The medieval village in central Italy with one of the most beautiful squares in Europe

There are many reasons why travelers from Spain want to spend a few days in Italy. Cities steeped in art and history, such as Siena, Florence, and Verona, but also very different rural destinations, each with their own unique characteristics, such as Ripatransone, Otranto , or the dazzling white village of Ostuni . If you're already planning a vacation and traveling to the center of the country, we recommend a stop in Offida , a medieval town halfway between Ascoli Piceno and the Adriatic Sea, where you can savor the authentic charm of Italy amid natural attractions, churches, and ancient buildings.

Places not to be missed in Offida

Nestled on a rocky spur, Offida was once a military fortress with walls and square towers, of which some remains remain. We begin our tour of the historic center, which invites you to stroll through its picturesque streets lined with beautiful buildings and craft shops. We recommend you don't miss them, especially because they contain one of Offida's most typical products: bobbin lace , an art passed down from mothers to daughters and carried out by hand since the 15th century. Even today, you can see some women making this lace in their courtyards or on the doorsteps of their homes.

Unlike other places, Offida has neither succumbed to tourism nor lost any of its authenticity. And while it's true that during the summer months there's no shortage of tourists (especially from Italy), in winter the town transforms into a peaceful place with a very inviting atmosphere.

One of the most spectacular places in Offida is undoubtedly Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. Cobbled and triangular in shape, it is flanked by the Palazzo Comunale (built between the 11th and 12th centuries), enriched by its loggia, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which showcases Greek, Baroque, Romanesque, and Lombard styles.

The Serpente Aureo Theatre

From the portico of the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), we enter the Teatro Serpente Aureo, a central building deeply linked to the history of Offida. Built in 1820 in the neoclassical style, it features forms characteristic of 18th-century Italian theaters . Its 50 boxes, spread across three tiers, feature rich ornamentation in gilded stucco and carvings on a green background.

A must-see on the outskirts of Offida

If Piazza del Popolo has amazed you, we have another visit that also justifies the trip in itself: the church of Santa Maria della Rocca , a medieval Romanesque-Gothic building with a travertine façade that impresses with its wonderful setting . The temple, which seems to have emerged from the rock itself, is surrounded on three sides by vertiginous cliffs and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and the hills of the Marche region.

The center of the Piceno wine region

Offida is also famous for its wines , made with grapes found only in this region. Among the most popular are Pecorino (named for its aroma with hints of the cheese of the same name) and Rosso Piceno , a local variety from the countryside surrounding Offida. We also recommend trying Funghetti, a traditional local dessert whose recipe has been passed down through the generations. It's made with a local anise liqueur and owes its name to its resemblance to mushrooms.