The town's name has been the subject of several studies and its research led to different theories: the most accredited derives from the composition of the Indo-European words "Oph" (rich) and "Ida" (mountain). Municipality in the province of Ascoli Piceno, situated between the valleys of the river Tronto and the Tesino, on a rocky promontory, characterized by the presence of the remains of medieval walls and towers. It is famous for the production of lace, whose tradition has continued through the centuries and for several food specialties and fine wines, including the Rosso Piceno.
The surrounding territories evidence, between the VII and V centuries B.C., the presence of Piceno settlements, while later the area was colonized by the Romans. Dissolved the Roman Empire, the territory was subject to invasions of the Barbarians, including the Lombards and of this period are the earliest records, in fact the Ascolans founded the settlement during their forced emigration between the hills to escape from the raids. In the Middle Ages, the center developed and became of great importance: in the first half of the XI century, it became a possession of the Abbey of Farfa. Scenario of bitter disputes for several centuries between the cities of Ascoli and Fermo: Offida allied with the latter and was also directly involved in the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines. In the XVI century the town submitted the direct jurisdiction of the Papal States.

Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, an imposing building, located on a rocky outcrop, built on the remains of a pre-existing building of the first half of the XIV century, erected by Master Albertino. It features a brick Romanesque-Gothic façade delimited by pilasters and three polygonal apses with a series of mullioned windows. It is embellished by an altarpiece painted by Pagani and frescoes painted by the artist Master of Offida and Campli;
- the Sanctuary of St. Augustine, whose construction began in the XIV century and completed in the next century. In the XVIII century it submitted several renovations and today presents a Baroque façade and a Latin cross plan. Inside are preserved valuable works of the sculptor of ebony, Donati, a XIV century silver Cross and a XV century reliquary;
- the XVIII century Church of Our Lady of Suffrage, which features three naves. It proposes several valuable decorative elements, including two XIV century doorways in travertine, a fresco by De Magistris, a XV century wooden statue and the sculpture of a skeleton, in wood, dating from the XVII century;
- the Monastery of San Marco, built in the XIV century, on the ruins of an earlier Benedictine construction. Over the centuries, it has submitted several changes and at present, it features Baroque style elements. Inside are preserved frescoes of the XIV or XV centuries, a wooden Cross and a precious one in stone;
- the Collegiate Church, built in the late XVIII century to the design of the architect Maggi, the interior is in neo-Classical style, while the exterior features a XIX century façade in brick and travertine. Inside are preserved important furnishings, including a XIII century jewel case, a XIV century Cross, a Crucifix of the artist Bonfini and several other valuable artworks;
- the XV century Church of Our Lady in Grace, which features a single nave plan with a XVI century lodge;
- the Shrine of the Blessed Bernardo;
- the Town Hall, built between the XIII and XIV centuries, features a central watch tower with battlements and a superb façade, a portico and a loggia. Inside it houses an Art Gallery.