Have you planned a stay in the town of Fermo, but you’re not quite sure what to visit? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you and provide all the information you need to make the most of your vacation.
We have prepared for you a guide through which you can discover the 18 most beautiful attractions of Fermo and uncover the secrets hidden behind the walls of this fascinating town in the Marche region.
And if you only have one day? Don’t worry! At the end of the article, you’ll find an itinerary designed specifically for those who have little time, but still don’t want to miss the wonders of this city.
Get ready to experience an unforgettable adventure, immersed in history, culture, and beauty, and embark on an exciting journey full of discoveries.
Religious Monuments to Visit in Fermo
We want to start this guide on the tourist attractions of Fermo by talking about the religious monuments. This city is indeed full of churches and abbeys that are worth visiting, and we want to introduce you to all those we believe are the most fascinating. Let’s take a look at them right away.
1. Church of San Francesco (Church of St. Francis)
Among the things to do in Fermo, you certainly can’t miss the Church of San Francesco.
Located in the eastern part of the city, it is the second largest church in Fermo and is as long as 65 meters.
Built by the Franciscan Friars between the 13th and 14th centuries, the church boasts a majestic interior divided into three naves leading to an imposing polygonal apse. Don’t miss the bell tower from 1425 and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which houses the funerary monument of Lodovico Euffreducci, a true masterpiece.
Treat your eyes by admiring the beauty of the 14th-century frescoes inside the church and discover all the artistic treasures kept in this precious Gothic jewel. To get there, just follow these directions.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
2. Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary)
Visiting Fermo also means including the metropolitan cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta on your list of destinations, a majestic duomo located on top of the Girfalco hill.
This Gothic building, constructed on ancient Roman and early Christian remains, is ready to welcome you with open arms and leave you open-mouthed with its fascinating 14th-century frescoes.
Inside, awaiting you are the sculptural group of the Assumption of Mary and the ancient pipe organs, which give the environment a deeply solemn atmosphere.
What can we say about the 47-meter-high bell tower? From up here, the view offers wonderful opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Not visiting this cathedral would mean missing an essential part of Fermo. That’s why we wanted to provide you with the directions you need to get there on foot.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
3. Abbey of San Marco alle Paludi (Abbey of St. Mark at the Marshes)
The Abbey of San Marco alle Paludi is a Romanesque jewel located along the banks of the Tenna River.
Probably built in the 11th century by the Militi Friars of St. Augustine, this abbey offers a mystical atmosphere thanks to its three exposed brick naves and the soft light coming in through the small windows.
If you’re here, also dedicate some time to the bell tower, a truly interesting structure that the monks used to keep watch over the plain below and defend the lands of Fermo from Saracen attacks.
Not far from here, at the entrance to Piazza del Popolo, you’ll also find the Piccole Cisterne (Small Cisterns), an equally fascinating archaeological treasure on a smaller scale. Here’s how to get there.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
4. Diocesan Museum
Inaugurated on April 16, 2004, the Diocesan Museum is located in the left side of the city’s cathedral, in the premises that once housed the Confraternity of Suffrage and the Oratory.
The museum’s four rooms offer a rich journey: from the precious works of the cathedral’s treasure to the splendid silverware, to paintings by masters such as Vittore Crivelli and Francesco Hayez.
Every corner of this place tells a story, and every work of art is a journey through centuries. Immerse yourself in the cultural and spiritual richness of these unique collections and let yourself be enchanted by the museum’s magical atmosphere.
| TICKET PRICE |
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| HOW TO BOOK | Open access (Saturday and Sunday) |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
5. Church of San Zenone (Church of St. Zeno)
Built in 1171, the Church of San Zenone is the oldest in the city. Particularly noteworthy are the stone façade, the bell tower from 1222, and the magnificent rose window.
Inside, you’ll find a unique atmosphere with a trussed ceiling and a fascinating Romanesque capital.
Come and discover the timeless beauty of this sacred place in the center of Fermo.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
Fermo: Historical and Cultural Attractions
In addition to the spectacular places of worship, the city of Fermo, in the Marche region, is also famous for its historic centers and extensive museum district. From this point of view, in fact, the town welcomes true rare gems, and we want to invite you to discover them all through this guide. Here are the historical and cultural attractions waiting for you to visit Fermo.
6. Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square)
Piazza del Popolo is a place you absolutely cannot miss if you are visiting Fermo, Italy.
With its elegant 15th-century architectural configuration, the square is 135 meters long and 34 meters wide, and represents the city’s living room. Originated under Alessandro Sforza in 1442 and perfected in 1659, the square is delimited on the long sides by loggias with terracotta porticos and on the short sides by imposing historic buildings.
Among the main attractions are the Palazzo dei Priori, dating back to 1296, and the Palazzo Apostolico, from 1502, a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture.
