Corinaldo is that rare example of a fortified city, rich in art and faith, found on a rocky perch in a panoramic spot between the valleys of the Cesano and Misa rivers. The borgo reveals itself to visitors with its elegant mid-renaissance defensive walls perfectly intact, among the most fascinating and idyllic to be found in the Marche region. Placed among the lush green hills of the Marchigian hinterland, equidistant between the Adriatic and the Appenines, the city enjoys a dry climate.
Rich in historic reminders, Corinaldo boasts of world fame due its veneration of the martyr Maria Goretti; but it is not only a Holy city, its green environment, embellished with fine lime-tree lined streets, its rich culinary and wine-producing tradition, the surrounding quiet and ancient colors, a gift of time, combine to the visitor an idyllic spot to revel in the quiet and wellbeing.
Most likely, the city of Corinaldo rose at the beginning of the second millennium, following the widespread trend of the fortifying with battlements; it constituted a free commune at the end of the XII century. This period ushered in an era of struggles among the communes, sometimes siding with the Guelphs, sometimes with the Ghibellines. Placed in a defensive position between the rivers, located between La Marca di Ancona and the Dukedom of Urbino, thanks to its strategic spot, it became an aspired-to and contested outpost for the Guelph and Ghibelline factions during their power struggle and during the crisis in the Feudal system and subsequent advent of the nobles.
In 1219, the hamlet fought against Cagli, in 1248, it submitted to the powerful city of Jesi and only in 1291 did Pope Nicolò IV recognise its communal autonomy, bestowing a range of privileges.
In 1360, coinciding with the advent of the nobles' power, it was destroyed by Guelphs troops under Galeotto Malatesta, sent by Cardinal Alburnoz. Seven years later, Urbino V authorised the rebuilding in the Gothic style, still intact today, while enfeudating the Castle in favour of Nicolò Spinelli. In 1416, work outside the walls began, while 14440 saw the erection and its subsequent demolition, following a clash with the papal domination.
Up until the XV century, the city underwent numerous modernizations; among these, the most important was the extension of the walls around which another urban settlement grew, so beginning its renaissance development. The fate of Corinaldo for a long period lay in the hands of various nobles until 1448, when the people of Corinaldo outsted the tyrant, Cattabriga, returning under the protection of the Holy See which bestowed political and military autonomy. The commune was no longer governed by the people, as in the past, but by aristocrats. From this time on, Corinaldo lived in peace; in December 1517 it was raised to city status by Pope Leone X.
In the XVII century, at the end of all its struggles against the surrounding towns, a flourishing period for the township was begun, so much that Pius VI was obliged to confer the title of city due as much to the vast process of internal transformation as to a massive increase in the population.
Every year in July, this borgo celebrates a historic re-enactment, “The polenta in the well” contest.
Folklore tells of a farmhand who, while climbing the steep hill leading from the borgo to the centre, dropped a sack of maize into the well from which he was trying to quench his summer thirst. From the well, a stream of “polenta” oozed forth, enough indeed to feed the hungry Corinaldis who, at that time, were under heavy siege.
Along the lines of this picturesque tale, in the quaint setting among narrow streets and towers, the annual costume re-enactment takes place. A historic procession composed of hundreds in extraordinary XV century costumes, made up by clever local dressmakers, wends its way through the paths of the Castle. Taverns offering tasty local dishes, among which the famous polenta, coupled with the fragrant Verdicchio wine, welcome those present. The show closes with a spectacular firework display and the firing of the cannon.
In the month of October, moreover, in a macabre and carnivalesque atmosphere, Corinaldo celebrates the ancient Celtic Festival of Halloween in the days preceding, as well as the Eve of all Saints. The town centre is animated with witches, goblins, monsters and fairies, who then retire to the various “themed” taverns to taste typical Corinaldo and Marchigian dishes. Hundreds of lighted pumpkins create a magic atmosphere while street artists and knights on horseback animate the show.
Curiosity:
“The town of the Mad” - So the people of Corinaldo are “identified” by the inhabitants of nearby villagers. According to a centuries-old tradition, they are taken for slightly mad ans a little original.

Monuments