On a high spot between the river Tesino and the Tronto, near the source of the Lama torrent, lies Offida, in a fertile land given over mainly to the cultivation of grain and grapes, in particular the vines used in the production of Rosso Piceno Superiore wine.
This borgo boasts one of the most unspoilt and interesting old towns of the area; its town hall in Popolo square is one of the most beautiful fifteenth century palaces in the Marche with its elegant portico and priceless first-floor gallery supported by the finest travertine pillars.
The origins of its name have long been a subject of study but there is no common agreement, even though many expert opinions have been put forward. The name Offida could therefore derive from either “Oppida” (fortified city) or “Ophys” (Greek word meaning snake) or perhaps “Ophida” (opulent hill).
In any case, the city boasts ancient origins; the presence of people there goes back to Neolithic times judging from the number of archaeological remains found in the territory. Its foundation seems to have been established during the stone age by the Pelasgi coming from Asia minor, who were the first to bring signs of civilisation to this place. After this, the territory was settled by Picene populations descended from a group of young Sabines stationed here and who set in motion a flourishing settlements.
The Picene civilisation ended with the start of the Roman conquests; Romans settled in these lands around the III century B.C.. During the VI century, the lands around Ascoli Piceno, Offida included, were conquered by the Longobards. These people began a long period of castle building on their possessions, involving also Offida. According to the writings of the historian, G. Colucci, the city became a fortress around the VII century, the seat of a Gastlado from the counts of Ascoli.
On the arrival and installation of the Farfense monks, Offida, thanks to the castle walls and the later communal palace, enjoyed an era of true prosperity, both economical and of civil order.
In the XIII century, by the seal of Urbano IV, Offida was raised to the status of city. The centuries that followed were, for Offida as for the other Marchigian communes, of a certain importance, witnessing harsh rivalry between the Guelph and the Ghibelline factions, as well as between Ascoli and Fermo. These rivalries continued until the XVI century, Offida siding with the Guelph and Fermo against Ascoli.
The struggles between the opposing factions involved the most important families of the city, namely the Boldrini (Ghibelline) and the Baroncelli (Guelphs), stirring up centuries-long internal rivalry and fratricide for control of the countryside.
The struggles terminated in 1533 when the entire boldrini family was slaughtered by Carlo Baroncelli, brother of Baldassarre Baroncelli. This led to Guelph supremacy and tied the township definetely to the church. In 1557, certain French people on the way to Fermo tried to set fire to the communal palace, destroying part of the archivies. The Offidian response was swift. They rose up and after closing the gates, set upon the Frenchmen, who while trying to find an escape route, were all killed and thrown off the high crags that surrounded the city.
After receiving the statutes from Pope Clemente VII in 1524 in full Renaissance era, the city became a lively flourishing centre of activity, as recorded by the citizens market institute in 1576.
in the XVII – XVIII century, the city entered fully into the Pontifical State under the Montalto presidium and was given a certain autonomy. In 1808, the Marche was united by Napoleon to the Reign of Italy, which put an end to the temporal power of the Pontiff. In 1860 a revolutionary force took part in the battle against the Pontiff's troops (who were defeated at Castelfidardo) and took over the government of the city.

Offida is famous for its Carnival which takes place annually according to a fixed tradition on 17th January, feast of St. Anthony Abate, and ends on ash Wednesday. The celebrations begin with the hunt “Lu bov fint”; among a large group of men in “Guazzarro”, ancient farmworkers dress, an ox made of cloth is carried shoulder-high, running through the crowded streets of the village, followed by a merry procession of supporters who escort the “ox” to the symbolic slaughterhouse under the Town hall.
Accompanied by musicians from the various masked bands, during the last day of carnival, even the  “Vlurd” walk in procession; bunches of lighted sticks are carried around the city and finally thrown onto a huge bonfire, around which the masked citizens dance and sing in one last jolly salutation to the end of Carnival. 

Monuments