CARASSAI Quick Guide

CARASSAI Quick Guide

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INDEX 3

Greetings from the Mayor

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MAP

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WHAT TO SEE

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ECONOMY

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EVENTS

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WINES

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GASTRONOMIC PRODUCTS

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HOSPITALITY

Many thanks for the collaboration to: Settimio Virgili, Bianca Virgili, Francesco Mariucci, Luciano Pallottini.

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Greetings from the Mayor

In small villages, and among small-spirited men and societies, much more is learned about human nature, yet of the general character, yet of the accidental characters of men, of what can be done in the big cities, and in the perfect conversation. --- (Giacomo Leopardi)

Our village is located on the top of a hill between the valleys of the Aso river to the north-west and the Menocchia stream to the south-east. 40 km away there are the peaks of the Sibillini mountains with some lakes to the east. The beaches of the Adriatic Sea are a mere 20 km drive away. It is an ideal position, therefore to satisfy the tourist of the most varied tastes. The landscape where Carassai is nestled, represents, together with history, art and culture, the element of greatest fascination for the eyes of the visitor. This tourist quick guide which I am introducing to you, is skilful but very detailed. It aims to highlight monuments, show landscape views and small details through images to excite curiosity and to know more about and see with one's own eyes. It is precisely the quality of the images that enhances the beauty of our attractions, even those which even accustomed eyes do not notice anymore. The beauty of our places, the flavours of our food and wine productions, our unique traditions, make our beloved village incomparable. It is with these sensations that I offer you the warmest welcome, mine and of the Municipal Administration of Carassai of which I have the honour to be the Mayor.

IL SINDACO Gianfilippo Michetti 3

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WHAT TO SEE

CASTELLO VECCHIO The Old Castle, built at the top of a hill, was already inhabited in the Picentes era, and is characterized by very narrow alleys overlooked by ancient brick houses. The “Castello Vecchio”, the old castle, of Carassai represents the ancient village and was the home of the lord and his acolytes. Later it was, organized as the citadel in which to retreat once the defenses of the New Castle were breached.

A walking tour is highly recommended. You will be immersed in a suggestive medieval atmosphere within narrow alleys, small houses unchanged for centuries, and panoramic views of the Aso and the Menocchia valleys. Only a couple of elements have survived from the fortified walls but the suggestive visit will recreate in your mind the rest of the missing elements.

Giuseppe Callisto Gentili Among the illustrious historical figures, Carassai can be proud to have given birth to one of the most interesting of the entire Marche Region but still to be discovered. This is Monsignor Giuseppe Callisto Gentili, State Councilor of Joseph II of Habsburg-Lorraine (emperor of the Sacred Roman Empire from 1765), Apostolic Nuncio to Austria, Rome agent of the Archbishop of Mainz.

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WHAT TO SEE

BOFFO DA MASSA’s PORTAL The portal of the noble Palace of Boffo da Massa, is the portal of Palazzo Garulli which, according to a local popular tradition, would have been the palace of Boffo da Massa, Lord of Carassai between 1380 and 1387, located in the old castle.

It presents geometric decorative elements in brick that in their simplicity, probably express the aesthetic canons of this brave warlord, but certainly nothing more.

The portal actually turns out to be later, probably set up between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries when many noble palaces were built by architects inspired by the style expressed by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, operating in the mid-1500s.

Boffo da Massa Boffo de Tebaldeschi known as Boffo da Massa was the noble Lord who around 1380 conquered numerous castles in the area, giving life to a Lordship. This fact represents for Carassai the highest point of its influence on the territory. Many powerful enemies feared him for his ability to unite armies so much that the Priors of the city of Fermo paid assassins to kill him in an ambush.

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WHAT TO SEE

THE CASTLE DOOR PORTA NEVIERA This door is now devoid of battlements but still has some features typical of the military architecture of Fermo in the period between the 12th and 14th centuries. Stands out the fourteenth-century pointed arch - with brick molding in the extrados (part outside the arch) through which the castle was accessed. This is one of Carassai's most photographed spots but also one of the most difficult to capture because it is almost always in the shade.

Further up we see a wide opening to round arch, currently walled, from which the guard soldiers could monitor the site even when the door was closed; on the sides of the overlying rectangular window, they are finally visible two recesses in which were placed as many coats of arms.

The door was not fitted of drawbridge and as main defense exploited the steep access ramp.

