Offida - Art, lace, wine and Carnival | « Indietro
 The old town centre of Offida is within the XVth century castle walls and provides a sensational view that sweeps from Mount Ascensione to the sea. Amongst a web of narrow alleys is the unusual triangular square dominated by the majestic town hall. The building's charming open gallery consists of thirteen travertine columns and the fifteenth century porch made up of brick columns topped by capitals in travertine. The porch leads you to a wonderful hidden place, the beautiful Baroque style gem Theatre “Serpente Aureo”, designed by Pietro Maggi and built in 1820.
The Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria della Rocca stands a little way from the main square and is striking for its imposing austerity, made all the more powerful by its position overlooking the city. It was built in 1330 on top of an ancient church from the Lombard period and provides clear evidence of the peculiarity of Piceno monastic style, which is marked by simplicity and an almost total absence of decoration.
The peculiar Monumento alla Merlettaia introduces you to the soul of the village, which is metaphorically embroidered by the patience of women sitting at the doorway and working the pillow-lace. The best creations, including a beautiful dress made by local embroiders and worn by Naomi Campbell at a fashion show in Paris, are displayed at Palazzo Pignatelli.
Finding a piece of land in Offida that has not been transformed into vineyard is virtually impossible. The most renowned regional wines– Rosso Piceno Superiore, Falerio, Passerina and Pecorino are produced here. In nearly all the local cantinas, or wine shops, visitors will find tasting rooms where wines can be quietly tasted and possibly taken home.
Last but not least if you happen to be in the area at Carnival be sure not to miss the shows staged to celebrate the festivity, especially the suggestive procession of 'Vlurd' - long bunches of straw that are lit and carried through the streets to eventually form a large bonfire by residents and tourists who can’t resist getting involved in local folklore. Offida has recently been included in the prestigious club <Borghi più belli d’Italia> which translates as "The most beautiful villages in Italy".
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