The Marche region is filled with extraordinary beauty and priceless treasures, and among its hills lies a little-known gem: Fermo. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains, Fermo is a jewel waiting to be discovered. With roots tracing back to Roman and medieval times, Fermo offers an authentic, unforgettable experience. Wandering through historic alleys, admiring noble palaces, and savoring local cuisine is like a journey through time and tradition. If you’re looking for a destination that will captivate you and make you feel like a true explorer off the traditional tourist path, Fermo awaits.
Things to Do and See in Fermo
Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo dei Priori
The heart of the city is undoubtedly Piazza del Popolo, one of the most beautiful squares in the Marche region, where you can breathe in a timeless atmosphere. Surrounded by porticoes and historic buildings, the square is the perfect place for a stroll, enjoying coffee in one of its cafés, or simply admiring the Renaissance architecture. The Palazzo dei Priori, overlooking the square, houses one of the main attractions: the Civic Art Gallery, where you can admire works like Pieter Paul Rubens’s The Adoration of the Shepherds.
Fermo Cathedral
Another gem of Fermo is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, located atop Girfalco hill. The Romanesque-Gothic façade is impressive, but the interior surprises with its Neoclassical elegance. The cathedral houses the foundations of the ancient Paleochristian Basilica and the 18th-century crypt. From here, the view over the city and the sea is spectacular, especially at sunset when the hills are painted in warm colors.
Roman Cisterns
Fermo also conceals underground treasures. The Roman Cisterns are one of the city’s most evocative attractions, constituting one of the oldest and best-preserved complexes of cisterns in the world. Built between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, the cisterns were used for collecting and distributing water. With over 30 rooms, they showcase advanced hydraulic engineering from the Augustan era. Exploring these underground labyrinths is a fascinating, one-of-a-kind experience.
Teatro dell’Aquila
For art and culture lovers, the Teatro dell’Aquila is a must-visit. Inaugurated in 1791, it is one of the largest historical theaters in the Marche, enchanting with its decorated ceiling and large, golden, 56-arm chandelier. This theater still hosts music, dance, and theater performances today, allowing visitors to experience art in an extraordinary setting. If you visit Fermo during the theater season, attending a show here is truly worthwhile.
Spezioli Library
The Spezioli Library houses rare and ancient volumes, making it a paradise for book and history enthusiasts. With 3,000 manuscripts, 127 codices, and 300,000 documents, the Fermo Library is one of the most important in Italy for both quantity and quality.
Authentic Experiences between sea and mountains
Hiking and Itineraries Around Fermo
Fermo, with its charming atmosphere and hidden treasures, is only the beginning. A few kilometers away, the Sibillini Mountains invite visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The roar of water cascading in the Gola dell’Infernaccio and the wind brushing your face atop Monte Vettore are just some of the sensations you’ll experience exploring this national park. Trails for every taste wind through woods, meadows, and gorges, offering rare encounters with local fauna, like the majestic Apennine wolf and the imposing golden eagle.
Fermo is also close to the sea. The Marche coastline, with its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, is just a stone’s throw from the city. From Lido di Fermo to Lido di San Tommaso, including Casabianca and the picturesque Marina Palmense below Torre di Palme, Fermo’s coastline is a series of breathtaking landscapes, golden beaches, and polished pebbles. It offers a peaceful, fun oasis perfect for relaxing under the sun or practicing water sports.
Culinary Experiences: The Flavors of Fermo
You can’t leave Fermo without tasting the delights of Marche cuisine! Among the typical dishes are olive all’ascolana, vincisgrassi (a local type of lasagna), and ciauscolo, a soft and unique salami spread. For an unforgettable dinner, try these and other dishes at an osteria or trattoria in the city center, pairing them with local wines like Rosso Conero or Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.
Where to Stay: Sustainability and Luxury
But where to stay for an unforgettable and sustainable experience in Fermo? In the rolling hills of central Marche, nestled between the Blue Flag beaches of the Adriatic and the enchanting Sibillini Mountains, is Casal dei Fichi—a converted farmhouse with six large, luxurious eco-apartments, each with its own terrace or private garden. The park includes an organic garden, orchard, and herb garden, as well as a 15 x 5 meter heated pool.
Fermo is a city that surprises with its history, culture, and landscapes. It’s a perfect destination for those who want to explore an Italian city away from the usual tourist spots, yet rich in beauty to discover. If you’re seeking a destination that amazes at every turn, Fermo might be exactly what you’re looking for!
Award Winning Eco Apartments – Green Apartment in Francavilla d'Ete, Fermo, Marche, IT 