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WHAT TO SEE

LITTLE SQUARE CESARE MACCHIATI The Piazzetta Cesare Macchiati is one of Carassai's most evocative and romantic places. It is located on the Old Castle near the Church of San Lorenzo and the Atelier d'Arte Maurizio Virgili. The Piazza has magnificent views of the Sibillini, the Val d'Aso to the sea. At sunset or at night with LED lights and those of the villages in the valley, the space takes on a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. With the right person beside, many have experienced, here, important and emotional moments in their lives.

Every light condition is extraordinary and the May sunsets are shows that surprise everybody. An inscription engraved on concrete shows a short poem in the style of Aiku by Bruno Porrà: Dear Josepine very much I love you soul harmony earth that I dig in the heart it sprouts

Cesare Macchiati He is one of Carassai's most illustrious figures, where he was born on 8 April 1629. Graduated in Philosophy and Medicine at the University of Fermo he became a personal physician of the queen Christine of Sweden. He became an ordinary reader of the chair of Philosophy at the University Wisdom of Rome. He was a doctor of a conclave and a doctor for ecclesiastical states.

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WHAT TO SEE

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MAURIZIO VIRGILI ARTISTIC ATELIER Maurizio Virgili is an artist who decided to work in his atelier inside the Castello Vecchio of Carassai where cars, scooters and bicycles do not circulate and where, even in summer, there are very few residents. It is possible to observe him at work, surrounded by the quiet atmosphere of the alleys, whenever he is not touring for exhibitions. Maurizio was born in Petritoli (FM) in 1964, he lives in Grottammare and opted for painting among other passions to give vent to his creativity.

He defines himself as a craftsman of art, always looking for new techniques and materials to combine them in canvases "full of matter" so much he defines his art "pittoscultura". His Carassai atelier is a "workshop" where old and new projects pile up and the artist goes back to detailing the works before seeing them finished. Virgili wins prizes and collaborates with art galleries of important Italian and European cities.

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WHAT TO SEE

ST. LAWRENCE MARTYR CHURCH The St. Lawrence Martyr Church is an interesting example of a place of urban worship in late medieval period.

Built entirely in brick at the top of the Old Castle, it is documented starting from 1419, even if we can not exclude that it already existed at the end of the fourteenth century. The façade, divided into three by four pilasters, it has a saw-toothed frame on which the roof tile rests. In the central space opens the only entrance, consisting of a terracotta portal surmounted by triangular tympanum with serrated edge and eye. The interior of the church, in irregularly shaped, is biparted transversely by a large arc.

Three altars from different eras are supported on the south wall. The church kept valuable pictorial works.

Of great value is the baptismal font placed on the counter-façade, made of wood and stucco during the seventeenth century; the arch and the bezel above they present traces of tempera paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Finally, nearby on the left wall, there is an ornate altarpiece in walnut dating from around 1624.

The bell tower characterizes the profile of the town, obtained from a medieval watchtower, at the top it hosts two bells: the largest is dated 1893, the other dates back to 1727.

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WHAT TO SEE

EX HOSPITAL PALACE The Civil Hospital was erected by the Municipal Council of Carassai in the session of February 13th 1842. It was administered by the Congregation of Charity. The Hospital was intended to admit who were poor infants of both sexes, born and domiciled in the country and in its territory, providing care and treatment during the illness.

Orphans were admitted, sons and daughters abandoned or had a father imprisoned or hospitalised, until they could be better homed.

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Individuals with acute illnesses could be admitted but not those who suffered from skin, venereal, chronic and contagious diseases. To the latter, however, a subsidy could have been granted by order of the Congregation of Charity. The resident people, domiciled in the Municipality, were admitted under presentation of a medical certificate proving the illness.

Non residents could be admitted only at their own expense.

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WHAT TO SEE

VANNOZZI’s PALACE Palazzo Vannozzi, built in the XVIII century, was the birthplace of the eminent citizen of Carassai, Mariano Vannozzi son of a family of illustrious and literary doctors (a stone inscription reminds us who he was).

This impressive palace makes a fine show in the Matteotti Square and competes in size with the Municipal Palace. It is not open to visitors but deserves a photo!

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WHAT TO SEE

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PALAZZO COMUNALE The Municipal Palace of Carassai is a beautiful brick building from the early twentieth century. A time also headquarters of the schools, is today seat of local institutions like Town Hall, Registry Office, Technical Offices, Archaeological Museum, Council Chamber, Post Office and Central Café.

