Offida: From Prehistoric Settlement to One of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages
Location and Setting
Offida is situated in the heart of the Ascoli Piceno province, rising 296 meters above sea level and surrounded by rolling hills adorned with vineyards, olive groves and sunflower fields. Renowned as one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns, Offida proudly belongs to the prestigious I borghi più belli d’Italia
association.
Distances
Ascoli Piceno is approximately 22 kilometers away and the nearest beach is about 20 kilometers from Offida. The closest airports, Ancona and Pescara, are around 90 kilometers away. Ski resorts and the Sibillini Mountains National Park are less than an hour's drive, making Offida an ideal choice for those seeking both sunny beaches with palm trees in Grottammare or San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic Coast and excursions to the stunning Sibillini Mountains, which feature some of the highest peaks in Southern Europe.
Offida and Wine
Offida is becoming an increasingly significant center for wine, both in Italy and internationally. It, along with Jesi (the primary area for the renowned Verdicchio white wine), is one of the only places in the Marche region with a regional enoteca. Offida offers a broad range of local wines, including DOP, DOC and DOCG classifications. In addition to red wines like Rosso Piceno and Rosso Piceno Superiore and the more robust Offida Rosso, Offida also produces excellent white wines such as Offida Passerina and Offida Pecorino, both indigenous to the region.
Origins
The village has prehistoric origins and was influenced by the Romans; its name may derive from the Etruscan word "Ophyte." The town is rich in monuments reflecting its ancient past. Offida is notable for its remarkable artistic and monumental heritage, as well as its trade and industrial activities related to agricultural production. Renowned for its craftwork, particularly pillow lace, Offida is considered the capital of this "minor" art. The area also produces wine, cereals and vegetables and hosts industries related to shoes, leather and food, alongside the traditional manufacturing of tombolo laces.
Historical highlights include portions of medieval walls with towers and bastions; the Romanesque-Gothic Church of Santa Maria della Rocca (14th century) with three polygonal apses and a frescoed crypt; the Palace of the Council (13th-15th centuries), which houses a prehistoric museum and a small picture gallery; the Collegiate Church of the Assunta (featuring works from the Crivellesca school); the Church of Sant’Agostino (14th century), which was enlarged in the 17th century and includes a carved wooden choir by Alessio Donati; and various other historic buildings and cloisters.
Why live in Offida?
Choosing a property in Offida offers several advantages over an isolated farmhouse in the countryside. A property in Offida is less exposed to the risk of burglary when unoccupied, making a vibrant village a safer choice. Residing in the historic town center provides a better opportunity to connect with local residents, forge friendships and immerse yourself in local customs, language and traditions.
Moreover, Offida is a lively town not only during the summer months from June to September, with numerous events and festivities, but throughout the entire year. Highlights include the folkloric Carnival of Offida and the “Bove Finto,” which takes place on the Friday before Carnival. During this event, people dress in traditional costumes and chase a “fake bull” through the streets of Offida.
