Overview
Known worldwide as the Home of the Accordion, Castelfidardo is a medieval village nestling in the hills of the Ancona hinterland.
Traces of the Roman origins of this village can still be seen today, although the real expansion of the area took place in medieval times. This is the site of the famous Battle of Castelfidardo, a milestone on the journey that led to the Kingdom of Italy during the Risorgimento. The battle saw the forces of Savoy confront and defeat the papal army, leading to the annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia (the future Kingdom of Italy), of both Marche and Umbria.
The Town Hall houses the Accordion Museum, which celebrates the instrument itself and the skills of its makers. With over 350 instruments on display, including a collection of the man who invented the famous "figurines", Giuseppe Panini, this museum is a must-see for fans of music and crafts.
The Museum of the Risorgimento recalls the Battle of Castelfidardo with the Marche National Monument, the Ossuary-Sacrarium honouring the men who fell at the historic battleground and the collection housed in the halls of Palazzo Ciriaco Mordini. There are other unique attractions in Castelfidardo, including Porta Marina, the Grotte di Sant'Anna (Caves of St Anne), the aqueduct tower and the numerous churches. For nature lovers, in addition to the nearby Riviera del Conero, the village offers the experience of an ancient forest or "bosco relitto" known as the Selva.
Every September, the town hosts the International Accordion Prize, a festival that attracts musicians and enthusiasts from all over the world.
60022 Castelfidardo AN, Italia