Visit the historic cafes, stop to admire the shop windows of artisan workshops, and enjoy an aperitif while observing the life of this enchanting city meeting point.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
7. Palazzo dei Priori (Priori Palace)
In listing the most beautiful attractions of Fermo, we could certainly not forget the Palazzo dei Priori. Located in Piazza del Popolo, this magnificent historic building, resulting from the union of a 13th-century tower and the ancient Church of San Martino, is now the seat of the town hall, the art gallery, and the oldest part of the library.
The three-story palace houses the ticket office for the Civic Museums on the ground floor, while on the first floor you’ll find the reception halls, including the Sala degli Stemmi (Hall of Coats of Arms) and the Sala dei Ritratti (Hall of Portraits), where events and concerts are often held.
Inside the building, you’ll also find the Civic Art Gallery, with works by local and international artists, and the Sala del Mappamondo (Globe Room), the main hall of a historic library founded in 1688 in honor of Queen Christina of Sweden.
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.fermomusei.it/musei/palazzo-dei-priori/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
8. Sala del Mappamondo (Globe Room)
The Sala del Mappamondo was created in 1688 in honor of Queen Christina of Sweden and today represents the heart of the ancient Spezioli Library. The hall takes its name from the large globe inside dating back to 1713.
Within this library is a vast collection of printed and handwritten texts, as well as ancient medical treatises, herbals, and cosmography texts, many of which belonged to the Fermian physician Romolo Spezioli.
Read below for directions on how to access the library.
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.fermomusei.it/musei/palazzo-dei-priori/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
9. Roman Cisterns
The Roman Cisterns are a historical relic of the city of Fermo dating back to 40 AD.
Located under Via Paccarone and the former convent of the Dominican monks, these cisterns, once used to collect and distribute rainwater, cover an area of 2,200 square meters.
Their imposing size and exceptional state of preservation make them one of the most interesting resources in the city and a must-see stop for any tourist visiting Fermo.
Not far from here, at the entrance to Piazza del Popolo, you’ll also find the Piccole Cisterne (Small Cisterns), an equally fascinating archaeological treasure on a smaller scale. Here’s how to get there.
| TICKET PRICE |
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| HOW TO BOOK | 0734 340383 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
10. Teatro dell’Aquila (Aquila Theater)
If you find yourself visiting Fermo, you absolutely cannot miss the Teatro dell’Aquila, one of the most beautiful and oldest in Italy.
Upon entering, you’ll be enchanted not only by the Numina of Olympus depicted on the ceiling but also by the historic curtain in which Harmony is depicted handing the lyre to the Genius of Fermo. Don’t forget to look up at the majestic 56-branch chandelier, ordered from Paris in 1830.
Over the years, the Teatro dell’Aquila has been an internationally renowned stage and has hosted artists of great caliber. After a restoration that brought back its ancient splendor in 1997, today the theater is the beating heart of Fermo’s cultural life, and if you want to admire it in all its beauty, here’s the information you need to book your visit.
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.fermomusei.it/musei/teatro-dellaquila/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
11. Museo Polare “S. Zavatti” (S. Zavatti Polar Museum)
Enter the Polar Museum of Fermo and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the icy lands of the far north. This museum is housed in the fascinating frescoed rooms of Palazzo Paccarone and is designed to transport guests on a journey similar to that of a polar explorer, among tents, sleds, and crates ready to face the icy winds and glaciers of the North.
Venture among polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, narwhals, walruses, seals, and whales, and discover the serenity of the Inuit villages. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture, art, dance, and traditions of a people who deeply fascinated Silvio Zavatti, the founder of the museum.
If you’re looking for a different kind of experience for your vacation in Fermo, a visit to this museum is surely what you’re looking for.
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| HOW TO BOOK | 0734 217140 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
12. Museo Civico Archeologico (Civic Archaeological Museum)
This museum is a wonderful fusion between the 18th-century tradition of wunderkammers and the Neoclassical cult of antiquity.
Here you’ll find artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Roman period, all carefully exhibited to tell the rich history of the province of Fermo. Among the most notable pieces, you can admire ancient ceramics, sculptures, and mosaics and have a more complete picture of the civilizations that inhabited the city of Fermo.
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.fermomusei.it/musei/museo-civico-archeologico-di-fermo/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
13. Pinacoteca Civica (Civic Art Gallery)
The Pinacoteca of Fermo, located on the second floor of Palazzo dei Priori in Piazza del Popolo, is a meeting point for all art lovers. Its five rooms offer a fascinating journey through different artistic eras, from Gothic art to Baroque, to the masterpieces of the Renaissance.
After exploring the art gallery, relax in one of the cafes in Piazza del Popolo and enjoy an aperitif while admiring the surrounding architecture.
| TICKET PRICE | Full price: €6.50
Reduced: €5.00 |
| HOW TO BOOK | tel: +39 0734 217140 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
14. Museo di Scienze Naturali (Natural Science Museum)
This museum is housed inside Palazzo Paccaroni along Corso Cavour.
