Serra Deʼ Conti: Walls, Monasteries and Cultural Routes

Serra Deʼ Conti is located in the Marche region, on the heights of the Misa Valley, amid gentle, rolling hills shaped by agriculture. The Centro Storico is protected by a well-preserved medieval ring of walls. Access to the old town is via Corso Roma or Piazza IV Novembre. As access regulations may change, check the access information before your visit.

Medieval City Walls and Notable Buildings

The Porta della Croce was built in 1431 on the western side of Serra Deʼ Conti as part of the city walls. A work by Bruno d'Arcevia is still visible in its lunette. The Torre Civica was originally built as a defensive tower at an undetermined time between the 13th and 14th centuries. The municipal notice dated February 18, 2025, states that it is not open to visitors; the clock mechanism is visible through a glass door at Corso Roma 35.

Churches and Monastic History

The Chiesa di San Michele was built in 1290 by Camaldolese Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Santa Maria di Sitria. The Chiesa di Santa Maria “De Abbatissis” was built in the first half of the 13th century and belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of S. Croce di Sassoferrato in 1252. The Blessed Gherardo is displayed in a glass urn for the faithful to venerate in a chapel dedicated to him.

The Monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena was rebuilt in the 16th century. Its notable features include a large tower and a church with Baroque interiors. The Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena is located within the monastery complex of the same name and has an elliptical floor plan. Its wooden furnishings are decorated with ornaments of high artistic quality; a recent restoration brought back old materials and original colors.

Sound, Poetry and Local Culture

The Museo delle Arti Monastiche offers a sound walk through the streets, alleys, viewpoints, squares and small piazzas of Serra Deʼ Conti. A poetic route by Gio Evan offers a different perspective: ten poems are hidden in the alleys of the historic center. This lets you experience the place in two different ways—through sounds along the walk or through poems discovered as you stroll.

The Canto della Pasquella is an original song found in the documents of the Monastery of Santa Maria Maddalena; it was composed by Sister Maria Virginia Donzelli. In the program announced for 2026, the Nottenera project supports creatives and artists through productions and residencies.

Festa della Cicerchia and Travel Planning

The Festa della Cicerchia is a three-day festival held from November 24 to 26 and dedicated to cicerchia (grass pea). Around a hundred dishes are served in local “cantine del buon gusto” (good-taste cellars). After being preserved, produced and promoted by local farmers, cicerchia received recognition as a “Presidio Slow Food.” The festival program also includes traditional crafts in wood, wicker, terracotta, copper, iron, lace, sewing and embroidery.

The nearest train stations are Senigallia and Jesi; Serra Deʼ Conti can be reached from there by scheduled buses. Check connections before traveling. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first decide whether architectural history, walks or a possible visit to the Festa della Cicerchia will be your main focus. If the festival is part of your plans, check the specific event dates before booking.

Discover more destinations: Castelplanio, Angeli di Rosora, Polverigi, Ostra, Precicchie, Rustico, Loreto, Monterado.

For the broader travel overview: Ancona.