La Rocca – The Fortress
It is a notable example of military architecture in the period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The structure houses a rich display of historical armaments curated by the “Accademia di Oplologia e Militaria” of Ancona and the State Museum of the Republic of San Marino. The “Soprintendenza ai Beni
Archeologici” (Board for Archaeological Heritage) for the Marche region curated a section of the display dedicated to the exhibition “Hunters and warriors from stone to steel”, a display of hunting and fighting weapons. Under the fortress and surrounding it, there is the Maniero Square. Looking through the slits of the castle walls you can see the Commune Square below and the parish Church of St. Thomas Apostle, built by Andrea Vici, architect and Vanvitelli’s apprentice and collaborator. From the Maniero Square, natural viewpoint, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama of Osimo, the rolling hills of the Marche region and the omnipresent Conero Mount. Going to the left, you can reach the Tower and see the Clock Tower below. Inside it there is a dark passage leading from the Commune Square to the Park of the Fortress. You will feel a real sense of fear if you go through this passage during the Medieval Festivals. In the park there is an old military cannon and here you can become aware of the sandstone on which the fortress stands. You can touch it, admire its colour and consistency. Via del Monastero (Convent road) begins at the east end of the Maniero Square. It is one of the most intimate streets of Offagna and takes its name from the Convent of Santa Zita, built by Andrea Vici.
THE MEDIEVAL FESTIVALS
In the last week of July, the historic centre of Offagna turns into an ancient medieval village. Magic, falconry shows, juggling, flag wavers to the beat of drums, costume parades, shows, ancient taverns, typical medieval dinners, fire-eaters performances, waders, arts and crafts, fortune tellers, Celtic music bands and, at the end, the fireworks from the fortress that seems to catch fire. It is an unforgettable experience. There are many unmissable eateries where you can taste the famous CRESCIA, which the main ingredients are flour, olive oil, lard and fat. Once prepared, they cook it under the fire or grill it. You can have it with ham or wild herbs, theì most natural topping of the crescia in the Ancona zone. The “cresciole” of polenta are also very famous and tasty. They are made from leftovers of polenta mixed with flour, then fried. They can be either savoury or sweet. The Crescia is so important in Offagna that the Academy of the Crescia was established with the aim to protect this traditional food of the Marche region. You can taste it during the Medieval Festivals, also in the characteristic local restaurants all year long. The restaurant “Il Cresciolo” is famous for its delicious pizza and for the wonderful location between the walls of the fortress. You can eat one of the best pizza of the zone at the Pizzeria Sotto la Rocca that moved from Offagna to Numana, near the touristic port.
THE BUSKERS FESTIVAL – STREET ART AND MUSIC
In mid-June, musicians, clowns, jugglers and illusionists perform throughout the streets of the medieval village, involving and delighting adults and children, from 5 p.m. to midnight.
THE MUSEUM OF THE LIBERATION OF ANCONA
Situated in Arengo road, it documents war and post-war events (1944/1946) in the Marche region scenario. It is a photographic exhibition documenting the battles for the liberation of Ancona and the Polish soldiers’ stay in our region. The Museum preserves many digital movies and images, patiently retrieved at the War Museum of London. The museum itinerary displays the most important photos reproduced. There is also a wide selection of weapons, munitions and military equipment used during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War. With the help of sound effects, they rebuilt the background of an air- raid shelter, where the inhabitants of Ancona had to take refuge during the bombing over the town from October 1943 to June 1944.
THE MALACARI FARMING ENTERPRISE
Located in via Enrico Malacari, 6 the villa of Malacari family, wine producers in Offagna since 1668, offers the opportunity to taste and buy their fine wines directly at the winery: Grigiano, Conero docg riserva, Villa Malacari, Rosso Conero doc, Vinea Misturi, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi doc. The wine tasting takes place in the beautiful garden of the villa in spring and summer. The family welcomes guests among the beds of zinnias, hortensias, the box of the Italian style garden, the oleander flowers. People can stay in the shade of tall trees, cedar trees, pine trees and three different types of holm oak, one of which (the ilex Quercuus) is considered the oldest holm oak of the whole region because it is a nearly 300-year- old tree.
THE L. PAOLUCCI MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES
It is located in via del Monastero and hosts a sample of items taken from the collection of L. Paolucci, a distinguished natural scientist from Ancona. He left us numerous and important collections (paleontological, mineralogical, zoological and botanical collections). They are the result of an entire life of research and study. It is a collection of disappeared species, a precious witness to trace the evolution and alteration of our territory.