Here you can admire the ornithological collection of Tommaso Salvadori, with rare specimens of birds from the Marche region and Italy.
The collection, donated in 1930, demonstrates taxidermy techniques and is useful for gaining a clearer understanding of bird behavior in nature, a subject on which Salvadori focused his studies during his excursions. If you’re curious to visit this place, follow the route we’ve indicated.
| TICKET PRICE |
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://www.fermomusei.it/musei/musei-scientifici-di-palazzo-paccaroni/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
What to Do in Fermo: A Walk Through Parks and Historic Villas
In addition to the monuments and buildings of the historic center, Fermo also offers recreational areas immersed in greenery, so that those who love walking in nature can be thoroughly satisfied. Let’s discover together what the city offers.
15. Parco del Girfalco (Girfalco Park)
Imagine being on top of a hill and being able to admire the Mount Conero on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other: this is Parco del Girfalco, a magical place you absolutely must visit.
Here you can walk among majestic pine trees and cedars of Lebanon and reach the white stone metropolitan cathedral dedicated to the Assumption on foot. If you wish to relax for a while and enjoy the view, you can sit on one of the many benches with tables scattered throughout the park.
Below you’ll find the directions to get there on foot.
| TICKET PRICE | Free |
| HOW TO BOOK | Open access |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
16. Villa Vitali
Once built on a sacred site, the villa now houses an open-air theater and splendid botanical gardens with plants from all over the world.
Stroll through the gardens designed in 1860, with unique plant specimens and a fascinating Neo-Gothic portico. In the center of the gardens, you’ll find a chapel dedicated to St. Francis of Paola and a statue of the Madonna with Child.
The lawn in front of the villa, adorned with terracotta busts depicting Greek and Roman characters, is a must-see. Villa Vitali is also the venue for the “Villa InVita Fermo Festival,” which every summer brings international artists such as Fiorella Mannoia, Francesco Gabbani, Giovanni Allevi, and many others to the stage.
| TICKET PRICE | Varies according to the show |
| HOW TO BOOK | 0734.343434 |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
Why Else Does Fermo Deserve a Visit?
Fermo is not only a city rich in historical sites but also a vibrant center of local traditions that fascinate tourists from all over the world every year. Let’s take a look at them together.
17. Cavalcata dell’Assunta (Assumption Cavalcade)
Every year in Fermo, on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the city comes alive with the magical Cavalcata dell’Assunta. This historical reenactment, the oldest in Italy based on written sources, celebrates the devotion to the patron saint, Santa Maria Vergine Assunta.
Imagine being enveloped in a medieval atmosphere as knights in armor, nobles in sumptuous period costumes, flag-wavers, and drummers make their way through the streets, bringing with them colors, sounds, and ancient traditions. You can admire the magnificence of the costumes, participate in exciting jousts, and let yourself be fascinated by the performances of the historical groups.
This festival is not just a reenactment but an immersive experience that will make you feel part of the history of Fermo.
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| HOW TO BOOK | https://cavalcatadellassunta.it/ |
| HOW TO GET THERE FROM THE CENTER | Discover the route |
18. Local Gastronomy
Olives all’ascolana
The gastronomy of Fermo is a journey into the heart of peasant traditions, where every dish brings the authentic flavor of genuine products.
If you’re on vacation here, then you can’t miss the vincisgrassi, a delicious version of lasagna from the Marche region, nor the famous maccheroncini di Campofilone, a thin, egg-based pasta with a Protected Geographical Indication, used to create delicious first courses.
You must also try the fritto misto, a mix of breaded and fried meats, and the famous olive all’ascolana.
If you’re a dessert lover, let yourself be tempted by the ciambellotto della trebbiatura, perfect when accompanied by a glass of vino cotto (cooked wine) or the traditional mistrà casalingo (homemade mistral liqueur).
Visiting Fermo in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary
As you have read in this guide, Fermo is a city rich in treasures to discover.
For those who only have one day, among the many places to see, we recommend visiting the metropolitan cathedral, the Teatro dell’Aquila, and Parco del Girfalco. These 3 places, in fact, offer a complete overview of the architectural, artistic, and natural beauty of the city.
If, instead, you plan to stay longer and discover all the wonders offered by this town at a more leisurely pace, then make sure your stay becomes a memorable experience and book now one of our vacation homes in Fermo.
Splendid villas, nestled among the most beautiful areas of the territory, where you can relax by sipping a cocktail by the private pool or reading a good book in front of a splendid sunset.
Have you included Fermo as a stop on a longer trip? No problem! We have vacation homes scattered throughout the region. Choose the villa in the Marche region that’s right for you and get ready to enjoy a dream vacation in total relaxation.