Ripatransone, the Piceno viewpoint

Ripatransone is a pleasant medieval village in the province of Ascoli Piceno; rises at 494 meters and has 4,500 inhabitants. The history of Ripatransone officially begins in 1205, the year in which the Piceno town obtains self-government, becoming the first free rural municipality in Italy. The origins, however, are much more distant in time; the first human settlements date back to prehistoric times but the birth of the fortified village can be dated to the time of the Franks with Charlemagne or shortly after, therefore around the ninth century. The castle of the village was inaccessible and strenuously defended its autonomy, even against Francesco Sforza. It obtained the rank of episcopal city in 1571. City of art with numerous museum structures, Ripatransone thrives on tourism, furniture and agriculture, especially wine and oil. It is called the belvedere del Piceno for the wide panorama it can offer to the visitor. There are many monuments worthy of mention; starting with the Episcopal Palace dating from the 14th and 18th centuries. Remarkable is the Marian Sanctuary with a valuable interior full of works. The 13th century Town Hall is beautiful. Two curiosities: Ascanio Condivi, a disciple of Michelangelo, was born here; here is also the narrowest alley in Italy.