ANCIENT VILLAGES

Province of Fermo
Inhabitants 394
Altitude 806 m ASL
Surface 11,31 sq km
Distance from
Fermo 41 km
i
Town hall:
Phone: +39 0734.79124
Mountain Community
Phone: +39 0736.844526
+39 0736.844379
www.provincia.ap.it/smerillo
com.smerillo@provincia.ap.it
WHERE TO STAY
HOTELS
CAMPSITES
HOLIDAY VILLAGES
COUNTRY HOUSES
APARTMENT RENTALS
ROOMS TO RENT l
FARM HOLIDAYS l
BED & BREAKFAST l
CARAVAN SITES
YOUTH HOSTELS l
MOUNTAIN DEWS
The original name Castrum
Smerilli is possibly derived
from certain Smerilla, a
woman living in the surrounding
country side. According to
other opinions, the village
might be named after the
“smeriglio”, (merlin) very typical
small aggressive hawk. A
merlin, flying over five hills, is
actually represented in the
town coat of arms.
The village originated in the 9 th
century, as recorded in the
chronicles relating the disputes
between the Empire and the Papacy;
a later mention is recorded
in relation to the disputes between
Camerino and Fermo,
that definitely took over Smerillo
in 1300.
The noble family Boce da
Smerillo were the lords of the
town. It is the birth family of
Buongiovanni, called “the
Condottiere”. In 1409 the
Count of Carrara conquered the
castle, that became a Church
territory later on. Along the
road leading to the village, as
well as in other spots across it,
it is possible to see traces of the
medieval ring walls. The village
played an important role
also in Roman time, as the big
amount of Emperial coins,
found out in the area, evidences.
Smerillo was a confederate
Municipium during the
Tiburtine wars.
WORTH VISITING
Among the main works of art
worth mentioning are the re-
SMERILLO
mains of the original medieval
ring walls with Keep, the Romanesque
Church of St. Caterina
(14 th century), containing
important frescoes, the interesting
Fossil Museum, as well
as the very unusual Gallery of
Contemporary and Children
Art.
SOMETHING MORE TO
DISCOVER
Of particular interest is the Fessa,
a peculiar and charming
cleft, full of very valuable fossils.
Thanks to its breathtaking
panoramic position, Smerillo is
also known as “Roof of the
Marche”.
WORTH TASTING
Traditional recipes resting with
the widest choice of mushrooms,
truffles and chestnuts
will satisfy even the most delicate
palates.
SOMETHING TO DO
The territory offers excellent
opportunities to engage in relaxed
walks amid pristine unspoiled
nature.
WORTH DISCOVERING
Nature lovers may appreciate
the protected floristic oasis,
laid out in the Smerillo’s wood.
In the hamlet San Martino al
Faggio stands the historic
Small Church of St. Martino
with its stout Romanesque tower
and important paintings inside.
An old water mill evidences
the flourishing agricul-
URBINO
PESARO
ANCONA
MACERATA
FERMO
SMERILLO
ASCOLI PICENO
tural activity, that has always
characterized the area.
DON’T MISS OUT
“Lo vatte” (farmyard festival
in the hamlet Ceresola) - end of
July; Festa popolare di San
Martino (Folk Festival of St.
Martino) - first ten days in August;
“Sogno di una notte di
mezza estate” (“Midsummer
night dream”) outdoor movie
review - second week in August;
Festa di San Nicola
(Feast of St. Nicola in the hamlet
Ceresola) - second Sunday
in September; Castagnata in
piazza (Chestnut festival on
the piazza) - third Sunday in
October.
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