The building was decorated with a bronze bas-relief and a half-length statue dominating some marble slabs with inscriptions listing the fallen of the two world wars. It also houses a chiselled inscription that reported perhaps phrases from the fascist period.

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WHAT TO SEE

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MUNICIPAL ANTIQUARIUM The municipal Antiquarium of archaeological artifacts is located inside the Municipal Palace. The 220 exhibits are displayed in three display cases, on a bulletin board, and on supports, as far as the part of the epigraphs. These are objects and fragments of artifacts, paleolithic flints, pottery fragments from the Bronze Age. The collection boasts a series of artifacts made over the course of time that goes from the Picentes age (VII-VI century BC) and Roman age (from the late Republican age to the late Empire), until the Middle Ages.

Ushabti It is the most important and beautiful artifact in the small museum. A molded and carved statuette, imitation of Egyptian ushabti, is characterized by a tripartite wig decorated with engravings. The hands hold two objects, while the arms cross on the chest at a cartouche bearing an inscription.

You can see bronze necklaces and objects from feminine ornamentation referable to the Piceno civilization, as well as architectural elements of age medieval and post medieval such as bases of columns, basins and holy water fonts. However, most of the finds are from the Roman period: fragments of clay pots, of a dolium with lead sutures, a lamp with the trademark imprinted, several coins, some frame weights, two funerary epigraphs with Latin inscriptions.

There are clay pots and coins, The museum is enriched by an interesting permanent exhibition of vintage photos, an evocative testimony of Carassai in the past.

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WHAT TO SEE

SAINT MONICA ORATORY It is a small church built in the second half of the seventeenth century at the behest of the homonymous brotherhood, it was used as an oratory.

It is elegant but sober and of modest dimensions. The terracotta façade is surrounded by corner pilasters and boasts only two openings: the entrance, enclosed within an architraved frame, and a rectangular window surmounted by a six-pointed star. The interior, currently used as an art gallery, houses a series of paintings made between the 16th century and the first half of the 19th century.

St. Peter the Apostle of 1710 of the Gioacchino Antonelli from Fermo The canvases listed below are visible along the left wall. Crucifix and saints : from the De Magistris brothers' school (mid 17th century) Christ Pantocrator (blessing Christ), St. Peter the Apostle and St. Paul apostle (with the sword): three paintings of the seventeenth century. of friar Lorenzo Bonomi from Ripatransone. Il Redentore:

by Gioacchino Antonelli (1710). Statue of Santa Monica bearing a belt in the right hand : of the second mid XIX century placed in a niche and enclosed within a fir-tree cupboard.Crucifixion of the late sixteenth century St. Paul the Apostle built in 1710 by Gioacchino Antonelli from Fermo.

Virgin and Child : unknown author of the sixteenth century St. James the Apostle : by Gioacchino Antonelli, in 1710. Saint Lucy Virgin and Martyr : from the 18th century local school painter in the style of Guido Reni. Saint Barnabas apostle among the Saints Lorenzo and Eusebius priest: by Giuseppe Vincenzini, XVIII sec. a painter from Carassai. Saint Anne and Mary as a child: anonymous painter from the local school, first half century. The Holy House of Nazareth : first half of the 17th century, local artist in the style of Pomarancio. Saint Francis of Paola: from 1770 by Traiani from Fermo.

Madonna della cintura with Saint Augustine and Saint Monica: first half of the XVII sec., local artist in the style of Pomarancio.

Jewish ghetto Carassai hosted a Jewish ghetto. In 1547 Rome granted to Bonifacius Magistri Salomonisand to Angelus di Pianella, to their family members and employees ,the permissions to manage loan desks for three years (extended in 1551).

The six-pointed star localizes the ghetto in "via Garibaldi".

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WHAT TO SEE

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CLOCK TOWER Torre dell'Orologio is one of the two works realized by a famous architect and urban planner project Mariano Pallottini. The project became necessary after a mysterious night explosion crumbled the previous tower.

Mariano Pallottini (Carassai, 27 June 1911 - Rome, 15 July 1998) was an architect, university professor and an important Italian urban planner. He graduated in Architecture at "La Sapienza" in 1937. As an architect he was a controlled experimentalist. He was a university professor in the faculties of Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning. In 1960 he started the first didactic experimentation of territorial plans.

