The ancient villages of le marche

ANCIENT VILLAGES

SUMMARY

COORDINATION Department of Internationalization and Promotion Tourism and Food Promotion Unit Sandro Abelardi COLLABORATIONS Laura Capozucca Bianca Maria Giombetti Stefano Gregori SVIM - Sviluppo Marche S.p.A. PHOTO Marche Region Archive PRINTED BY Tecnostampa Ostra Vetere (AN) FREE DISTRIBUTION © Edition 2009

REGIONE MARCHE GIUNTA REGIONALE

Tourism Department Department of Internationalization and Promotion Tourism and Food Promotion Unit 60125 ANCONA – Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 Phone: +390718062462 – Fax +390718062507 www.turismo.marche.it www.le-marche.com www.die-marche.com www.italy-marche.info promozione.turistica@regione.marche.it Freephone (only in Italy): 800 222 111

PROVINCE OF PESARO-URBINO pagg. 8 - 34 PROVINCE OF ANCONA pagg. 38 - 47 PROVINCE OF MACERATA pagg. 50 - 77 PROVINCE OF FERMO pagg. 80 - 102 PROVINCE OF ASCOLI PICENO pagg. 106 - 116

Fiorenzuola di Focara, Pesaro.

Pietro Paolo Agabiti, Madonna with Child and Saints (detail), Jesi, Pinacoteca Civica

MARCHE: ITALY IN ONE REGION “If we wanted to indicate the most typical landscape, we would indicate the Marche…Italy, with its landscapes, is the essence of the world; the Marche of Italy.”

G. Piovene, Viaggio in Italia, 1957 180 km of coast, beautiful beaches, 26 centres situated by the Adriatic Sea where you can spend relaxing holydays, Ancona harbours and 9 tourism ports, 500 squares, more than 1000 important monuments, a hundred art cities, thousand of churches and 200 of them of Romanesque Style, 183 sanctuaries, 34 archeological sites, 73 historic theatres. Greatest density, in Italy, of museums and picture galleries: 344 out of 246 centres, 315 libraries that keep more than 4 million books. Numerous protected areas: 2 national parks (Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga), 4 regional parks (Monte Conero, Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa and Frasassi), 5 natural reserves (Abbadia di Fiastra, Gola del Furlo, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca and Sentina), more than 100 areas of flowers, 15 state forests.

LEGEND Tourist Harbours Sandy Beaches Pebble Beaches Mixed Beaches (Rock and Pebble) Mixed Beaches (Sand and Pebble)

Initiative cofinanced by European Regional Development Fund – ERDF and the National cofinancing under the framework of the Objective 2 SPD 2000-2006 Marche Region

EUROPEAN UNION

REPUBBLICA ITALIANA

Protected Area

HOW TO REACH MOTORWAY A14 RAILWAY LINE Milano, Bologna, Ancona, Lecce, Roma, Falconara, Ancona AIRPORT Raffaello Sanzio, Ancona/Falconara M. Milano - Roma - Pescara PORT OF ANCONA Croazia, Grecia, Turchia, Cipro, Israele

Discovering historical ancient villages The Apennines on a side, the Adriatic coast on the other, and, in-between, a sea of soft hills, which are filled by old villages, protected by ring walls: these are the Marche.

It’s a pleasure to surf in a sea earth of our own roots, immersed in the purity of the landscape and the harmony of architectonic.

Whereas the beauty of the art towns in Marche is known and appreciated all over the world, it is necessary to recognize that the heart of the region has to be found in the little villages that they pointing out around the territory, ignored by hurried tourists and often unknown to the most people of the Marche themselves.

Indeed, these villages have the highest cultural potential and evocative power to attract guests, providing them with a very good welcoming in a relaxing atmosphere.

Thanks to a magical alchemy of the rushing rhythm of daily life slows down here and it makes people to manage and to stand the rhythm of nature, season and manhood.

With their sobriety of habits and their intelligence, the inhabitants of these territory really manage to defend, preserve and hand

down to their children the very old and balanced relationship with time.

Regarding to one’s own traditions also means preserving old crafts and century-old food traditions, that rest mainly with the use of products, coming unaltered from the local agricultural world.

In order to get into the very sense of the land, we suggest one should slow down the time by using natural means of transport like horse, bike, quite better a mountainbike in fact, considering the most tracks and…one’s own feet.

So have a good journey along the itineraries full of towers, historic buildings, charming castles, silent rural parish churches, wells, shrines, hermitages, discovering all your way long this small, but beautiful and fascinating side of the Marche.

“… The emotion that you can get from one of these seldom visited places is even stronger than the magic aroused by a celebrated place.

It’s here that we can find again those sounds, scents and perspectives of a past, that have been clouded in our memory. Mostly, it’s in these villages, in these often abandoned places, where we find ourselves again.”

Tonino Guerra

PROVINCE OF PESARO-URBINO

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

AUDITORE PESARO

AUDITORE URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1572 Altitude 373 m ASL Surface 20,31 sq km Distance from Pesaro 40 km from Urbino 20 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.362109 Mountain Community: Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.auditore.pu.it comune.auditore@provincia.ps.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The site occupied nowadays by Auditore was originally inhabited by people of Umbrian and Picene origin, followed by Roman colonists. Earthenware, amphoras, oil-lamps, glassware, floor decorations and fragments of roof tiles have been found in several spots in the municipal territory. In the Middle Ages the history of Auditore was tightly connected with Rimini. The fortified village, leaning on the side of Mount San Giovanni, was a feud of the Ridolfi family in the 13th century together with Castle of La trappola; The Malatesta family ruled over the village for a while, until the Montefeltro family got it finally back. In the past the village was composed by three different fortified built-up areas: Auditore, San Giovanni and Castelnuovo: it is still possible to recognise the different defence structures, including walls, towers and bastions.

WORTH VISITING The impressive ring walls, dating from the first half of the 15th century, including two round keeps and the octagonal Civic Tower of 1450 are evidences of Auditore’s aristocratic past. The Parish Church, located in the historic centre of the village contains a painting representing the Pentecost, painted by Marino Medici in 1772. The Gothic Line Museum, commemorating the fights, that took place in the hamlet Casinina after the break through the Gothic Line in 1944

during the retreat of the German troops, is absolutely recommended.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Auditore has been famous for bronze-founding, especially for the creation of cannons and bells.

The village has maintained its character of rural and handicraft village up to the presence, coexisting with new-born industrial and trade activities, though.

WORTH TASTING Excellent cheese variety.

SOMETHING TO DO The territory offers trekking or mountain-bike naturalistic routes.

