Cerreto d'Esi is situated on the western slopes of Mount San Vicino and on the right side of the Esino river. There was a Langobardic settlement in the Vth century. Castrum Cerreti, or the castle of Cerreto, owes its name to a tree, the turkey oak, that was abundant in the area a long time ago.The old town has an impressive inclined cylindrical main tower, built in the twelfth century and a second rectangular tower "Tower dell'Agostino" built in the 12th century on the opposite side of the castle walls. Porta Giustiniana, that leads to the castle, is particularly interesting: here a small tower with a clock above was added later. Fine examples of religious architecture are: the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Piazza, which houses a sixteenth century wooden crucifix; the Church of Santa Maria della Porta, with the tombs of the Counts Ottoni; the Church of the Annunciation, full by donations made by noble families. Not far from Cerreto d'Esi do not miss two oustanding rural churches: the Church of St. Giovanni Evangelista, owned by the Ramelli Counts of Fabriano and the Church of Our Lady of the Venza, built on an earlier edicola of the 17th century. Further further tourist attractions are: the Fountain of the Dolphins and the ditch of Cerreto (archaeological area). The typical product of the area is Verdicchio, one of Marche's prized white wine. Do not forget Cerretana Vernaccia, a ruby intensely-scented red wine.
The most important event taking place in Cerreto d'Esi is the Grape Festival (September).