We spent 3 days in Fermo during the legendary Cavalcata dell’Assunta

Culture, nature, and a distinct atmosphere, lively yet almost suspended in time, as if the city moved to a rhythm entirely its own. Our itinerary of 3 days in Fermo, in the heart of the Marche region, leads us to uncover the stories and secrets of the legendary Cavalcata dell’Assunta, a unique celebration where horses, contrade, and historical processions come together to create a true open-air theater.

Yet while the Palio adds a special intensity to the experience, even beyond the days of the festival the city retains an authentic, unmissable character: the surrounding hills, the nearby sea, and the evocative historic center invite us to wander without haste.

Because every step brings new sensations, and the certainty that Fermo knows how to surprise—and make us fall in love—in every season.

Spending 3 days in Fermo during the traditional and legendary Cavalcata dell’Assunta allows us to discover a destination that slowly changes its face, shaped by the anticipation of the main event, while never losing the everyday rhythm that makes it so captivating at any time of year.

Our itinerary moves from the sea to the hills, then into the historic center, exploring the natural beauties of the surrounding area. And finally, of course, we experienced the Palio, held on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15, with visitors and locals taking part in a collective celebration that immerses them in the deepest spirit of Fermo.

While the Palio was the common thread of our journey, it never overshadowed the places that host it; instead, it made them feel more alive, more intense, and more distinctive. Yet it was the squares, alleyways, and views that conveyed something truly special, creating moments that lingered well beyond the festivities.

That is why our 3 days in Fermo offer a different perspective, one that is sure to surprise anyone who chooses to follow our footsteps—during the Palio or in any other season.

Itinerary recap:

- Day 1: Fermo’s surroundings and the Palio atmosphere;

- Day 2: the historic center and the historical reenactment;

- Day 3: nature, return to town, and Cavalcata dell’Assunta.

For those arriving from abroad or from other parts of Italy, Fermo is easy to reach either via the Adriatic coast or through the inland routes: whether we come from Rome or along the Adriatic shoreline, the journey naturally leads to Porto San Giorgio-Fermo station, the ideal gateway for starting our itinerary.

This is exactly how our 3 days in Fermo begin: arriving in Porto San Giorgio as the sun lights up the horizon and the still-fresh air accompanies our first steps of the day.

We immediately take a short break by the beach at Lido di Fermo, a simple yet essential moment. The sound of the waves, the scent of salt in the air, and the light reflecting on the water help us ease into the slow rhythm of our journey, with the curiosity that comes from knowing each moment has something unique to offer.

Then we head inland, following the road that climbs through olive groves and the landscapes of the Fermo hills, where the view opens up to embrace the coastline and the Adriatic Sea.

Stops:

- Arrival at Porto San Giorgio train station;

- Stop at Lido di Fermo, on the Adriatic Sea.

Torre di Palme is a medieval village, one of the most beautiful in Italy, perched on top of a hill, offering breathtaking views over the Adriatic Sea. We wander through its atmospheric alleys, which seem to take us back in time, until we reach the beautiful Belvedere, where the deep blue of the sea contrasts strikingly with the green hills rising behind us.

Before heading toward the center of Fermo, we make one last stop at the elegant Villa Vitali, a residence built in the second half of the 19th century. Here, we step into local history and take time to admire the refined Italian-style gardens.

From the villa, it takes only a few minutes to reach the historic heart of Fermo, where the atmosphere shifts noticeably. Streets and squares begin to fill with the first signs of the upcoming Cavalcata dell’Assunta. We stay just a short walk from Piazza del Popolo, which in the evening comes alive with long tables, vibrant colors, and a strong sense of local folklore.

During the days of the festival, each contrada sets up its own hostaria, spaces inspired by medieval taverns, where visitors can sit down and enjoy traditional dishes such as pizza fritta with ciauscolo, a flavorful cured meat typical of the Marche region.

Stops:

- Torre di Palme village;

- Villa Vitali;

- Dinner in Fermo, Piazza del Popolo.

The second of our three days in Fermo begins with breakfast overlooking the rolling hills and continues with a walk through the historic center.