WORTH DISCOVERING On the hillside of Mount San Giovanni it is possible to appreciate the ruins of the Castle of la Trappola, located amid an unspoiled landscape, covered with pinewoods, full of natural caves, most of which are still unexplored. Don’t miss visiting the Ventena Valley: with the almost completely abandoned settlement of Castelnuovo and the little Ventena River, this environment still retains its original atmosphere.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra della fava e del formaggio (Feast of broad bean and cheese) - May; Festa di Ferragosto (Mid-August Fair) - 14th August; Festa di Santa Maria patrona di

Casinina (Feast of St. Maria, Patron Saint of Casinina) - 8th September; Festa del patrono San Nicola (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Nicola) - September; I giorni del baccanale (Bacchanalia’s days) in Casinina, Sagra della salsiccia (Sausage Festival) and Festa di Bacco (Bacchus’ Festival) - first and second Sunday in October; Mercatino di Natale (Christmas Market) December.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

BARCHI PESARO

URBINO

BARCHI

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The origin of the village can be traced back to the third millennium before Christ; during the Roman time the village experienced a flourishing period, according to the findings discovered in the area (especially notable are the ruins of a temple dedicated to Apollo). Prior to the 13th century the settlement Town hall: was located at the bottom of Phone: +39 0721.97152 two high hills, along the course of Rio Maggio and its name Mountain Community was Barte; when the FrancisPhone: +39 0721.74291 cans came and preached in the area, people followed the Friwww.comune.barchi.pu.it ars and moved to the top of the hill. In the 15th century the Castle belonged to the Dukes of comune.barchi@provincia.ps.it Urbino, afterwards it was transferred to the Count of Ancona and in 1631 was made over to the Popedom, that ruled over it in the person of Cardinal Giulio Della Rovere: the triWHERE TO STAY umph arch was erected at the HOTELS entrance of the village to celeCAMPSITES brate the assignment. The HOLIDAY VILLAGES Church of St. Ubaldo was built COUNTRY HOUSES at beginnings of the 17th centuAPARTMENT RENTALS l ry.

Inhabitants 982 Altitude 319 m ASL Surface 17,24 sq km Distance from Pesaro 45 km from Urbino 37 km

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also recommended.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Many former soldiers visit the area, to appreciate an iron structure called Altare della Pace (Peace Altar) and a Cemetery, containing a Tricolore (Italian National flag) with spots of Italian soldiers’ blood.

killed in any war - May; Fiera di Sant’Ubaldo (Fair of St. Ubaldo) - May; Sagra della Rana (Frog Festival) or Festa della Primavera (Spring Festival) with “Caccia alla Rana” foot race - end of June; I sapori del Castello (Flavours of the Castle) - first Sunday in August.

WORTH TASTING Frogs (fried, stewed or roasted), grass peas, crestaiate (maize hand made pasta), Sacconi, beans, tagliolini, bread soup “pancotto”, roasted goose and rabbit “in potacchio” are the most important gastronomic specialities of the territory.

l WORTH VISITING l The sole evidence reminding l the origin of the village are the

WORTH DISCOVERING The hills around Barchi offer excellent opportunities for different itineraries of naturalistic, artistic and historical interest; the area is included the in circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi, a trekking ring trail, composed by over 300 km country paths, old mule tracks and mountain paths winding across the country side of the Province Pesaro Urbino.

remains of the ring walls and the Castle. Palazzo Della Rovere, Palazzo Enrici and the 16th century spired Municipal Tower cannot be missed. The Parish Church and the Church of St. Antonio, containing an interesting painting representing the Adoration of the Magi are

DON’T MISS OUT Il colle marathon, (marathon from Barchi to Fano) - first Sunday in May; Festa della Madonna del Soldato Feast of Madonna of the soldier) with procession and honour picket to commemorate soldiers

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

BELFORTE ALL’ISAURO PESARO

URBINO

BELFORTE ALL’ISAURO

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 760 Altitude 344 m ASL Surface 11,62 sq km Distance from Pesaro 60 km from Urbino 40 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.721101 +39 0722.721597 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.belforte.pu.it comune.belforte@provincia.ps.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The historic village Belforte is located in the upper Foglia Valley, standing on a rocky spur between the banks of the Isauro and Fossato streams. It’s a medieval Castle village, dating from the 8th century, when the Castrum Belfortis, Belforte’s original name, was numbered among the properties of the Pieve of St. Lorenzo. Afterwards, it belonged to Massa Trabaria until the Popedom in the person of Pope John XXII got it back again. In 1353 Belforte’s townsmen contributed to the peace treat, signed by the Apostolic Legate Giovanni Visconti and some Tuscany Municipalities (Comuni).

In 1356 Cardinal Albornoz took the village back to the Popedom, but after a few years it was incorporated with the Dukedom of Urbino. In 1440 was made over to the Malatesta family of Rimini and then assigned to Guidantonio da Montefeltro. Until 1862 its name was just Belforte; the name derives from the German aristocratic family Beaufort, whose Castle, located in the very historic centre of the village has been restored several times.

The geographic name Isauro, coming from the historic name of the Foglia River (Pisaurus), was added later.

WORTH VISITING The historic centre, characterized by narrow streets, historic

palaces and the Castle, is really full of charm; the Castle, erected between the 15th and the 16th century in a lengthened shape, represents an effective example of spontaneous fortification design. Don’t miss the Church of St. Lorenzo containing paintings by Baroccio’s School (e.g. St. Francis receiving stigmata) and a Crucifix, considered to be miraculous.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The Castle, nowadays property of the Municipal government, houses several school education projects.

WORTH TASTING Honey is the most typical product. It is also a suitable area gathering of truffle and mushroom.

WORTH DISCOVERING The hinterland of Pesaro including Montefeltro and Massa Trabaria offers several routes of naturalistic, historical and artistic interest. In the public gardens by the parish church of St. Lorenzo is a Franco Assetto’s Fountain. Ruins of a keep of the 14th century (Cardinal Albornoz’ time) can be appreciated in the hamlet Torriola.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera del Bestiame (cattle market) - 20th July; Festa della collina (Festival of the hill) - Au-

gust; Festa del miele (Honey Festival) and Mostra mercato del miele e dei prodotti d’autunno (Exhibition and market of honey and autumnal products) - second Sunday in October.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

BORGO PACE PESARO

URBINO

BORGO PACE

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Borgo Pace originated from Castrum Abbatiae, erected in the Late Middle Ages on a hilltop, to defend the Abbey of Lamoli. After becaming Castel Bavia, destroyed in an unknown time, it was built again downhill. The new-born settlement was called Burgo Pacis, Town hall: maybe because Octavio MarPhone: +39 0722.816048 cus Antonio and Lepido laid here the foundations of the Tourist office: peace treat settled in 42 before Phone: +39 0722.800138 Christ on the Reno River, flowing near Bologna. The town www.comune.borgo-pace.pu.it Borgo Pace developed around the Castle and was ruled by the comune.borgo-pace@ Montefeltro family. Although provincia.ps.it the government of the village had been basing on its own turismo@comune.borgo-pace.ps.it statutes, established since 1412, Borgo Pace was temporarily incorporated with Mercatello sul Metauro; it only managed to get its independWHERE TO STAY ence back in 1812.

Inhabitants 673 Altitude 449 m ASL Surface 55,96 sq km Distance from Pesaro 74 km from Urbino 39 km

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durante (Urbania) showing a Madonna with child and a painted (Madonna with child) of the 15th century.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The village is located in the heart of Massa Trabaria, where the Romans took the big logs (trabes) used for their impressive structures from. To preserve the typical environment a Centro di Educazione Ambientale (centre for environmental Education), together with a Aula Verde (Environmental Workshop centre) have been established, aiming to promote the knowledge of the local environmental and naturalistic characteristics (especially the peculiar river environment), also through the creation of aquaria with river fishes and shellfishes.

ical, cultural and naturalistic interest, that includes medieval towers, traces of old crafts (charcoal burners or stone cutters), woods, streams and pastures.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna di Spogna (Feast of the Madonna di Spogna) - Easter Monday; Sagra della panzanella (Panzanella Festival) and Festa di S. Maria Assunta (Feast of St. Maria Assunta) in Lamoli 15th August; Festa del basilico (Basilicum Festival) in Parchiule - first Sunday in September; Mercatino sotto l’albero (Market under the Christmas tree) - December.

