Acquaviva Picena

Acquaviva Picena is a small village situated on a hill overlooking the landscape of the Tronto valley, a few kilometers from San Benedetto del Tronto.
The heart of the village is the Fortress of the Dukes of Acquaviva, from which the village takes its name, a majestic medieval fortress among the largest and most interesting of all the Marche. At its feet there is the Piazza del Forte, which provides it with a scenic audience, with low houses arranged in a semicircle.

A witness to the devotion of the citizens is the large number of buildings of worship built: Chiesa Matrice di San Nicolò, Church of San Rocco (the oldest in the village), Church of San Lorenzo, Church of San Giuseppe, Church of the Madonna della Pietà, Suburban church of San Francesco, rustic church of Santa Maria delle Palme and rustic church of Santa Maria in Accubitu.

The streets of Acquaviva run almost parallel to each other and are connected by steep ramps such as the picturesque Vicolo del Trabucco, where in ancient times war machines similar to catapults were deposited there. To make the village alive are the numerous events that during the year are celebrated, among the most significant there is Sponsalia, the historical re-enactment of the marriage between Forasteria d'Acquaviva and Rainaldo di Brunforte (1234). Organized since 1988 between the months of July and August, it provides for the dispute of the Palio del Duca.

One of the traditional activities of the village is the production of straw baskets, which takes place through a method handed down from generation to generation. Of great interest and character is the 'Pajarola' Museum, which houses a collection of baskets, kitchen utensils and dolls made from woven straw, wicker and natural materials.

Among the typical products, in Acquaviva you can taste: cheeses and dairy products, sweet peaches, frustingo (a typical dessert of the Marche based on dried fruit and figs), and various wines (Rosso Piceno DOC, Rosso Piceno Superiore DOC, Falerio DOC, Offida DOC).