Our first stop is the Teatro dell’Aquila, one of the most important historic theaters in central Italy: its stacked boxes, 18th-century layout, and the connection to the city’s symbol — the eagle — immediately convey a sense of a city that has always invested in culture.

Just a short walk away, the Palazzo dei Priori dominates Piazza del Popolo with its imposing façade and monumental halls, including the famous Sala del Mappamondo, which houses works from the Renaissance to the Baroque and collections that weave together art and history, featuring masterpieces such as Rubens’ “Nativity.”

Walking through the palace, we sense how Fermo has always intertwined art and history in a thread connecting past and present, a connection that extends beneath our feet, where the Roman cisterns speak of a city of significance since ancient times.

Stops:

- Teatro dell’Aquila;

- Palazzo dei Priori;

- Roman cisterns.

After an intense morning and in anticipation of the experiences still awaiting us today, we take the first hours of the afternoon for a small, refreshing break. Especially because in the evening we are in for an unmissable experience, one of the most evocative moments of these three days in Fermo.

We join the moment that gives its name to the Cavalcata dell’Assunta, a procession that traditionally takes place on August 14, with ladies, knights, and representatives of the contrade who, in the past, rode on horseback all the way to the Cathedral. An ancient ritual that, blending devotion, history, and popular tradition, still lives today in the costume parade that fills the streets of Fermo on the eve of the Palio.

It's the oldest historical reenactment in Italy: mingling with the crowd, we admire the coats of arm and costumes, listen to traditional music to the beat of the drums, watch the horses, and feel the pride with which the community participates in this collective ritual. It is a special moment that needs no explanation: even without attending the Palio itself, this eve makes us understand why the tradition is so deeply cherished.

Stops:

- Cavalcata dell’Assunta, historical reenactment.

We choose nature as the perfect counterpoint to the most intense day of our trip.

Let’s dedicate our morning to the surroundings of Fermo, heading to the Bosco del Cugnolo, an area located in the contrada of the same name, overlooking the sea and crossed by trails immersed in greenery. Walking through the woods is truly delightful, as it gives us the impression of slowing our pace while moving among the trees, in the quiet that accompanies the start of the day.

From here, we can reach the Grotta degli Amanti in just a few minutes on foot, a natural cave carved into the sandstone, whose name is linked to a local tradition identifying it as a hideaway for secret lovers’ meetings. It’s a short stop, but certainly pleasant and evocative.

We close the morning with a short bike ride along the flat coastal paths, enjoying the sea views before heading back toward the city, where another Cavalcata dell’Assunta tradition awaits us: the presentation of the jockeys.

The event takes place in front of the Cathedral, whose beautiful façade provides the perfect backdrop for this ritual, filled with applause, curiosity, and the first signs of the excitement that awaits us in the afternoon.

Stops:

- Bosco del Cugnolo;


- Grotta degli Amanti;


- Bike ride;


- Presentation of the jockeys.

The afternoon takes us to the beating heart of Fermo and the Palio dell’Assunta. The streets of the historic center come alive once again with flags, colors, and music, as everyone prepares for the great challenge. Among the 10 historic contrade of Fermo — Castello, Pila, Campolege, San Bartolomeo, Fiorenza, San Martino, Campiglione, Molini Girola, Torre di Palme e Capodarco — anticipation grows, along with the desire to bring pride and hope to their community.

When the race finally begins, the rhythm of the horses and the energy of the crowd create a unique atmosphere. Time seems to stretch, and every movement can change the outcome of the competition. It’s a moment of pure intensity, blending sport, history, and folklore, perfectly capturing the true spirit of the Palio of Fermo.

Once the race is over, the real celebration begins: the chants of the winning contrada echo through the streets as night falls, with the lamplight illuminating the historic buildings, and the city’s charm merging with the joy and conviviality of residents and visitors.

We return to Piazza del Popolo to celebrate the end of the Palio together, with toasts, songs, dances, and smiles, concluding 3 intense and unforgettable days that will stay with us forever.

Stops:

- Horse race;

- Final celebrations in Piazza del Popolo.