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WORTH VISITING In the hamlet Lamoli is the Abbey of St. Michele Arcangelo, a Romanesque stone building, composed by a nave and two aisles, trussed roof and presbitery over the crypt.

The Abbey contains a Crucifix of the 16th century and a painting attributed to Raffaellino del Colle, showing Eternal Father between two Angels. In the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, located in the town centre, it’s possible to appreciate a beautiful polychrome majolica painting in the typical stile of Castel-

WORTH TASTING Excellent variety of cheeses and wines; notable mushrooms area.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village is located downhill the Alpe della Luna, where the Meta River and the Auro River merge, creating the Metauro River. For this reason the area offers unmissable opportunities for guided excursions and naturalistic itineraries in the environment of the source of the Metauro River. It’s a charming route of great histor-

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

CARPEGNA PESARO

CARPEGNA URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1657 Altitude 748 m ASL Surface 28,31 sq km Distance from Pesaro 65 km from Urbino 45 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.727065 Tourist office: Phone: +39 0722.77326 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.carpegna.pu.it comune.carpegna@provincia.ps.it www.parcosimone.it WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Carpegna lies on the course of the Mutino stream and is the seat of the Montefeltro Mountain Community (Comunità Montana del Montefeltro). Its name probably origins from the hornbeam woods covering the Mount Carpegna. Since the Early Middle Ages it was a feud of the Counts Carpegna, remaining a property of the family until 1749, with exception of a brief period, during which Federico da Montefeltro ruled over it.

WORTH VISITING Carpegna boasts a great number of artistic works, among which the severe, but impressive Palazzo dei Principi di Carpegna, erected in 1675, designed by the architect Giovan Antonio de Rossi for Cardinal Gaspare di Carpegna (on Thursdays it’s possible to visit the precious library and the family chapel), the Church of St. Sisto with a Romanesque crypt, the charming Pieve di Carpegna (2 km away) containing a pretty Renaissance niche, the Church of St. Nicolò, the bells of which in November 1970 rang for a while, unexplainably.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The territory is full of stream sources; the most important one is called Il Cippo, famous for the diuretic properties of its water. The village houses the

Headquarters of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park, rich in woods (e.g. Pianacquadio beechwood), panoramic view points and evidences of an important past, like the ruins of the old Benedictine Abbey and the mysterious fortress, commissioned by the Medici family in 1560 on the hilltop.

WORTH TASTING Here, one it’s really spoilt for choice! Handmade pasta, the famous prosciutto di Carpegna, honey, mushrooms, truffles, cheeses, wild game and a number of typical desserts, like crostolini and bustrengo.

SOMETHING TO DO The park offers a number of marked walking, horse trekking and mountain-bike itineraries.

Trout breeding is also possible in the Mutino stream.

WORTH DISCOVERING About 1 km away from the village is the Pass of the Cantoniera, full of meadows, woods, hotels, guesthouses and equipped with ski-lift. Follow the well marked routes and your excursions in the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park will be unforgettable!

DON’T MISS OUT Il Befanone (Festival celebrating the “Befana” - old lady character of the Italian folklore)

- 6th January; Baghnara, (Carnival Festival) - February; Festa del turismo verde (Green tourism Festival) - July; Fiera Grossa (Big Fair) - 21st July; Rassegna del cavallo da sella (saddle horses show) - August; Mostra dell’artigianato (Handicrafts exhibition) - Mid-August; Fiere d’ottobre (October Market-days) - October; Festa di Santa Lucia (Feast of St. Lucia) - December.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

FRATTE ROSA PESARO

URBINO

FRATTE ROSA

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1006 Altitude 419 m ASL Surface 15,6 sq km Distance from Pesaro 50 km from Urbino 30 km

Giorgio and the Church of St. Maria in Castagneto; don’t miss the Sala Vittoria, the Fountain in Assetto and Pozzo (Malatestian Malatestiano well).

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SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Earthenware-work tradition is century-old; the typical manufactures are known as “cocci di Fratte Rosa”. The term Rosa (pink) likely derives from the colour of bricks, used to build houses and was added to the town name only in the 19th century. This is how Paolo Volponi defines Fratte Rosa “a sweet, round, light and yielding village, that can be worked out like one of its “cocci” in its kilns and its shops”.

Fratte Rosa lies between the Cesano and Metauro Valleys, in a dominant position, from which it is possible to enjoy an amazing panoramic view. According to some opinions, Fratte Rosa, the historic name of which is Castrum Fractarum, draws its origin from the defeat Town hall: suffered by Hasdrubal, HanniPhone: +39 0721.777113 bal’s brother, in the Metauro battle. Amore likely version atMountain Community tributes the origin to survivors, Phone: +39 0721.777200 escaping from the near Roman town Suasa, distroyed by www.comune.fratte-rosa.pu.it Ataulfo, Alaric’s general. Between the 9th and the 13th cencomune.fratterosa@provincia.ps.it turies the village experienced the most important politic period of its history: it was the chief town of small but official state called Ravignana, depending on the Classensi monks of Ravenna. The establishment of the Convent of St. Vittoria, WHERE TO STAY dates back to that period HOTELS l (1216), as a result of San FranCAMPSITES cis’ lively preaching activity.

HOLIDAY VILLAGES Because of its strategic posiCOUNTRY HOUSES tion, serving as Fano defensive APARTMENT RENTALS outpost, both the Montefeltro ROOMS TO RENT family and the Malatesta famiFARM HOLIDAYS ly tried to submit Fratte Rosa, BED & BREAKFAST without success. Afterwards, it CARAVAN SITES was incorporated into the YOUTH HOSTELS Popedom.

MOUNTAIN DEWS

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting is the Terracotta Musuem, housed in the Monastery of St. Vittoria, including a earthenware research and testing centre. In the village are also the Church of St.

WORTH TASTING Typical food stewed in terracotta pots, like the “faraona al coccio” (literally “guinea hen in the pot”), dishes made with broad bean flour, olives in the pot, and small biscuits in syrup.

SOMETHING TO DO Along the circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi you will find marked paths of great naturalistic value; a multi-activity rink and a soccer field are available in Torre San Marco.

WORTH DISCOVERING Public parks are in Torre San Marco (Parco della vita) and in Fratte Rosa (Sogno verde).