He drafted the General Municipal Town Plan for the cities of Ascoli Piceno, Pesaro, Ancona, Fermo, Terracina and Latina.

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WHAT TO SEE

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CASTLE DOOR PORTA DELLO SPORTELLO This gateway is the smallest of the country's historic entrances, it was built on a tower space divider where the Ghibelline merlons enclosed by the walls are still visible. This is a good observation point of the Valdaso Valley. Observe the Sibilline Mounts, the valley, the beautiful villages of Petritoli and Monterubbiano, and take pictures.

From here you can see the city of Fermo visible after 80 years of agricultural works that reshaped the hills, and in the distance the Monte Conero near Ancona but only on clear days.

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WHAT TO SEE

CASTLE DOOR PORTA MARINA Nothing remains of the mighty Porta Marina (still existing in the eighteenth century), as well as of the adjacent eastern walls: following the edict promulgated on 7 February 1750 by the Sacred Congregation of the Good Government Fermano, both structures were gradually demolished and in their place other buildings were built.

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This is also one of Carassai's most photographed and loved spots. It offers the possibility to admire the medieval bastion and Palazzo Andreani, a magnificent palace owned by a noble family of judges, doctors and notaries.

At the base of one of these, to the right of the aforementioned polygonal tower, an arch opens to everything sixth from the nineteenth century features that gives access to the historic centre.

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WHAT TO SEE

BASTION TOWER At the junction of the southern and eastern fronts, stands a bastion tower of polygonal shape adorned with corbels and machicolations, (in medieval fortifications an opening between the supporting corbels of a projecting parapet or the vault of a gate, through which stones or burning objects could be dropped on attackers). This represents one of the towers of the walls of the "new castle" of Carassai, the only one in pentagon shape dating from the 15th century.

The Torrione presents large round embrasure and must, absolutely , be photographed. We can only try to imagine the time when Carassai could boast several of such magnificent towers, to constitute superb defensive works, so much that in every epoch it was chosen as a strategic base for armies with ambitions on the territory.

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WHAT TO SEE

MURAL PASSAGE Always in the south-west of the village there is another element of noteworthy historical and architectural interest, called "camminamenti militari" by locals it consists of a walled passage, an intriguing covered path equipped with slits for firearms. Most probably the artifact dates back to the fifteenth century and is related to the time when the New Castle was built.

This is one of the most successful tourist attractions of Carassai, which is the town's pride.

The mural passage can be visited in every weather condition and offers an evocative atmosphere at any time of day. It is so striking that you can almost hear the sound of the footsteps of ancient armor-bearers marching, keeping the watch.. Every event that takes place inside the wallpassage sees the attractiveness amplified.

Another enchanting place to be photographed, although, because the light conditions, require attention.

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WHAT TO SEE

VIEWPOINT BELVEDERE The Viewpoint of Carassai or "Belvedere", waiting patiently to be named, is among the most pleasant places in the village. Although not the highest point, it is the easiest to be reached, the one whose views range from the Sibillini to the Gran Sasso and the Maiella, the breathtaking one you notice while parking your car.

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When the mountains are still covered with snow and the countryside is green, as can happen even up to the end of May, one can be delighted by such beauty and then the presence of benches is explained. Monotony and hurry fade away until sunset. At the sunset the view will inspire your soul.

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WHAT TO SEE

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ANGELINA’s TOWER It is an ancient mural tower, the remains of the corbels can barely be seen, but it is now short and beloved by locals and you can imagine the battlements that are no longer present. It's a tower currently lower but from there you can admire the southern line of the ancient walls with other mural towers and the final bastion up on the door.

The proximity of an ancient steep slope explains why the medieval walls substantially unchanged in the subsequent periods while other villages needed to opt for solutions able to resist on heavy artillery fire.

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WHAT TO SEE

TORRE DI GUARDIA This together with other Guard Towers, represents a mural tower of the ancient defensive walls of the village of Carassai. The Ghibelline merlons incorporated in the walls, the stateliness of these towers makes us to think about Carassai as a strategic outpost in the war between Fermo and Ascoli Piceno.

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It is not by chance that the ancient name of the town was Guardia or Castrum Guardiae.

ANCIENT NAMES OF CARASSAI IN HISTORY ASINIANUM 1046

CARRASSALE 1314

CASTRUM GUARDIAE 1390

ASIGNATIUM 1050

CARNASSALE 1321

CARASSALE 1430

ASINNANUM 1082

CARASSALE 1364

CARNASCIALE 1600

CARNIALE 1196

CARNASALE 1373

CASTRUM GUARDIE XV-XVII sec.

