Contrary to its name, meaning Sant'Elpidio by the Sea, Sant'Elpidio a Mare is not situated on the sea level, but on a hill between the valleys of Ete and Tenna. It preserves the medieval walls and seven gates. 
A remarkable artistic heritage is well-preserved in its numerous religious buildings, among which: the church of Maria Ss. Della Misericordia dates back to the XVI century and has a painted vault by Pomarancio. The fourteenth-century church of S. Agostino has a Renaissance portal, and the Collegiate (XIII-XVII centuries) preserves, behind the altar, a Roman sarcophagus, made with Greek marble, from the III century BC. The Cavalieri di Malta built the Gerosolimitano Tower during the fourteenth-century. At the bottom of the town there are the city walls.
To be mentioned the following events: the three-days Medioeval City , when the entire historic centre, with over 1,000 walk-ons from the four districts, goes back to the past through scenes and aspects of daily life, entertainment and shows; The Contest of the Bucket, first historical re-enactment of the Marche, which takes place since 1953 on the second Sunday of August and the events taking place in December during Christmas times.