Worth visiting is the near old hamlet Torre San Marco (Church of the 18th century); several itineraries celebrating the processing of terracotta are offered, including the visit of traditional workshops and workrooms.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di Torre S. Marco (Fair in Torre San Marco) - last Sunday in May; Da Fratte al Gibbo (Cultural and entertainment event) - July; Fiera di Fratte Rosa (Fair in Fratte Rosa) - second Sunday in July; Fiera del Convento a Santa Vittoria (Fair at the Convent of St. Vittoria) first Sunday in August; “Oh, che bel Castello” - 14th and 15th August): town squares and streets liven up with torches, coats of arms and traditional music. While terracotta artisans work on spot, enjoy traditional dishes in the joyful atmosphere.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

FRONTINO PESARO

FRONTINO URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 316 Altitude 519 m ASL Surface 10,79 sq km Distance from Pesaro 60 km from Urbino 41 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.71131 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.frontino.pu.it comune.frontino@provincia.ps.it www.parcosimone.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The village was probably founded in the Early Middle Ages, but the territory including Frontino and other villages of the Montefeltro has got prehistoric origin. The victory of Sentino (295 before Christ) marks the beginning of the Roman domination, evidenced by the number of relevant archaeological findings discovered in the area. The Castle of San Sisto and Frontino, belonging to Massa Trabaria, were erected in the 12th century; Massa Trabaria was tightly dependent on the Popedom, as it provided Rome with wood. The territory is not far from the regions belonging to the aristocratic families Malatesta, Montefeltro and Carpegna: for that reason famous captains of the mentioned families tried to occupy Frontino, like for example Uguccione della Faggiola, who laid waste the town. Afterwards, it became a possession of Federico da Montefeltro, followed by a period of government of Ottaviano degli Ubaldini.

WORTH VISITING The Church of SS. Pietro and Paolo contains a painting of the l Baroccio’s school; the Franco Assetto Museum, housing the works that the painter donated to the Municipality, is also worth visiting.

Not far away is the charming Franciscan Convent of Montefiorentino, built in successive stages starting in the 13th centu-

ry. In it is the Chapel of Counts Oliva (1484), a graceful Renaissance squared room with a valuable majolica tiled floor; the walls of the Chapel contain the tombs of Gianfrancesco Oliva and his wife Marsibilia Trinci; noteworthy are also an altar-piece showing a Madonna with Child and Saints by Giovanni Santi, Raffaello’s father, and two carved kneel-stools.

The Monastery of San Girolamo, surrounded by centuryold oaks, is not far away; created in 1503, it has been the old seat of the Girolamini monks and has been recently restored.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In the old village, that is still delimited by towers and sound walls is the impressive Palazzo Malatesta; the cellars of the palace are connected to a mill (recently restored) through long underground passages, so that flour supplying could be guaranteed during siege times.

field, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball grounds, skating rink and an indoor sports centre. The outdoor theatre is used for festivals and different events.

WORTH DISCOVERING The municipal territory lies in the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park; the town is a perfect departure point for walking, mountain bike or horse trekking tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Il trionfo del tartufo nero (Black truffle triumph) - first Sunday in August; Sagra del fagiolo (Beans Festival) - first Sunday in September; Premio Letterario Nazionale Frontino di Montefeltro (“Frontino di Montefeltro” Poetry and Literature contest) - second Sunday in October.

WORTH TASTING Notable variety of mushrooms, white and black truffle, cheese, beans, wild green vegetables, typical cattle and mutton from wild raised cows and sheep, wild berries (especially blackberries, used to make a delicious jam).

SOMETHING TO DO The town has got an excellent sport centre, including a soccer

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

FRONTONE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

FRONTONE

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Thanks to its strategic position the territory of Frontone has been inhabited since ancient times, as the big number of archaeological findings, discovered in the area, prove. Initially dominated by the Gabrielli family from Gubbio, in 1420 it was transferred to the MonteTown hall: feltro Counts, who defended Phone: +39 0721.786107 the Castle from the assaults of the Malatesta family in 1445.

Mountain Community Following that, Federico da Phone: +39 0721.735701 Montefeltro employed the Sienese architect Francesco di www.comune.frontone.pu.it Giorgio Martini with the strengthening of the defensive comune.frontone@provincia.ps.it structure of the Rocca. Afterwards, the Castle village became a County, under the feudal government of Gianmaria Della Porta of Modena, who developed the residential area around the Castle. The Castle kept being property of the famWHERE TO STAY ily Della Porta until 1965. In HOTELS l 1985 the municipal governCAMPSITES ment bought it off.

Inhabitants 1365 Altitude 450 m ASL Surface 36,01 sq km Distance from Pesaro 73 km from Urbino 45 km

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WORTH VISTING The hamlet Castello still retains all the charming atmosphere of its past. Don’t miss visiting the impressive and charming Castle of Della Porta, recently restored, housing the Civic Art the Baronal Collection, Church, the Civic Tower, the parish Church of St. Maria Assunta, the Church of the Madonna dell’Acquanera containing a Antonio Durante’s terracotta sculpture of 1518, representing a Madonna with Child.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Main local activities are agriculture and sheep farming, but handicrafts like glassmaking and ironwork are also very developed.

WORTH TASTING Typical products and dishes are rabbit “in porchetta” (roasted with spices and pig skin), lamb, crescia (pizza bread) and ham, tagliatelle, cappelletti and baked pasta recipes.

SOMETHING TO DO An outdoor pool and a tennis court are available.

WORTH DISCOVERING Mount Acuto and Mount Catria offer the possibility to enjoy different mountain tracks, mostly included in the circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi.

Healthy climate, refreshing valleys and green hills: a suitable environment for walking, horse trekking and mountainbike tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Motoconcentrazione nazionale del Catria (Mount Catria National Motorbike meeting) end of January; Fiera di mezz’agosto (Mid-August Fair) 14th August; Sagra del Coniglio in porchetta (Festival of the rubbit “in porchetta” - Sunday after the 15th of August; Festa della Madonna dell’Acquanera (Feast of the

Madonna dell’Acquanera) - 8th September; Mostra Mercato del Fungo e Prodotti Tipici (Exhibition and Market of mushrooms and typical products) - end of September; Frontone vive il Presepe (Staging of the Nativity) - Christmas time.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

ISOLA DEL PIANO PESARO

URBINO

ISOLA DEL PIANO ANCONA

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ASCOLI PICENO

The earliest reference to the settlement dates 1140, relating the donation made by Duke Guarnieri to the Bishop of Fossombrone. According to the confederation deed of 1207 between Fano and Rimini, where it’s mentioned as Insula Planensium, Isola del Piano must Town hall: have been an important village Phone: +39 0721.720127-8 at the time. The Ghibelline Castle was burnt out in 1284 by Mountain Community Riminese soldiers, supporting Phone: +39 0721.740222 the Guelphic assault (a gothic capital representing the menwww.comune.isola-del-piano.ps.it tioned historical event can be seen in the Municipal Theatre).

Urbino ruled over the village comune.isola-piano@ provincia.ps.it until 1574; afterwards it was donated as feudal endowment from Duke Guidolbaldo II to the Counts Castiglioni, the famous Mantua family, from which Baldassarre Castiglioni, the author of Il Cortigiano also WHERE TO STAY comes from.

Inhabitants 673 Altitude 210 m ASL Surface 23,05 sq km Distance from Pesaro 32 km from Urbino 20 km

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HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING Built on the ruins of the previous Castello dell’Isola stands the historic Palazzo dei Castiglioni, with the well preserved gate of the 16th century. In the Church of the Girolamini monks it is possible to appreciate three valuable paintings. Of particular interest is the former Church of the Annunziata, with Renaissance portal, that has been recently restored and serves as Auditorium. It contains frescos of the 15th and the 16th centuries, among which a Madonna with Child, attrib-

uted to Giovanni Santi, Raffaello’s father. Don’t miss visiting the Museum “Sulle tracce dei nostri padri”, ethnografic museum, contributing to go through the history of the society and the rural tradition, housed in the former Monastery of Montebello, old residence of the Girolamini monks, amid the unspoiled nature of the Monti delle Cesane.

area for historical and naturalistic routes, mostly included in the circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi.

