The Piaggia Steps and the Polenta Well.

Not to be missed

A visit to the village of Corinaldo cannot be missed with an ascent (or descent if you wish) along the Piaggia, particularly entering through the double arch of Porta Santa Maria del Mercato, a splendid example of defensive architecture between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The best time to do this is the third weekend in July, when Corinaldo dresses up for the historical reenactment of the Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta. It is a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in a medieval and festive atmosphere, as well as to learn a little more about the history of Corinaldo and its people.

A bit of history

In ancient times, the "piagge" were the sloping streets that connected the different levels on which the town was organized. At the beginning of the 15th century, where the steps are now, there was an uphill street covered with cobblestones, almost a sloping square traveled by people and carts. There was also a well, in use until the late 19th century and covered in the early 1900s when the steps were built. In the 1980s, searches were made for the ancient well, which yielded no results. It was then decided to dig a new one, which today is an attraction for tourists and a scenic backdrop for the famous historical reenactment of the Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta.

Trivia

Between history and legend, the story of the Corinaldo Well is one not to be missed. It is said that a peasant was climbing the Piaggia carrying a sack of cornmeal on his shoulders. Fatigued he leaned against the well, but the sack fell into it and the poor man lowered himself into the well to retrieve it. Those observing the scene said that the farmer was eating the porridge in the well, some suggested adding a sausage so as not to eat it undone. The rumor, also fueled by those who wanted to discredit Corinaldo at the time, fueled the image of a town of "picchiatelli," from which the inspiration for the annual Polenta Well Contesa was born.