Castelbellino Arte

A widespread festival in the heart of Vallesina

Few cultural events in the Marche region have the history and continuity of Castelbellino Arte. Born in 1991 in the small municipality of Castelbellino, in the province of Ancona, this multidisciplinary festival has spanned over three decades, transforming the village overlooking Vallesina into an open-air stage every summer. Promoted by the Municipal Department of Culture, it is one of those events that make a difference in a town's life: free, participatory, and deeply tied to the territory.

Cinema under the stars, and much more

The pulsating heart of the review is the Cinema in Terrazza (Cinema on the Terrace), one of the oldest open-air film arenas in the region. Screenings are held on the charming Terrazza Camerini, in the historic centre, where the screen lights up at dusk with themed retrospectives dedicated to the great masters of cinema. The film section is named after Sandrino Franconi, founder and historical soul of the festival, and each year it offers a different monographic journey, often accompanied by film forums, conferences, and meetings with directors and scholars.

Art, music, and words

However, Castelbellino Arte is not just about cinema. The programme is articulated in multiple languages and in various locations within the village:

• Art and photography exhibitions in the spaces of the Parco di Villa Coppetti and in the exhibition halls, featuring contemporary artists and local photographic collectives;
• Concerts of various genres, from singer-songwriter music to choral music, from classical repertoire to more experimental proposals, also hosted in the Church of San Marco and in the most scenic spots of the village;
• Book presentations and literary meetings, often paired with tastings of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wines;
• Conferences and round tables on philosophical, historical, and current topics.

A village to discover

Attending Castelbellino Arte is also an opportunity to explore one of the most characteristic villages of Vallesina, the land of Verdicchio, a few kilometres from Jesi. Amidst alleys, Renaissance loggias, and terraces opening onto the Marche hills, the event conveys the idea of culture experienced as a community celebration. Admission to all events is free, in keeping with the festival's original spirit.