This small habitat can be found perched in a hill between the valleys of the Menocchia torrent and the river Tesino. The hills and valleys furrowed and shaped by the little streams of water have been further modelled by agriculture throughout the centuries. Owing to the beauty of its surroundings, the little town has been nicknamed “Belvedere del Piceno” (Piceno's beautiful view). From here one can enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the surrounding hills which roll gently down to the Adriatic sea with in the background, Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains. Its own centre retains its typical Medieval structure, endowed with splendid Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings as well as outstanding eighteenth and late nineteenth century noble palaces. The only part of the ancient walls left standing is the tower and Monte Antico gate, a tower having Ghibelline battlements, St. Domenico's gate, the Cuprense gate and the tower containing the so-called “Donna Bianca” (White Woman) gate.
The township boasts ancient origins; a late XIII century manuscript refers to the name “Ripatransonis”, derived from “Ripa” (steep) “di Transone” (a personal name of Germanic origin). In fact, though, the hamlet came about through the unification of four castles in 1198 by the Transone or Dansone family.
The territory, though, had been settled since prehistoric times. Taking advantage of its inaccessible position, between the IX – III centuries B.C., it became a flourishing centre of Picena civilisation, much of whose evidence can be found today in the city's archaeological museum.
During the Roman conquest and subsequent barbaric invasions, the displaced inhabitants of nearby Cupra were housed here. The habitat by the name “Ripatransonis” appeared in documents as early as the end of the IX century when the Transone or Dansone family, when received these lands in feud from the bishop of Fermo, united the castles of Monte Antico, Capo di Monte, Roflano and Agello, in the present day centre.
The habitat was built on the highest hill in the area, making it almost inaccessible, but this fact did not stop it from becoming involved in many bloody battles, so that it was given the name “Propugnaculun Piceni”.
In 1199 it was captured and destroyed by Marcovaldo Amnevillir, steward to Arrigo VI. It rose again in 1205, a period of castle-building begun by the rich landowners who adhered to the commune in exchange for concessions and privileges and became officially a free commune fighting against Fermo and Offida.
During this time, the commune often changed sides from Guelphs to Ghibelline and back to Guelph again, until in 1346 it allied with Ascoli, bearing the brunt of the ineffectual sieges by the Fermans who, as it turned out, never managed to overcome the township.
The name “Ripatransonum” was again mentioned in the “Costituzioni della Marca” by Cardinal d'Alburnoz in 1357 in which the city is cited among the “Civitates mediocres” or of average size.
In 1415 the commune was sacked by Malatesta's soldiers and later in 1442 was taken by the troops of Francesco Sforza who sacked and set fire to it as a reprisal against rebellion, three years later, though, the Ripany family managed to kick out the Sforzas.
At the start of the next century, it was attacked twice by the Spaniards; the first time in 1515, in spite of the friendly welcome given to the invaders, and again in 1521 when the incursors were driven back thanks to the audacious bravery of Bianca de Tharolis at the head of a handful of Ripani who defended the walls.
In the second half of the XV century until 1570, it became residence of the Farfense garrison judge. The following year in 1571 Ripatransone was raised to the status of city and bishopric by Pope Pius V, thus conferring on it power and prestige; it entered as part of the Montalto garrison towards the end of the XVI century.
In the 1600s and 1700s, the religious and cultural life became intense when the seminary (1623) and various academies were founded. From 1808 to 1814 it was chief town of a canto in the Tronto district and in 1860, Ripatransone was among the first Italian communes to adhere to the new Reign of Italy, so freeing itself from Pontifical government.

A pleasant visit to the city might end beautifully in a tasty sampling of local wines in the Bottega del Vino Comunale, located under the arches of the ancient Palazzo degli Anziani, where prestigious D.O.C. Wines and other local, gastronomic delights can be sampled and bought. Among the typical local dishes is the outstanding “Ciavarro” which is based on cereals and vegetables in a spicy sauce. 

Monuments