One hundred and twenty kilometers. Five stages. Eight fortresses. Five municipalities. A single, unrepeatable journey. These numbers are enough to evoke the essence of the path of the forts, a ring route that embraces the green heart of the Marche, giving each step authentic emotions, breathtaking views (without using the word “breathtaking”!), Sweat and satisfaction. Because yes, here you walk seriously. And, between a climb and a descent, we fall in love with ancient landscapes and stories.
A journey between history and nature
San Severino Marche: we start and arrive here, in this small jewel set in the hills of the high brand. A country that smells of culture and good food, ready to welcome you toEmporio Artisthe starting point where you will find everything you need to start on the right foot: typical products, fresh beer and lots of friendship. Trust you, you will feel immediately at home.
The path of the fort owtes its name to the ancient fortresses which, scattered along the way, narrate stories of defenses, battles and conquests. But don’t be fooled: it’s not just a dip in history. It is an immersion in the most authentic nature, that made of smells, sinuous hills and mountain hills that stand out on the horizon. A nature that embraces and that sometimes tests.
The stages: sweat, wonder and a pinch of irony
1st stage: San Severino Marche – Crispiero
Length: 14.5 kmislvello: 
839m / 
470m
It starts sweetly, but not too much. The legs warm up, the backpack still seems light. The panoramas open slowly, like a curtain on a show that promises wonders. And if you ask yourself a few kilometers: “But who made me do it?”, Don’t worry, it’s normal.
The road is a silent teacher. Test you, asks you questions without speaking, it takes you where you didn’t think you wanted to …
Posted by path of the Forti on Monday, febragery 17, 2025
2nd stage: Crispiero – Rastia
Here it is serious. It is the stage of the choices: are you ready to sweat along the Rotis or do you prefer the sweet company of Vinano? Whatever your decision, dense and panoramas that deserve every drop of fatigue await you. Advise? Take it calmly. Here whoever arrives first does not win, but who can enjoy every step.
3rd stage: Rastia – Elcito
Monte Pulcino (for experts): 20.2 km of demanding ups and downs.
The third stage is a challenge, but on top of Mount Pulcino, the view repays every effort. This is the moment when you really understand the sense of the path: to face obstacles to reach beauty. And then there is Elcito, the village suspended over time, which seems to whisper: “Welcome wayfarer, fatigue here becomes poetry”.
4th stage: Elcito – Pitino
Length: 24.2 kmislvello: 891m / 1118m
A stop to reflect, to slow down and listen. The hills become softer, the paths tell stories of a time that was. Pitino will welcome you with its discreet elegance. Advice? Stop, observe and breathe. These breaks are part of the journey.
5th stage: Pitino – San Severino Marche
Serripola variant: 26.2 km for the most tenacious, glorious varying: shorter, but still fascinating (12.5 km).
In the last the legs ask for pity, but the heart wants to continue. Choose the path that most resembles you and let each step bring you back where everything has started. Stamps, fresh beer and, above all, the smile of those who know that every journey, however circular, leave a profound mark will await you at Emporio Artis.
The salvoncotto: your story on the path
Return @Lyam.Danese, a very young boy from Padua who embarked on the path alone.
…
Posted by path of the Forti on Monday, November 4, 2024
Don’t forget your saving, the walker’s identity card. A small booklet to collect stamps, memories and stories. Free, but precious. Each stage, a stamp. Each stamp, a story. And if you miss someone? Don’t worry, Artisan will find everything you need to complete your trip (you can request it here).
Practical tips and … a little common sense
Prepare the backpack well: a pile, a cup with carabiner, suitable clothing and, above all, comfortable shoes. The blisters do no poetry.
Beware of four -legged meetings. Guard or flock dogs do their job. Don’t panic: stop, stay calm and do not make sudden movements. It will be an opportunity for an unscheduled, but useful break.
And, of course, respected nature. Do not collect flowers, do not abandon waste and do not turn on fires. The high brand welcomes you generously, return the courtesy.
