del Fuoco, an annual village festival on the first Sunday after Easter.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
The wooden horse is covered in fireworks, which are lit in the evening while parading around the central square.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
A summer concert on the Scalinata di Via Margherita.
Foto: Viva la Casa.
A piano festival with concerts at various locations in the town center.
Foto: Viva la Casa.