DON’T MISS OUT Trecce e intrecci (Plaiting and weaving) - July.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The municipal territory has been one of the first Italian areas, where biological agriculture has been implemented (since the 70s already); the local production brand is a fact within the national frontiers and it’s now distributed all over Europe.

Traditional handicraft manufacturing (especially calcareous and sand stone-cutting, lime-processing, quarrying and processing of gypsum) is still practiced.

WORTH TASTING Notable production of cereals, fresh vegetables and delicious preserves.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village lies flat downhill the woody and charming Monti delle Cesane, along the valley of Rio Puto, a tributary of the Metauro River, a few kilometres away from the historic Via Flaminia. It’s a suitable

17

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

LUNANO PESARO

LUNANO URBINO ANCONA

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Inhabitants 1435 Altitude 297 m ASL Surface 14,62 sq km Distance from Pesaro 55 km from Urbino 33 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.700016 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.lunano.pu.it comune.lunano@provincia.ps.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The village, located in one of the most pleasant areas of the Foglia Valley, developed around the Castle of the Ubaldini, owned later on by Prudenzio Malatesta. Transferred under the rule of the Brancaleone family, it finally became Guidantonio of Montefeltro’s property in 1424.

SOMETHING TO DO The village is located in the upper Foglia Valley, a stunningly beautiful environment, suitable for walking and mountainbike tours.

WORTH VISITING Evidence of its old origin are the ruins of the Castle (especially a tower), overgrown with ivy and thick vegetation, to be reached along a pleasant road winding up the hill. Not far away is a “naturalistic route” leading to the Franciscan Convent of MonteIlluminato, located on a 451 metres high hill; the Convent contains frescos of the 15th and 16th centuries. The Neoclassical Parish Church, with elegant interior and a slender bell tower with cusp, stands in the village centre.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano (Feast of SS. Cosma and Damiano) - 26th September; Festa di San Francesco (Feast of St. Francesco) - 4th October; Festa della Castagna (Chestnut Festival) - third Sunday in October.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Tradition tells that St Francis visited the Convent of Monte Illuminato in 1213 (the Saint restored a young man’s sight in l that occasion) and seven bishops consecrated it in 1222. l l l

WORTH TASTING Among the local specialities we recommend the main courses with chestnuts and “castagnaccio”, a typical cake made with chestnut flour.

WORTH DISCOVERING Many historical and naturalistic itineraries are available.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MERCATELLO SUL METAURO PESARO

URBINO

MERCATELLO SUL METAURO

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ASCOLI PICENO

Thanks to its history, monuments and environment, including woods and pleasant hills, the territory has been always considered a “noble land”; San Francis used to stop over there, during his journeys to Romagna; so did numerous painters, whose works can be appreciated in the very interesting Painting Gallery, housed in the Town hall: Gothic Church of St. Francesco.

Phone: +39 0722.89114 The village, the original name of which was Pieve d’Ico (maybe Mountain Community due to the presence of an icon repPhone: +39 0722.315378 resenting the Madonna delle Grazie, contained in the Collewww.comune. giata), was provided with defenmercatellosulmetauro.pu.it sive walls in 1235. The modern name evidences the lively trade comune.mercatello@provincia.ps.it activities, the village has been scene of. Over the centuries the village has significantly grown up beyond the oval shaped ancient walls.

Inhabitants 1487 Altitude 429 m ASL Surface 68,5 sq km Distance from Pesaro 71 km from Urbino 35 km

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WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING In the Pieve Collegiata, dedicated St. Pietro apostolo you can find a hieratic icon with Byzantine traits, dating from the 11th century, as well as sacred vestments and objects, on display in the Museum. The monumental Church of St. Francesco, dating from the 13th century, houses an important Gallery Museum, containing valuable works, among which a 14th century polyptych

by Giovanni Baronzio and an impressive Crucifix by Giovanni da Rimini. Worth seeing are also the 17th century Palazzaccio, with its peculiar ship shape, with the Sant’Antionio stream on the background, the fascinating Mulino della Pieve (old mill), the 16th

century Palazzo Donati, the historical relevant Palazzo Stefani, with its portal of the 15th century, as well as the rooms of Palazzo Ducale, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini for Federico of Montefeltro. Also to be seen are the Church of St. Chiara, the Church of the Holy Cross, the Church of St. Maria del Metauro and the Romanesque Bridge across the Metauro river, built on three archways.

SOMETHNIG MORE TO DISCOVER Located in the upper Metauro valley, the town still preserves its historical and artistic patrimony; for that reason the Italian Touring Club has been awarding the town the prestigious Orange Flag for years, a mark for touristic quality in the Italian hinterland. Mercatello is the birth place of Santa Veronica Giuliani, a Capuchin Clarisse nun; it houses her birthhouse, as well as a Museum, dedicated to her, housed in the local Monastery of the Capuchin nuns.

WORTH TASTING There are lots of specialities, such as truffe, Montefeltro spiced ham, salami with lardon, tortella (pork neck salami), fegatelli (spiced pork liver wrapped in caul fat), golfetta-salami. Also to appreciate are handmade pasta recipes, bakery and pastry products, biscuits, as well as alcol free drinks, distillates and liqueurs like for example the Vin Santo of Pieve d’Ico. WORTH DISCOVERING Not far away is the Aula Verde di

Castel della Pieve, an old fascinating medieval place, to be reached through an interesting environmental education route.

It’s said to be the place where the decision of Dante’s exile was taken.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio (Feast of St. Antonio) - January; Rally di San Marino (San Marino rally) May; Corpus Domini (Feast of Corpus Christi) - June; Fiera di Santa Veronica (Fair of St. Veronica) - first Sunday in July; Palio del Somaro (Donkey race) accompanied by the Sagra della tagliatella (Tagliatella Festival) with different sauces and donkey meat sauce - July; Giochi in piazza - giornata Ludobus (Different competitions and games held in the town centre) - August; Festa di San Lorenzo (Feast of St. Lorenzo) and Feste d’agosto (August Festivals) - August; Cantabimbo (children song show) - August; Rappresentazioni natalizie (Christmas shows) - December.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MERCATINO CONCA PESARO

MERCATINO CONCA URBINO ANCONA

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ASCOLI PICENO

In the Middle Ages Mercatino Conca was owned by the Malatesta family. The old Castle, known since 1272 as Pian di Castello, was destroyed in 1462 by Federico da Montefeltro, who assaulted it with his troops.

The Montefeltro family and Town hall: than the Della Rovere family Phone: +39 0541.970145 ruled over it during centuries, but also afterwards the village Mountain Community kept being strongly affected by Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 the vicissitudes of the Duke+39 0722.728233 dom of Urbino.

Thanks to its strategic location, www.comune. the village has been always mercatinoconca.pu.it scene of trades and commercial dealings, as the name itself comune.mercatino@provincia.ps.it confirm.

