San Ginesio

San Ginesio is a medieval village known as the “Balcony of the Sibillini” for the splendid view that it offers, stretching from Monte Conero to Gran Sasso.
The ancient castle, castrum esculanum, was named after Saint Ginesio, a Roman mime and musician in the 3rd century A.D. who was martyred under the Emperor Diocletian. Today, he is the patron saint of actors and theatre folk, which is why the town is also known as Borgo degli Attori, Actors Village.
Since 2020, thanks to the Ginesio Fest – Festival delle arti teatrali (Festival of theatrical arts) and the Premio San Ginesio all’Arte dell’Attore (San Ginesio Prize for the Art of Acting) – the village has become a point of reference in the geography of Italian festivals.
There are numerous places of historical and artistic relevance, despite the damage caused by the 2016 earthquake: the 14th-century castle walls that encircle the village and run for over 4 km; the main square, with the Collegiate Church, the only architectural masterpiece in the Marche region in Romanesque and Gothic style; and the Hospital of St. Paul, also known as the “pilgrims' hospital.”
San Ginesio, in addition to being amongst “Borghi più Belli d’Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) has prestigious tourist and environmental quality labels such as the “Bandiera Arancione del Touring Club Italiano” (Touring Club Italiano Orange Flag) and hosts numerous events throughout the year, including historical re-enactments such as the “Battle of the Fornarina” and the “Palio di San Ginesio,” the banner that each year is awarded to the district winning the knightly tournament.