OFFIDA  (20 KM. from San Benedetto del Tronto)

Offida is situated on the crest of the hills that separate the Tesino and Tronto rivers about 20 KM. from San Benedetto del Tronto. It a charming and ancient town.
Documented human presence in the area dates back to the Neolithic era. Necropoles from the Piceno and Roman civilizations have been found as have the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to the "Ophite" or the Golden Serpent which is believed to be the source of the name of Offida and the superb Serpent Aureo theatre.
The town has maintained its artisan tradition of making bobbin lace.
The main places of interest to visit are the Palazzo Comunale with arcades, an open gallery which dates XIII century and a XIV century tower; S. Maria Della Rocca a XIV century Roman-Gothic church situated just outside the town walls with a crypt and XIV century frescoes; the picturesque medieval roads in the heart of the old town and the main square with its particular triangular shape.
Offida is also famous for its carnival, its eno-gastronomy specialities and for the numerous wine traders, furthermore, it is the house of the Enoteca Regionale delle Marche.