CARLASSALIS 1244

CARNASSALE 1380

TERRA GUARDIE 1544

CARRASCIALE 1290

CASTRUM MEDIUM 1381

CARASSAI 1567

CARRASCALE 1292

GUARDIA 1389

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WHAT TO SEE

MURAL TOWER It is a mural tower of the ancient medieval walls of Carassai transformed over time firstly into a dwelling and then in an accommodation, the opportunity to experience the history.

Immediately under the front door there is the ancient wall passage. The restoration of the tower was accurate and externally the battlements have been revealed with a furrow on the external wall.

We are not dealing here with seventeenth-century buildings, the environments are much smaller but unique. Here young couples would find themselves at ease being able to live a romantic existence stay.

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WHAT TO SEE

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COLLEGIATA DI S.TA MARIA DEL BUON GESÙ The original structure was built on land owned by the Lateran in around 1470, probably under the impetus of the preacher San Giacomo della Marca (1394-1476).

Originally it was a simple hall, inside of which operated the brotherhoods of Saint Mary of Good Jesus and of the Holy Rosary. The first significant transformations date back to XVI century: in 1532 the building was considerably enlarged according to a typology with three naves e four bays, based on a project that recalled the proportions of the basilica of Holy House of Loreto.

In 1590 the building was also raised and the aisles covered with cross vaults. The work ended only in the early decades of the seventeenth century with the construction of the sacristies. During the eighteenth century new modifications were made. Starting from the updating of the sixteenth-century decorative apparatuses, adapted to the current Baroque taste, up to the raising of the central nave, completed in 1742. The church, hosts numerous valuable paintings, statues, an organ and wooden choir.

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WHAT TO SEE

PARISH COLLECTION OF SACRED FURNISHINGS AND VESTMENTS

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This "Collection of sacred furnishings and ceremonial sacred vestments" tells the story of the community of Carassai, once not so small, better than archeology. The quality of the manufacturing of some vestments, the preciousness of some chalices tell us about devotion and great religious spirit. Interesting busts of saints with a relic inside, coming from churches in the area no longer existing. All expect better placement.

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WHAT TO SEE

PUBLIC WASH HOUSE Public wash house is an attraction of the town which has little visibility but has a great affective on the population especially of elder age. It was made in the early twentieth century with a simple structure of metal poles and sleepers, tin roof, and lead decorations.

The sinks are travertine wash basins where once the women of the town went to wash clothes. A type of laundry that was very environmentally friendly, made as it was with homemade soap and the sole energy of the arms.

An activity of the past that we could define "very modern" also as is "social", with the women, just 50 years ago, dressed in black and with multi-layered skirts, used to rub the linen with vigor, singing, gossiping or telling each other the news of the village.

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24 TOMB OF BOFFO DA MASSA WHAT TO SEE

This monument recalls the parish church of Sant'Eusebio demolished in 1832 where it was buried the noble despot, the warlord who had the dream of creating his own lordship conquering and exiling most of the populations of Carassai, Castignano, Cossignano and Porchia. It was 1387 when his tyranny ended with a terrible ambush and a shot of axe in the back of the head. He was Boffo dei Tebaldeschi, known as Boffo da Massa.

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WHAT TO SEE

GIARDINI PUBBLICI The public gardens of Carassai represent one of the most pleasant places in all the province of Ascoli Piceno. An ideal place for families, but also romantic, which, especially in the summer, offers a wonderful walk among centuries-old trees, fragrant bushes, green and flowery meadows with the discreet sound of the public fountain with the character most loved by the villagers: Luisella.

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Now, try and guess, Luisella is a statue depicting one young nereid, nymph of marine waters (due to a container made from a valve that door on the head) or of a creneid, nymph of the fountains? Travel on perimeter avenue of the garden in counterclockwise direction while enjoying the ice creams of the two bars of the town or with a slice of pizza.

The Carassanesi and the Public Gardens A poem by the late poet Bruno Porrà reveals the relationship of the Locals with their Public Gardens: I greet also you Defiant district I will miss The daily perfume Of the lime trees That sweetened My thoughts In the romantic trait Of Loves

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WHAT TO SEE

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POLINI-FIORETTI’s PALACE The most beautiful noble palace of Carassai belonged to the Polini and Fioretti families for generations.

