Carassai is a hilltop village of 1,300 inhabitants, near the Adriatic coast in the Ascoli Piceno province of southern Le Marche. It is now undergoing a period of rebuilding after many years of slow decline in its fortunes, and the historic centre is being slowly and painstakingly restored to its former glory.

There are two ancient castles, the old medieval castle and the second castle built in the 15th Century. Near to the new castle can be found the 14th and 15th century fortified walls, now called the Military trenches or Military walks.

Only 4km from Carassai is the impressive and fully preserved castle, the Rocca Monte Varmine. It has an impressive stone tower and walls and even the archer slits are still intact. In fact it is hard to find such a historically intact castle in the whole of Le Marche and it is believed that the first hand firing weapons were used here.

Carassai is now closely associated with the production of Rosso Piceno and Falerio wines and also fine Olive oils.