The origin of Monterubbiano can be traced back to the 3rd century BC; this delightful hill town has lost most of its fortifications, except from the Cassero (bridge house) and some parts of the walls, but has retained its medieval centre. Must-see attractions are: the fourteenth century town hall; the collegiate Church of Santa Maria dei Letterati , housing works by native Vincenzo Pagani, whom the local theatre is dedicated; the thirteenth-century church of SS. Giovanni Battista and Evangelist , boasting eighteenth century frescoes. Each year the event “ Sciò la Pica” commemorates the ancient colonization by the Piceni tribes, who came to the Marche, led by a woodpecker. The most typical dish is the "tagliatelle fritte (fried noodle pasta), whose recipe is kept strictly secret.