Inhabitants1112 Altitude 275 m ASL Surface 14,48 sq km Distance from Pesaro 45 km from Urbino 35 km

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WORTH VISITING Mercatino Conca, located in the Conca Mid-valley, at the merging point with Rio TasWHERE TO STAY sona, is a strategic point in the HOTELS l communication net of the CAMPSITES whole valley, as the impressive HOLIDAY VILLAGES bridge, built on six archways, COUNTRY HOUSES evidences. Town buildings APARTMENT RENTALS mostly stand close to each othROOMS TO RENT er on the leftside of the wide FARM HOLIDAYS l and pebbly river bank.

BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The territory is a very suitable area for wild boar hunting.

In the big Good Friday fair, the Fair of St. Ubaldo, as well as during the weekly market, held each Friday morning, the town revives its century-old trade tradition.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are fusilli with ricotta-cheese, wild boar a la Montefeltro, pigeons with chestnut stuffing, mutton a la “montanara”, stuffed mushroom caps, cheeses, salami and ham variety and Belmoro (typical cake).

WORTH DISCOVERING A naturalistic route, provided with relax areas, connects the Conca and the Foglia Valleys.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera del Venerdì Santo (Good Friday Fair); Fiera di Sant’Ubaldo (Fair of St. Ubaldo) 16th May; Festa dell’ospitalità e Sagra del raviolo (Hospitality and ravioli Festivals) - Sunday after the 15th of August.

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MONTE CERIGNONE PESARO

MONTE CERIGNONE URBINO ANCONA

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ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 667 Altitude 563 m ASL Surface 16,04 sq km Distance from Pesaro 56 km from Urbino 38 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0541.978522 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune. montecerignone.pu.it comune.montecerignone @provincia.ps.it

Located close to the Conca River banks, lying on a spur of tufaceous rock downhill the Mount Faggiola, is Monte Cerignone, composed by an upper town, called Castello and a lower town called Borgo.

Owned by the Carpegna family in 962 already, it was transferred to the Montefeltro family and than to the Malatesta family. After getting back to the Montefeltro family by the half of the 15th century, the Rocca, built in the 13th century for the first Counts of Montefeltro, underwent consolidation and enlargement works to the design of Francesco di Giorgio Martini on commission of Duke Federico. Nowadays the building is the seat of the municipal Government.

WORTH VISITING

WHERE TO STAY The original urban frame work HOTELS l of the 15th century is unaltered.

CAMPSITES The town boasts a number of HOLIDAY VILLAGES monuments and works of art.

COUNTRY HOUSES Worth visiting are the Castle, APARTMENT RENTALS the Renaissance Palazzo BegROOMS TO RENT ni, that looks like an extension FARM HOLIDAYS l of the outside walls of the RocBED & BREAKFAST l ca, the Church of St. Caterina, CARAVAN SITES erected in the 17th century on YOUTH HOSTELS commission of the Order of the MOUNTAIN DEWS Knights of Malta. Absolutely

to be seen is also the Church of St. Maria del Soccorso, containing an interesting painting of Madonna enthroned and two pictures attributed to Bartolomeo Vivarini.

The Church of S. Biagio, the

Patron Saint of the village, dates from the 17th century: in it are a Vivarini’s Ecce Homo and a valuable Cross of the 12th century, that is said to have been brought by the Crusaders, coming back from the Holy Land (the old Fiera di S. Croce also celebrates the event). In the Borgo is a 15th century small loggia indicating the Casa dei Maffei, historic residence of the Maffei family, which Pope Clement XIV comes from. The Conventino, located in the hamlet Fonte Buona, dates back to the end of the 15th century, when friar Domenico Spadafora erected there a very small convent to retire with his fellow friars.

Blessed Domenico’s unaltered mortal remains are now kept in the Sanctuary of St. Maria in Recluso, built in the 16th century over the ruins of a earlier Juno temple.

WORTH TASTING There are many specialities, among which is the bustrengo (traditional cake).

SOMETHING TO DO It’s a suitable area for walking, horse trekking and mountainbike tours.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Not far from the Borgo is the Mount Faggiola, on the top of which are the ruins of an old small fortress, owned accord-

ing to traditional relates, by the Ghibelline Uguccione della Faggiola.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di Santa Croce (Fair of the Holy Cross) - first Sunday in May; Uccellare, cacciare, cavalcare, giuocare e mercatare in Mons Cerignonis, historical revival show performed in the historic centre July; Sagra del Bustreng (Bustrengo Festival) - August; Festa del Beato Domenico Spadafora (Feast of Blessed Domenico Spadafora) - second Sunday in September.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MONTE GRIMANO TERME PESARO

MONTE GRIMANO TERME URBINO ANCONA

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ASCOLI PICENO

At the end of the 11th century Monte Grimano was a Montefeltro Castle, located in a hilly position, dominating the Mid-Valley of the Conca River; in 962 it became a feud of Ulderico of Carpegna, donated by the Emperor Otto I; its name Mons Germanus recalled its relationship Town hall: (“germano”, brother) with the Phone: +39 0541.970125 Castle of Monte Tassi, which is +39 0541.970020 now a Monte Grimano’s hamlet.

After Cardinal Albornoz occuMountain Community pied it for the Church, the village Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 got strategic importance and the +39 0722.728233 Malatesta and Montefeltro families disputed for it, until it bewww.comune. came a property of the Montefelmontegrimanoterme.pu.it tro family in 1460. In 1631 it was made over to the Popedom tocomune.montegrimanoterme gether with the whole Dukedom @provincia.ps.it of Urbino. Evidence of the original frame work is the historic centre, characterized by narrow streets and old palaces and a porWHERE TO STAY tion of the medieval walls with HOTELS l the ruins of the Rocca.

Inhabitants 1244 Altitude 536 m ASL Surface 25 sq km Distance from Pesaro 43 km from Urbino 35 km

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CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES WORTH VISITING COUNTRY HOUSES l Absolutely to be seen is the 15th APARTMENT RENTALS l century Civic Tower (the only ROOMS TO RENT part of the fortress, built for the FARM HOLIDAYS l Montefeltro family in the 15th BED & BREAKFAST century, that has been preserved CARAVAN SITES up to the present). It stands imYOUTH HOSTELS pressively in the centre of the MOUNTAIN DEWS town square.

Of great interest are also the Parish Church of St. Maria, containing a Madonna delle Grazie (by Baroccio’s School) and the Church of St. Silvestro, hang with paintings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Monte Grimano has always been famous for its mineral water springs. Climate, flora, curative waters and local natural products attract to Monte Grimano many tourists, who appreciate simple and healthy life style.

WORTH TASTING The territory offers natural specialities, based on typical products like cheese, salami and ham and local meat.

We suggest: ravioli with nettle stuffing, chicken breast with truffle scent, beef stew with vegetables, tagliatelle with S.George mushrooms, fried parasol mushrooms, crostini with pecorino cheese and black truffle.

SOMETHING TO DO Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Terme di Montegrimano, Monte Grimano’s thermal centre, provided with a shady park, pools, saunas, sport and wellness centres. The thermal centre exploits local alkaline, saline-bromoiodic and sulphurous waters, known since the Roman time for their curative properties, with salutary effects against diseases affecting digestive tract, liver and urinary system, as well as dermatitis, deafness and inflammations.

