Mura castellane

The medieval walls of San Ginesio form an almost complete sandstone circuit begun in 1308 during the town's conflict with Fermo.

Why it matters

San Ginesio's surviving fortifications preserve the perimeter of a powerful medieval commune in the Marca di Ancona. The walls continue to define the form of the historic borgo and document its defensive history.

What to notice

The curtain wall follows the contours of the hill and is interrupted by four surviving gates. Its warm local sandstone varies in colour and texture, while houses built against the inner face show how the defensive structure became part of the town's later fabric.

Context and history

Rebuilding of the walls began in 1308 amid conflict with Fermo. The circuit originally had eight gates, of which four survive. San Ginesio's walls became a defining symbol of the town, appearing in local art and historical accounts. The 2016 earthquake affected the surrounding territory, while the medieval circuit continues to enclose the borgo.