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An ecomuseum is a cultural reality that arises directly from a territory and its community, with the aim of researching, preserving, and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage, making it alive and shared. It is a “distributed museum,” capable of narrating the places and ways of life that have succeeded one another over time.
The Aso Valley, in the center of Piceno, is a unique territory that still retains its authentic and unspoiled appearance today. From the Adriatic to the Sibillini Mountains, cultivated hills, fortified villages, and testimonies of Picene, Roman, and medieval civilizations unfold.
In this context, in 2011, the Ecomuseum of the Aso Valley was born, a public-private project dedicated to sustainable development and the enhancement of local identities. The initiative promotes knowledge of heritage, the creation of synergies with tourism and craftsmanship, and the protection of the environment, strengthening the idea of a museum as a widespread and participatory experience.
The success of the activities and the growing collaboration between organizations and citizens led in 2016 to the establishment of the “Ecomuseum of the Aso Valley and its identities” Association, based in Campofilone, at Palazzo Morelli/Astorri. Today, it includes the municipalities of Altidona, Campofilone, Carassai, Moresco, Montalto delle Marche, Montefiore dell’Aso, Monte Rinaldo, Monterubbiano, Monte Vidon Combatte, Ortezzano, Pedaso, and Petritoli.
Valdaso, always renowned for its agricultural production, continues to stand out with certified excellence such as the Maccheroncini di Campofilone IGP, Ciauscolo IGP, DOCG and IGT wines, extra virgin olive oil, cooked wine, cheeses, cured meats, and meats. At the same time, the territory invests in sustainability and environmental protection: here you can find three of the most beautiful villages in Italy, two Blue Flags, an Orange Flag, a Green Flag, as well as a Biological District and an Area Agro-environmental Agreement.
The historic centre of Campofilone stands on a hill overlooking the Aso Valley. If arriving by car, take the A14 motorway, exit at Pedaso and continue towards Campofilone following local signs.
The nearest railway station is Pedaso, on the Adriatic railway line. From there, Campofilone can be reached by local transport connections or by taxi.
To visit the historic centre, it is advisable to leave the car in parking areas near the entrance to the village and continue on foot. The main access is through Porta Marina, along Via Vittorio Alfieri. During busier periods, check local signs and any access or parking restrictions.
The Clock Tower is the symbol of Porto Sant'Elpidio. Built between 1350 and 1560 to defend the coast from pirates, it was erected in 1247 with the independence of the city. Known for its mysterious underground tunnels connecting it to Villa Murri, it has been restored and now hosts a tourism office (IAT) and municipal offices.
This is a municipal villa in Liberty style, surrounded by a large garden, which becomes a vibrant cultural space with events and exhibitions during the summer. Since 2012, it also hosts a private collection of maritime objects, making it a place that combines architectural elegance with historical interest.
Immersed in a lush garden protected as a botanical garden and ranked among the most beautiful parks in Italy, characterized by an avenue of majestic holm oaks and a rich collection of conifers, palms, and water lilies. The garden, adorned with a staircase featuring Carrara marble sphinxes and an oriental oasis, culminates in a grove of holm oaks and magnolias that hosts a charming medieval-style tower made of bricks.