WORTH DISCOVERING Very diversified territory including river environment and hilltop vegetation like woods,

brushes and gardens. In collaboration with the Mountain Community (Comunità Montana) lots of touristic itineraries and hike tracks have been laid out.

Monte Grimano can be also the starting point for excursions to the surrounding towns and villages, offering cultural and historical treasures. Of great interest is the modern observatory.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna di Soripe (Feast of the Madonna of Soripe) - last Sunday in May; Sagra del Fungo Spignolo (St. George mushroom Festival) first Saturday and Sunday in June; Fiera e Sagra del Tartufo Nero (Black truffle Trade and Festival) - July; Ferragosto a Monte Grimano (Ferragosto in Montegrimano) - 15th August; Pastasciutta dei buongustai (Handmade-pasta festival) first Sunday in September.

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MONTECICCARDO PESARO

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MONTECICCARDO ANCONA

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The earliest mention of the Castle of Monteciccardo dates 1283, as Castrum Monti Sicari.

Historians relate about the existence of three different Castles in the second half of the 18th century: the Castle of Monteciccardo, The Castle of Montegaudio and The castle of S. Maria, each of them having its own administrative independence. After Napoleon’s defeat the three castles were aggregated and Monteciccardo became the chief town. The village was strongly damaged during the last world war: 90% of the houses were destroyed by troops passing over to the front and, than, because of Gothic Line military operations.

Montegaudio and the Church of St. Michele Arcangelo, old rural parish Church with interesting ribbed bell tower, 17th century stuccoes and paintings, dating from 15th until 17th century, as well as sacred furniture and vestments.

Remains of the Castle of St. Maria are the castle walls and the original old village houses; also to be seen are the Church of St. Agata, the little Church of St. Giacomo and the Church of Villa Ugolini, located in a pine and laurel bush wood.

Of great interest is the Church of Villa Berti, a small yet harmonious rural building. Contact the Town Hall to book guided visits of all the mentioned monuments.

WORTH VISITING Among the big number of WHERE TO STAY monuments, don’t miss pay a HOTELS visit to the Church of St. SebasCAMPSITES tiano, built in the far past and HOLIDAY VILLAGES restored in the 18th century, COUNTRY HOUSES containing a worthy 16th centuAPARTMENT RENTALS ry painting by Bartolomeo ROOMS TO RENT Gentile from Urbino, the castle FARM HOLIDAYS l walls, partly restored, the ConBED & BREAKFAST vent of Friars Servants of CARAVAN SITES Mary, housing the Borderline YOUTH HOSTELS Museum of modern Art, exhibiMOUNTAIN DEWS tion centre, headquarters of the Marchigiana Filarmonics and Seat of the Art direction of the Montegridolfo Accademy and Astor Piazzolla Music Centre.

Closed to the convent is the Church of St. Maria delle Grazie. Also to see are the Tower in

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Interesting wrought iron and wood-carving manufactures, Arte Povera furniture, leather furniture optional, hand painted porcelain dolls, painted furniture, paintings in fresco, frescoes worked out on canvas and wood, enamelled silver bijouterie.

Inhabitants 1646 Altitude 470 m ASL Surface 25,86 sq km Distance from Pesaro 18 km from Urbino 35 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0721.910189 +39 0721.910586 www.comune.monteciccardo.pu.it comune.monteciccardo @provincia.ps.it

WORTH TASTING Delicious local products like cheese, organic honey, royal jelly, oil and officinal herbs.

SOMETHING TO DO A soccer field, inter-municipal pool and multi-purpose centre are available.

WORTH DISCOVERING Noteworthy are Villa Monti and the surrounding park. Of great interest is also the old wood, owned by the Perticari family, who used to host at its Villa Gioacchino Rossini and other Italian literary exponents.

During the summer time it’s the scene of different cultural events. Many historical and naturalistic routes are available in the Pesaro hilly country side.

DON’T MISS OUT Antica fiera del Conventino (Old Fair of the Conventino) Easter Monday; Festa del Turista “Anima dei Popoli” International arts, culture and folklore show - August; Festival del ‘700 (18th century Music and Theatre show) - end of July/beginning of August; Festa di Monte S. Maria (Festival of Monte Santa Maria) Shows and dinner on open air - before Mid-August.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

MONTECOPIOLO PESARO

MONTECOPIOLO URBINO ANCONA

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ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1258 Altitude 950 m ASL Surface 35,78 sq km Distance from Pesaro 65 km from Urbino 45 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.78106 Tourist office: Phone: +39 0722.78130 www.comune.montecopiolo.pu.it comune.montecopiolo@ provincia.ps.it www.parcosimone.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS l CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS l

Montecopiolo lies in the heart of the Montefeltro land, on the top of an almost 1000 metres high rock, mostly overhanging all around, and it’s considered as the cradle of the Dukedom of Urbino and its historical lords, the Montefeltro family.

Antonio Carpegna of Montecopiolo (father of certain Montefeltrano I, who is considered as the founder of the Feltro dynasty), bestowed with the title of Duke of Montefeltro by the Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) is actually the founder of one of the mightiest families of the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance. The Rocca, of which only ruins are available nowadays, withstood the assaults of the Malatesta Family, but was destroyed later on by Medici Family in 1520.

Montecopiolo, meaning “a cupola” (dome-shaped mount) or “cupo”, (dark, full of caves) soars with its white calcareous rocks amid the Upper Conca Valley, overlooking the village of Villagrande beneath.

WORTH VISITING On the Mount Carpegna we suggest a visit of the architectonical complex of the Hermitage of the Beata Vergine del Faggio, the earliest information about which dates from the beginnings of the 13th century.

Now it includes a Church, a stout bell tower and a “romitory”. The 12th century Torre di Vedetta (Lookout tower) in

Monteboaggine, overlooking the Foglia and the Conca Valleys, is also very fascinating.

cquadio. Have a walk to the Lake of Villagrande, one of the sources of the Conca River.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER On the Mount Nerone, in Montecopiolo municipal territory is a faunistic park, a perfect place to engage in short walking tours and sighting fallow deer, set up in the park some years ago.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di San Marco (Fair of St. Marco) - 25th April; Festa della Madonna della Speranza (Feast of the Madonna della Speranza) - last Sunday in July; Festa di Sant’Anna (Feast of St. Anna) - second Sunday in August; Festa della Beata Vergine del Faggio (Feast of Beata Vergine del Faggio) in Monte Carpegna - Sunday after the 15th of August; Festa di San Vicino (Feast of San Vicino) - last Sunday in August; Festa della Madonna di Pugliano (Feast of the Madonna of Pugliano) - first Sunday in September; Fiera del rapporto, Fiera millenaria del bestiame (Century-old cattle festival) in Pugliano - first Monday in October.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: gnocchi with wild green vegetables stuffing, hare à la Pianacquadio, larks with grapes, lamb, “Molino bosco” trouts, “frittelle” (Fritters) of Montecopiolo, blackberry jam tart, typical cheeses, meat and wild game, mushrooms.

