This enchanting hamlet in the Ancona hinterland rises on the crest of Mount Cischiano overlooking
overlooking a unique landscape, stretching across the Misa valley to the Umbro-Marchigiana Apennine ridge.
In times gone by, it held an important central position between the Marca, Umbria and the Urbino Dukedom which was often the theatre for bloody battles and violent uprising.
Arcevia, called Rocca Contrada until year 1810, acquired its present name from “Arces Via” (fortified place) given by Pope Pius VII.
The origins of its foundation however, are more remote, dating back to the invasion of the Galli Senoni, founders of Senigallia around the VIII.IX century.
Fortified and then extended by Pipino, King of the Franks, it was given as a gift to the Church by Carlo Magno, thereby becoming an important strategic garrison.
Thanks to its position, it managed to acquire such importance that many members of the most ancient and noble Italian families took up residence, obtaining control of a vast territory comprising over forty Castles besides numerous small hamlets.
From the XIII century when it came a free commune and thanks to its military might, it was often called upon to arbitrate in the controversies to decide the fate of neighbouring communes and principalities.
From data detriving from “Descriptio Marchiae Anconitanae” drawn up by Cardinal Albornoz (Vicario Pontificio) in the second half of the year '300, Rocca Contrada features fifth in importance among the middling towns of present-day Ancona with a population of 1,200 homes (around 5,000 people).
In 1326 the town was occupied by the heroically sustained and pushed back the sieges by the Malatestas, allies of the King of Naples, Piccinino, and above all those of the notorious mercenary leaders Agnolo della Pergola and Pietro Navarro.
The period of conquest ended in 1434 when Francesco Sforza occupied the town and established his dominion. In 1445 Sigismondo Malatesta in the meantime allied to the Church and at the head of a powerful army, managed to free the Castle and bring it finally under the dominion of the Church.
In 1816 Pius VII, while on a visit to his titled estates, confirmed Rocca Contrada with the name of Arcevia, the title of City, solemnly conferred in 1266 with Clement IV's seal.
The city's coat-of-arms depicts a fortress on a red background, in recollection of its ancient name “Rocca Contrada” probably originating from the name of the original fortification's owner.
From the time of the renaissance, the city became home to the numerous celebrities: the renowned painter Ercole Ramazzani, the literary scholar Angelo Rocca, the famous architect Andrea Vici, the physicist Giuseppe Gianfranceschi, the learned philosopher Fernando Palazzi and the distinguished man of letters Giovanni Crocioni.
Today on the commune's territory stand nine Castles founded with the same name as the land on which they have always stood. The structure of the landscape lends itself admirably to walks and excursions on foot or horseback through the enchanting pathways of Monte della Croce or Monte Sant'Angelo.
On the last weekend in September, the colourful traditional “Grape Festival” has taken place annually since 1930. As well as numerous stalls offering local gastronomic products, concerts and specialised crafts, a picturesque procession of allegoric floats is paraded through the streets.
Besided this, in November in the splendid Piticchio Castle, is held the autumn festival (St. Martino) with wine cellars and gastronomic stalls distributing chestnuts and mulled wine, while on the 1st May the enchanting Avacelli Castle celebrates the Mountain-Asparagus feast: typical dishes of the famous greens are served; the tagliatelle and the omelettes are particularly tasty.

Monuments