Entering the old town of Sant’Elpidio a Mare through the arch of Porta Canale, we followed the narrow streets running along the defensive walls. To our surprise, a Fiat 500 was parked just behind the arch.
The origins of these streets date back to the Middle Ages, when Sant’Elpidio was mentioned by Boccaccio in the Decameron. From the ramparts, the view stretches south to Gran Sasso d’Italia, across the ridges of the Monti Sibillini on the Marche-Umbria border, and to Monte San Vicino, between Matelica and Jesi, where Verdicchio wine is produced.
We continued the walking tour with the polyptych by Vittore Crivelli. In the Collegiata Church, we admired a Roman sarcophagus converted into a Christian tomb. A half-day in Sant’Elpidio a Mare blends art, nature, and landscapes, remains off the main tourist paths, and is still well linked to the major cities, such as Fermo, Ancona, Ascoli, and Recanati.
Marche to Walk 
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