Morro d'Alba

Sitting in the hills just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, Morro d'Alba enjoys nice views and medieval atmosphere. The town is still encircled by its ancient protective walls, keeping the original footprint of the old center intact, with its narrow lanes, piazzas and pretty brick buildings standing just like they have for hundreds of years.

The walls have a walkway in them that you can stroll. Morro d'Alba dates to about 1000 AD, though the Romans were in this area a millennium before that. About 2,000 citizens enjoy the little hamlet's quaint atmosphere and great location. While there are many regional specialties to sample (salami, pecorino cheese, for example), the main product that the town is known for is its wine - the ruby, rich Lacrima di Morro d'Alba. Produced only in this very small territory, it is a gem that should be tasted. It is said that when Federico Barbarossa (Redbeard) came through, he pillaged all the best wine from the town.) This area is also known for "vino visciola," an enticing after-dinner drink that infuses the red wine with sour cherries and their syrup.

Don't miss the Palazzo del Municipio, a beautiful civic building, and the Loggia dei Mercanti, an arcade that once housed the village mercato. Stroll around and take in the place and the panoramas, and of course, have a sip or two of vino!