Externally you can admire the splendid portal in neoclassical style. Internally it houses frescoes that are offered to the welcome guests. In fact the Palace is nowadays a historic dwelling house, a tourist accommodation, opened 12 months a year and offering 6 beds.

Staying in a Historic Palace of Carassai like Palazzo Polini Fioretti is the unique opportunity of sojourn in the history.

Don't miss the chance to take a beautiful photo at the rear of the palace, the one in which the well overlooks the tower with the recognizable battlements of the “Porta dello Sportello”, water well and the Aso valley below.

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WHAT TO SEE

COMMUNITY MUSEUM The Museum, recently realized, is located in the rooms of the old pharmacy. On display a assorted collection of testimonies of rural civilization from the seventeenth century to the world war II. The working tools of the farmer, the carpenter, the cooper, the blacksmith, everyday objects and children's toys.

Pots, crockery, various containers and tools used for weaving. It is a space that collects and preserves testimonies of the past, one historical research of the agricultural and artisan culture of the people and the territory of Carassai.

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A collection that allows the visitor to have an immersive experience in the local culture through the different creative manifestations of man, such as popular traditions, the ancients trades, the objects of everyday life prior to the 70s. Tools, furnishings and objects of the time, recreate the atmosphere that was breathed in the houses, in the shops and country houses. An interesting cultural path recommended for families with children.

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WHAT TO SEE

SIGN ART DÉCO STYLE Regarding this sign there is no documentation, what can be said is that if it has resisted time and was left in its place, this is due to the fact that it was made in concrete directly on the entrance jamb in an singular modality for the territory.

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The modern choice and use of different fonts have decreed a considerable interest on social media.

It can be estimated that it dates back to the 30s and in Art Deco style. This one not only deserves, but also requires protection and enhancement.

Among the hypotheses there is the one of making a selfies spot by recreating a small vintage environment.

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WHAT TO SEE

LA ROVERELLA DI CARASSAI Monumental Tree of the Region Marche In Carassai, in the San Vito area, there is a large oak (Quercus pubescens), which is one of the monumental trees of the Marche region. This is the Data Sheet n. 203 of "The Monumental Vegetal Formations of the Marche".

The three of several hundred years was standing in an area of a large oak forest.

Tradition refers it was the scene of a clash between partisans and nazis troops; on the trunk are still present the bullet holes during a firefight and the painful, twisted morphology of the tree seems to remember the harshness of the battle.

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WHAT TO SEE

CASTLE OF ROCCA MONTE VARMINE The first document attesting the existence of the Castle of Monte Varmine is dated 1060. In that year the Lord Ardengo and Elpezone, with clear germanic origin that indicate a Lombard presence in the area, donated the castle to Uldarico, bishop of Fermo. However, numerous elements persuade us to believe that the settlement is much older.

According to the historian Settimio Virgili, for example, it is conceivable that in the feudal age instead a fortified farm surrounded by wooden palisades rose from today's fortress.

The latter would then become a castrum around the 9th century.

Bombardella Manesca: the first pistol The Bombardella Manesca found at Rocca Monte Varmine, is one of the first single-handed firearms in history. We can safely say that this is the ancestor of the gun. It consists of a 20 cm metal trumpet, a wooden tail of 18 cm, and a diameter of 7 cm to the fire hole and 10 cm to the mouth. It weighs 2,712 kg and corresponds to one of the 500 hand-made Bombarde da mano built by the Municipality of Perugia in 1364 able to pierce every armor.

In 1398 the expansion work of the castle began to equip it with military structures; among these stands out the mighty keep, still well preserved and equipped with ghibelline dovetail battlements, corbels, drains, and inverted keyhole embrasures. The curtain wall was raised and also equipped with battlements, while close behind of the south-west and north-west edges two towers were erected. The documentation does explicit reference also to a wall, which gave further protection to the eastern sides e northern defensive wall.

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WHAT TO SEE

CHURCH OF SANT’ANGELO IN PIANO The church of Sant'Angelo in Piano rises about two kilometers from the castle of Monte Varmine, not far from the right bank of the Aso. The first document attesting to the existence of the place of worship dates back to 957, while a map dated 1055 also mentions a a monastery, known as the Sant'Angelo or San Michele Arcangelo, in which a community formed only by a few Benedictine monks lived. From the first centuries of life, the religious center was a pilgrimage destination.

