Petritoli, one of the ‘Borghi più Belli d’Italia’ (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), with about 2,000 inhabitants, was founded in about the year one thousand on a branch of the Via Salaria (an Ancient Roman road) linking Ascoli Piceno and Fermo. In the 13th century it became an independent municipality and in the 19th century a Cantone Mandamentale (juridical district) reaching its maximum architectural and cultural splendour with the construction of its three most important monuments: the majestic Tre Archi (Three Arches), in neo-Gothic style, set between two ancient 15th-century towers; the Torre Civica (Civic Tower), over 40 m high; and the Teatro dell'Iride, a jewel of a theatre and one of the finest examples of historical theatres in the Marche region.
Petritoli stands atop a pleasant hill overlooking the Aso valley with a superb panorama, ranging from the Sibillini mountains to the Adriatic coast, and other breathtaking views. During the second Sunday in July, the ‘Festa delle Cove’ (Festival of Wheatsheaves) is held, dedicated to the Madonna to thank her for the harvest. The floats of the various quarters parade along the streets of the town, decorated with themed stories and sheaves of wheat. Nicknamed the ‘Wedding Town’ since the last decade, Petritoli is highly appreciated by visitors from all over the world for the friendliness of its inhabitants, the unique landscape that surrounds it, the well-kept old town, the excellent cuisine, history and architecture.