Cartoceto has very old origins, as documented by some finds, among which a Roman inscription dated 79 b.C. which was found in the old parish church. The hypothesis according to which Cartoceto was founded by a group of Carthaginians who escaped the Metauro battle during the Second Punic War ((218-201 b.C.) would therefore be confirmed. The scarce documents attest to the old origin of Cartoceto: since the 12^th century it was a fortified village surrounded by walls and it was one of the defensive strongholds of Fano. For sure the fortress and the walls were completely destroyed on 13^th July 1572 by a violent earthquake.

In the historical centre you’ll be struck by Piazza Garibaldi. It was the former market square and the Palazzo del Popolo building, with a little watch tower above, will catch your eye. In the same building you can see an arch which was formerly the entrance to the castle and had a lift bridge. The original fishbone layout with narrow alleys and flight of steps along the slopes of the hill is preserved. Within the town walls you can see the 19^th century Marcolini Palace and from Piazzale Marconi you can enjoy a nice view; locals call it “La Turchia” ( Turkey) because in the past it was the outlook point where landing Saracen pirates could be seen. Piazza Marconi is also the seat of the Triumph Theatre ( Teatro del Trionfo), which was built between 1725 and 1730 on the previous site of an olive oil mill. The modern layout dates back to 1801, the room is divided into three piers of seats; the curtain which was painted in the 19^th century and a scenic supply are still preserved. Among religious buildings worth mentioning are the Collegiate Church of the Merciful Madonna, the convent of Augustine friars, the church of Santa Maria del Soccorso and the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul.

In June you can take part to the vincisgrassi festival, which started in 1963 in order to celebrate a typical layered pasta dish from the Marche. In November the olive and olive oil exhibition market, a relevant event in the national scene which was started in 1977 in order to promote the top quality DOP olive oil of Cartoceto. Cartoceto founded together with other 29 towns the National Association of Olive Oil Towns.