Touring villages with your family

Arrival in the late morning or early afternoon.

A stroll through the charming village of Cingoli will offer a truly special moment. From the so-called “Balcony of the Marche”, you can admire a breathtaking panorama stretching across the rolling hills of the region, alternating between cultivated fields and wooded areas, all the way to the Adriatic Sea and Mount Conero.

The first experience of your family journey awaits. You will discover a unique place where, for centuries, the inexhaustible power of water has shaped history — a journey between past and present.

Here stands a stone mill powered by water for over 500 years, alongside a hydroelectric plant and the remains of what was once a diversified production site where cereals were milled, olives were pressed to produce oil, and wood was sawn — then as now using the endless energy of water.

Andrea, the miller, will be waiting to guide you through the discovery of this special place. His family has been involved in the management of the mill since the very beginning, five centuries ago.

You will be welcomed at the mill where Andrea, after a warm introduction, will show you how the traditional stone millstones powered by water work. He will explain the importance of water and the role of the miller, the characteristics of the flour produced with this traditional milling system, and its nutritional and organoleptic qualities, as well as the environmental sustainability of the mill’s production.

You will then enjoy a short walk exploring the historic water canal system. On your return, you will discover the latest addition: the hydroelectric plant, which further highlights the central role that water has played in shaping the history of this place.

The last day of your journey in the Marche has already arrived, but before leaving there is still time for one last adventurous family exploration.

For this final day, we suggest three possible itineraries:

1. Offagna and its medieval fortress
One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, where the unmissable highlight is the 15th-century Rocca, an imposing stronghold that once formed part of the defensive system of the Maritime Republic of Ancona. A visit here helps you understand the strategic role this village played over the centuries.

If you wish, you can also discover two other interesting museums in the village: the Museum of Liberation and the Natural History Museum dedicated to the scholar Luigi Paolucci, which houses a fascinating collection of specimens and historical artefacts.

To complete the experience, we suggest stopping at an ancient wine cellar in the centre of the village, where you can enjoy a glass of Rosso Conero, the iconic wine of these hills, in the shade of the garden.
Alternatively, you may choose to take a lunch break in one of the village’s charming local restaurants.

2. Osimo and its underground city
Another town too interesting not to be included in the itinerary is Osimo.
Of Roman origin, the town is famous for its elegant medieval historic centre, its monumental squares and, above all, for the underground caves carved into the tuff stone.
Beneath the city lies a real underground town, with an almost esoteric charm, full of symbols, secrets and mysterious stories that you will discover during the visit.
A walk through narrow streets, historic palaces and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding hills completes the exploration of the town.
We recommend taking a break in the gardens of Piazza Nuova, overlooking the beautiful view from the Terrazzo di Via Giulia, perhaps enjoying a picnic lunch before continuing your journey home.

3. Underground Ancona – between engineering and mystery
A visit that is also a small urban adventure. With Underground Ancona, you will discover how the city has managed its water supply and distribution from Roman times to the present day.
During the visit, you will enter underground cisterns and tunnels, learning about their function and how they worked. You will be fascinated by the impressive engineering works that, since ancient times, have ensured the city’s water supply.
The experience is enriched with legends and mysterious stories linked to this labyrinth of tunnels, which are still the subject of study today.