Cingoli is a town and comune situated in the Marche region of Italy, specifically within the province of Macerata. It lies approximately 27 kilometres by road from the provincial capital of Macerata. The settlement occupies a lofty position at an elevation of about 650 metres, a geography that historically contributed to its strategic importance during civil wars. Today, it functions as a distinct administrative unit within the broader regional framework of central Italy.

The town occupies the site of the ancient Cingulum, a Picenum settlement founded and strongly fortified by Julius Caesar's lieutenant Titus Labienus in 63 BCE. Labienus established the fortification at his own expense, likely on the site of an earlier village. Under the Roman Empire, Cingoli developed into a municipium. Its elevated location made it significant in antiquity, though little else is recorded about its early history beyond this foundational period.

The town is almost entirely surrounded by old walls and is known as the Balcony of Marche due to its belvedere viewpoint. On clear days, this vantage point offers views encompassing all of the Marche region and extending across the Adriatic Sea to Croatian mountain tops. Cingoli is also recognized as one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia. The historic center features numerous religious buildings, including the Gothic Collegiate church of Sant'Esuperanzio and the Concattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.

Cultural attractions include the Pinacoteca comunale named after Donatello Stefanucci and the Museo archeologico statale di Cingoli, which houses prehistoric and Hellenistic-Roman pieces. Visitors can explore the State Museum of Archeology for free, though descriptions are in Italian only. The area is also notable for its local cuisine, such as the chocolate salami dessert served at Ragno d'oro, and Ciliegino, a cherry liqueur. The town has hosted the Italian Sidecarcross Grand Prix multiple times.

Cingoli had a population of 9,584 as of 2023. Access to the town is facilitated by bus services from nearby Jesi. The local economy benefits from tourism and agriculture, with accommodations like il sorger del sole offering panoramic views over the countryside. Visitors often combine their trip with excursions to the nearby Frasassi Caves, Italy's largest cave complex, though they are advised to avoid the high summer season due to crowds.