Ripatransone, often called Ripa (ree-pah) by the locals, is one of the most beautiful medieval hill towns in all of Italy, and it has been designated by the Italian Touring Club as one of the most beautiful Borghi (historic towns) in Italy. Perched atop a dramatic hill 500 Meters (1,640 feet) above the Adriatic Sea, it offers stunning views of the sea, two mountain ranges and endless vineyards and olive groves.
Beyond the stunning panoramas, Ripatransone is a land rich in art and culture, far beyond what one might expect in a fairy tale rural setting. It is the birthplace of great artists such as the poet Luigi Mercantini, opera singer Luciano Neroni and painter Ascanio Condivi, who is better known as a close friend and personal biographer of Michelangelo. Art and culture are not only part of Ripatransone’s past, but also a vital aspect of contemporary life. The town hosts opera festivals, art exhibitions, lectures and summers filled with a staggering number of concerts and entertainment.
The beautiful vistas and art might only be eclipsed by the tastes of Ripa. The main industries of Ripatransone are wine and olive oil, and the local farms produce world class products with surprisingly affordable prices. The town does not have a lot of restaurants, but they produce wonderful traditional dishes, again at surprisingly affordable prices.
Ripatransone is in the region of Le Marche, on the east coast of central Italy, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains. This region is critical for lovers of music technology, as it is home to iconic musical instrument companies like Farfisa, Eko, Elka, Siel, Crumar and many others! Le Marche is also home to Castelfidardo, the Accordion Capital of the World.
Heavy Metal guitarist, Dave Mustaine from the band Megadeth has a winery in one of the neighboring hill towns of Ripatransone, and a few more kilometers north are the olive groves of Radiohead guitarist, Johnny Greenwood.
Le Marche has everything people love about Italy, but with far fewer tourists and is far more affordable than the more well-known regions of Italy.
