Val Mivola: an autumn journey into the heart of the Marche with villages, flavours and ancient traditions.
Nine small towns from the sea to the hinterland
From October to November the Val Mivola valley changes pace, and invites you to discover a region with hills, medieval villages and culinary traditions, enjoying local festivals and produce and time-honoured recipes that reveals the most authentic side of the Marche hinterland. In the province of Ancona the valley has nine municipalities, Arcevia, Barbara, Castelleone di Suasa, Corinaldo, Ostra, Ostra Vetere, Senigallia, Serra de’ Conti and Trecastelli, stretching from the sea into the hinterland with castles, fortified walls, vineyards and countryside.
Senigallia and Corinaldo
The first stop is by the sea. From 9 to 11 October Senigallia hosts "Pane Nostrum" an exhibition of leavened products featuring the world of bread, pizza and pastries. Masterclasses, tastings and cooking demonstrations offer an insight into techniques and methods, and the Temporary Bakery provides a glimpse into the craft of master bakers. On 24, 25, 30 and 31 October, Corinaldo hosts the "Festa delle Streghe" Festival of the Witches, one of the most distinctive events on the autumn calendar. With torches, pumpkins, shows, workshops, taverns and haunted trails the festival is set under Corinaldo's medieval walls, that are almost a kilometre long and enclose a historic centre rich in picturesque views. La Piaggia, with its 109 steps, and the famous Pozzo della Polenta well are two highlights.
Piticchio ph credits: Franco SimonciniPiticchio and Serra de’ Conti
In November, the journey takes us even further inland. From 6 to 8 November, Piticchio, a small castle in Arcevia, celebrates the "Festa d’Autunno" autumn festival. The ancient cellars become the ideal setting for savouring cuisine rooted in rural traditions. Polenta, tagliatelle, wild boar, salt cod and traditional desserts accompany local wines on a gastronomic journey featuring simple recipes and robust flavours. And it’s well worth exploring the village, with its 15th-century walls, towers, ramparts and the Toy Museum with thousands of vintage pieces. From 27 to 29 November, with the "Festa della Cicerchia" Serra de' Conti celebrates one of the most iconic ingredients of the Marche’s rural tradition. Once considered a food for the poor, today the grass pea takes centre stage in soups, purées, polenta and other local dishes. In the historic centre, music, crafts and performances provide the backdrop to the tastings, whilst candles and bonfires help to create a cozy and atmospheric setting.
A slow and flavoursome journey
From bread to cicerchia from medieval walls to village festivals, the Val Mivola valley invites you to slow down and observe the landscape with fresh eyes. An autumn journey through the Marche to be savoured at a leisurely pace, guided by the aromas from the kitchens and the traditions that still hold this authentic part of the region together. For information: www.malvimola.com
