Located at 380 m a.s.l., Montecarotto is part of the eastern spur of the sub-Apennine area of the Province of Ancona, at 18 km from Jesi, straddling the upper valleys of the Misa and Esino rivers. The historic centre conserves some imposing fortified walls built in 1509 to the design of the architect Albertino di Giacomo of Cremona, who restored and enhanced the original medieval enclosure. It is considered one of the most important fortifications in the Esino valley. Two towers stand at the entrance to the town joined by a covered walkway at the height of the ramparts. By climbing up in the imposing tower, elegantly castellated and adorned with a clock, visitors can admire the splendid panorama that takes in the valleys of the Misa and the Esino rivers. The 19th century Municipal Theatre is very interesting, featuring a portico supported by brick columns and with a richly decorated interior. Close by stands the Palazzo Baldoni, built on the end of the southern section of the castle walls and the War Memorial to the First World War, made in the early 1930s by the Venetian sculptor Vito Pardo, also the creator of the famous Marche National Monument at Castelfidardo. The Mail Art Museum is worthy of a visit, the only Italian public museum dedicated to mail art, i.e. artistic expressions made possible by the postal service. The museum today exhibits fine engravings by Marchigian artists, such as those of Orfeo Tamburi, Pericle Fazzini and Arnoldo Ciarrocchi’s ‘Carte Lauretane’. In the territory and headed by the Santissima Annunziata Parish of Montecarotto there are a large number of churches with a wealth of art and history bearing witness to the strong faith and devotion of the people of Montecarotto: the Collegiate Church of the Santissima Annunziata, the Church of San Filippo, the Church of the Crucifix and the Convent Church of San Francesco. Verdicchio is the name of the excellent wine made in the Montecarotto area, produced in different types and variations: Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva, Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi classico, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi classico superiore, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi passito and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi spumante. The most important events that take place at Montecarotto during the year are: the ‘Pasquella’ (a re-enactment of an ancient ritual of begging for alms) and the ‘Verdicchio in festa’ festival held in July.