Located along the road that led from Fermo to Ascoli, it also became a place of commercial exchanges mainly linked to the phenomenon of transhumance: every 8th of May there was held a very renowned fair for the quality of the cheeses.

The severe façade shows an ancient wall texture made up of ashlars and river stones: it shows ogive brick gate that surmounts the entrance and the bell tower which rises to the left. The back of the building is characterized by a semicircular apse, perforated from three round arched openings referable to the primitive Romanesque structure; on the left side of the church Two other original windows have been preserved. The interior has quite simple shapes: a single nave with ancient rough terracotta flooring, area presbytery raised by two steps and a single altar flanked by two niches.

Below the presbytery there is a modest but suggestive crypt, accessible by means of two narrow staircases built into the niches.

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ECONOMY

TOURISM At the tourist level, the village is privileged

Good and homemade is the offer in

by its history and culture, by lucky

hospitality and catering with various

geographical position and its culinary

farmhouses, holiday homes, bed and

traditions. The village is located just a few

breakfast, and campsite. There are

kilometers from the National Park of the

numerous annual events that take place

Sibillini Mountains. The seaside resorts

in the village but one is able to attract

such as Cupra Marittima and Pedaso are

thousands of participants: "La Sagra della

a few kilometers away and the town also

Salsiccia alla Brace", the grilled sausage

knows a kind of excursion type tourism of

festival. An event that has been held for

the coast side vacationers.

47 years in the week around Ferragosto.

AGRICULTURE In the agricultural sector, are truly appreciated the production of wines such as the Offida Rosso, the Rosso Piceno, the Falerio dei Colli Ascolani, the Pecorino, the Passerina and the Marche Rosso. The wine production of Carassai can boast wines awarded with the "Three Glasses ”, mentions of the Gambero Rosso Magazine and international awards.

CRAFTS AND INDUSTRY On the artisan sector, the municipality counts companies in the food sector, with charcuterie and pastry, and art with majolica production. In industry sector, the municipality counts realities in the footwear sector and mechanical components.

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EVENTS

RELIGIOUS EVENTS Sant'Angelo in Piano’s Fair

St. Barnabas’ Fair

On the second Sunday of May, it is

On June the 11th is organized the St.

celebrated with Mass, fair-market, food

Barnabas’ Fair with a large fair-market,

and wine and good music;

where it is possible buy local products and more. Late in the afternoon, the mass and then, the traditional religious procession accompanied by a musical band.

Feast of the Vow Solemn civil and religious demonstrations in honor of the Madonna del Buon Gesù to remember the liberation of the town from a terrible epidemy. It is held on the last sunday of august. It is characterized by a Triduum of preparation, then solemn procession with musical band. In the previous evening the program can include a comedy show in dialect or a concert.

Christmas Monthly fair

Midnight Mass, tombola, Santa Claus tiny

On the last Sunday of each month, the

house.

traditional market with stalls of clothes, utensils and food is held.

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EVENTS

GASTRONOMIC EVENTS Tagliatella with duck festival

Grilled Sausage Festival

(August) This festival celebrates one of

(August) The Grilled Sausage Festival is a

the Carassai's culinary tradition of the

six-day festival held at the turn of the

great family occasions and celebrations

week of August. An event of national

handed down from generation to

importance that attracts many tourists,

generation. Homemade pasta and one of

for the goodness of the sausages that are

the farm animals once very common in

processed in the local cured meat factory.

every farmyard. The rich sauce differs from the classic flavor of Bolognese ragù

Degustando Carassai

to satisfy the refined palates.

Degustando Carassai is a food festival, held the first weekend of November, with

Salsiccia di Carassai

food and wine, music and children's

È prodotta macellando maiali DOP con

corner.

rintracciabilità di filiera. La salsiccia di Carassai è l'unica prodotta con carne delle preziose cosce posteriori, i cosiddetti prosciutti. Lunga è la tradizione di lavorazione della carne suina: selezione accurata di pancetta, prosciutto, spalla e filetto, sapiente dosatura di sale e spezie.

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EVENTS

CULTURAL EVENTS Castello in festa

Paesaggi della Memoria

(luglio) Castello in Festa is an event that takes

Associazione culturale "Sibilla Arte"

place every year on the second sunday of july, with the biennial exhibition of photography, alternating with painting and poetry; takes place over two days of music in the early evening and historical representation in the late one and then a theme dinner.

7

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

WINES Azienda Vinicola Le Canà

Azienda agricola Montevarmine

Via Molino Vecchio,4 - www.lecana.it

Contrada Vecchio Molino (Via Aso) — 335

Offida Passerina e Pecorino docg, Rosso

346094 - www.montevarmine.it

Piceno doc superiore, Rosso Piceno doc,

Rosso Piceno DOC (Boffo), Falerio dei

Marche Rosato Igt

Colli Ascolani DOC (Pievano), Passerina DOC (Nenia), Marche Rosso Riserva IGT

Azienda agricola Polini Luigi

(Miro), Marche Chardonnay IGT

Via Menocchia, 76 — 0734 930008

(Camporo), Passerina DOC Spumante

www.viniPolini.it Rosso Piceno DOC (Rescagnano), Falerio dei Colli Ascolani DOC (La Fonte), Marche Rosso IGT (Primus), Marche Chardonnay IGT (Sabbione), Passerina DOC Spumante Az. agricola Emanuele Dianetti Via Menocchia, 109 — 338 3928439 — 0734 930500 - www.dianettivini.it Vini DOC del Piceno e produzioni particolari come il “Vigna Giulia” (selezione dei vitigni Montepulciano e Passerina) Azienda Vinicola Carassanese Via Menocchia, 67 — 0734 930068 www.vinicolacarassanese.it Rosso Piceno DOC, Falerio dei Colli Ascolani DOC, Marche Rosso IGT, Marche Trebbiano IGT »

41

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

GASTRONOMIC PRODUCTS Pasticceria Martinangeli & Pignotti Via XX Settembre, 68 Vendita ambulante Specialità: biscotti alla pasta di mandorle, torte alla ricotta

Salumificio Federici Via Aso, 12 - 07 34.930511 Salumi tipici marchigiani, lonza, salami, salsicce, ciauscolo igp

Il Forno di Ada Viale Adriatico, 6 — 0734 930540 Specialità: ciambelle al mosto, maritozzi, cantucci alle mandorle

Ciauscolo IGP

Torta di ricotta

It is the classic Marche soft salami. It is a

Ricotta cake is a typical local dessert. This

very difficult product to find, made

is how it is prepared in the territory of

according to the true tradition, which

Carassai. Flour, eggs, sugar, butter, yeast,

includes precise cuts of meat, rigorous

salt lemon milk. For the filling: ricotta,

discipline and skilful craftsmanship. Rosy,

sugar, egg, amaretti, dark chocolate,

fragrant, savory but with delicate taste of

raisins, candied citron, amaretto liqueur,

fine meat enriched with the right amount

rhum, cing sugar. The best guarantee of

of aromas and spices. Climate and

enjoying an irresistible dessert is to buy it

environment contribute to the uniqueness

as soon as it is made in one of Carassai's

of this soft and aromatic salami.

artisan pastry shops. Softness will make you keen on it.

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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

HOSPITALITY Agriturismo “Il Monticello” C.da Menocchia-Via Rescagnano, 144 0734 930979 Agriturismo “Il Panorama” Via Menocchia-Rocca, 5- 0734930985 Restaurant: traditional cuisine Agriturismo “La Cicala” Via Menocchia, 22 - 0734 930007 www.lacicalagriturismo.it Restaurant: traditional cuisine Casa Vacanze “Bizzarri” Via Roma, 9 - 0734 930909 B&B “Dolcemiele” Contrada Menocchia, 105 - 333 4467580

B&B “Porrà Giuliana” Via Castello

www.bedandbreakfastdolcemiele.it

Vecchio, 24 - 0734 930625

Agriturismo Annarella

Dimora Storica Palazzo Polini Fioretti

Via Vecchio Molino, 6 - 349 3953452

Via Roma, 6 - 339 639 1290

www.agriturismoannarella.it

Torre di Kelly

Pool

via cesare battisti 35 - 3381712153

Agricamping Lavanda Blu

B&B Codirosso

Cda Casali, 19 - 334.846.6743

Contrada Casali, 14 - 0734 065259

Villa Meraviglia

La Rosa e La Viola

Contrada Casali, 15 - 320.307.1316

Via Montevarmine, 28 - 347 992 7204

Pool

Pool

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Comune di Carassai Piazza Matteotti, 7 - 63063 Carassai (AP) Italia (+39) 0734.91.90.02 social@comune.carassai.ap.it