SOMETHING TO DO The main attraction are the woody mountains of Villagrande, a winter ski resort, with four ski-slopes (two of them in Villagrande and two in Eremo di Montecopiolo on the Mount Carpegna) provided with skilift facilities.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Municipality of Montecopiolo lies in the territory of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park: among the different naturalistic routes we suggest the ones leading to the springs Costa dei Salti and to the Beechwood of Piana-

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Province of Pesaro-Urbino

PEGLIO PESARO

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PEGLIO

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Peglio lies amid the upper valley of Metauro River, in a dominant position, allowing a unrivalled panoramic view sweeping away from Mount Carpegna to Alpe della Luna, from Mount Nerone to Mount Catria and the town of Urbino.

The village boasts old LongoTown hall: bard origins; mention of it, as Phone: +39 0722.310100 Castrum Pileum (due to its frame work, reminding a pileum, military hat) is already www.comune.peglio.pu.it available in 1232. Occupied comune.peglio@provincia.ps.it

by Cardinal Albornoz, it became a property of the Montefeltro family, who employed Francesco di Giorgio Martini with the restoration of the castle walls. In 1631 Peglio became a Church territory, together with the Dukedom of Urbino. It was recognised a Municipality straight after the Unification of Italy; Peglio WHERE TO STAY was brought together with UrHOTELS l bania during the Fascist periCAMPSITES od, but it got its independence HOLIDAY VILLAGES back, following the Liberation COUNTRY HOUSES l in 1945.

Inhabitants 729 Altitude 534 m ASL Surface 20,2 sq km Distance from Pesaro 56 km from Urbino 22 km

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APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING Absolutely recommended is the 13th century Tower of Girone, the bell of which shows interesting inscriptions l with Gothic characters. The Baroque Parish Church of St. Fortunato contains a Castel Durante’s terracotta, showing a Via Crucis of the 17th century. Two crypts, dating from Longobard times have been recently discovered.

SOMETHING MORE DISCOVER During the Christmas time each town borough uses to mounts traditional crib scenes in the most picturesque spots of the village. At the foot of the Metauro is a cippo (memorial stone), celebrating the Garibaldi’s soldiers killed in 1849 during a fight against the Austrian troops; not far away is a Monumento al Corpo di Liberazione (Memorial to the Liberation troops), erected to the design of Aligi Sassu, to celebrate the Gothic Line battlefields.

WORTH TASTING Specialties of the upper Metauro Valley, including truffle and mushrooms, handmade pasta, crostoli with local ham and salami variety and wild green vegetables.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available in the hamlet San Donnino: soccer field, two Boules (Italian Bocce) rinks, a tennis court, a multi-purpose sports centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Casa del Vicario (Vicar’s house) is of great interest, due to its panoramic position; Also the Civic Tower, amid the nature, is very fascinating.

Enjoy a walk in the Monte Sassone and Ca’ Romanici pinewoods, as well as the interesting walking, mountain-bike

and horse trekking routes along the Apsa stream, winding across field paths, country lanes and gravel streets. The flora includes oak woods and conifer reforestation areas. The local fauna is characterized by diurnal birds of pray (buzzards and kestrels), green woodpeckers, roe deer and foxes.

Interesting view spots like a charming Metauro water fall, geological strata, historic buildings (historic Village (Borgo) of Collelungo, earlier Church of St. Mustiola, Sanctuary of Battaglia) are also worth mentioning.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Battitura (threshing festival), celebrated in the hamlet San Giovanni in Petra third Sunday in July; Serate musicali (Music shows) - July/August; Festa dello Sport (Sport Festival) - August.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

PIAGGE PESARO

URBINO

PIAGGE ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1022 Altitude 200 m ASL Surface 8,42 sq km Distance from Pesaro 30 km from Urbino 40 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0721.890131 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0721.74291 www.comune.piagge.pu.it comune.piagge@provincia.ps.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS l BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

Tradition relates the existence of an ancient Roman town called Lubacaria, destroyed by the Gothic King Alaric (according to some opinions ruins of the settlement are in the hamlet Cerbara). A new village was built on the near hill, overlooking the Metauro River and that’s the place, that the modern village of Piagge (Latin Platea) still occupies. From 777 to 1156 it was a property of the Abbey of St. Paterniano of Fano. In 1227 the Castle was built over new, due to its bad conditions.

Dominated by Lorenzo de Medici, was transferred to the Della Rovere family from 1517 until 1631, when it was made over to the Popedom together with the Dukedom of Urbino.

WORTH VISITING Evidence of the ancient history of the village is a hypogeal tomb. Also to be seen is the medieval Castle, with ring walls and a slender Torre dell’Orologio (Clock- tower), as well as the 19th century parish Church of St. Lucia, containing a Last Supper painting, attributed to Giovanni Francesco Guerrieri and a painting dated 1768, representing the Crucifixion,

by Carlo Magini from Fano.

In the hamlet Cerbara is the Church of St. Ubaldo, owned by the princely Albani family.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Besome weaving is still practised, according to the original rural tradition.

WORTH TASTING Specialities are Sangiovese wine, virgin olive oil, passatelli, tagliatelle, ravioli, gnocchi, maltagliati, pizza and salted cakes (pizza) with cheese.

and sculpture exhibition, held during three days in the summer time; Presepe vivente, performers wearing period customs stage the Nativity across the streets of the historic centre - Christmas time.

SOMETHING TO DO Boules (Italian Bocce) competitions are organised very often in the village, that is the scene of a walking race, called “Di Lubacaria”, an amateur bike race, as well five-a-side football competitions in summer.

WORTH DISCOVERING In the surrounding country side it is possible to see a number of former farm houses, in which the rural traditional building character of 19th and 20th centuries is preserved. Several fascinating routes of historical and naturalistic interest are available. We suggest a walk along the town walls; here it is possible to enjoy a fascinating panoramic view sleeping from the Adriatic sea to the Furlo Gorge.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Carnevale (Carnival) February; Fiera di Lubacaria, (Fair of Lubacaria) - second last Sunday in May; “Arte in scena”, theatre shows, painting

27

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

PIETRARUBBIA PESARO

PIETRARUBBIA URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The origin of the Castle of Petra Rubea dates from the year 1000. Following the splitting of the Counts of Montecopiolo into two branches by the middle of the 13th century, some of the properties passed under the rule of Count Taddeo, lord of Petrarubbia. Disputed between Town hall: the Malatesta and the MontePhone: +39 0722.75110 feltro families, the Castle +39 0722.75177 (perched atop a hill like a eagle nest - the eagle is also in its coat Mountain Community of arms) passed to the MontePhone: +39 0722.727003-4 feltro family and, as usual, +39 0722.728233 Duke Federico commissioned the extension and the strengthwww.comune.pietrarubbia.pu.it ening of the Rocca.

The only remains of the old comune.pietrarubbia@ structure are the Torre del falco provincia.ps.it (Hawk tower) and the stone balls, used in the shooting point www.parcosimone.it holes, built into the walls of the town houses. In 1631 it passed under the rule of the Popedom.

WHERE TO STAY During the last years people HOTELS l abandoned the old village and CAMPSITES moved down in the valley.

Inhabitants 718 Altitude 600/700 m ASL Surface 13,05 sq km Distance from Pesaro 60 km from Urbino 40 km

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HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING Appreciate the fascinating historic centre, with the ruins of the old Castello-torre (Tower Castle) of Pietrarubbia, indicated by Cardinal Albornoz as “castrum inexpugnabile” in the 14th century; the Convent of Friars Minor in Ponte Cappuccini was erected at beginnings of the 16th century, enlarged in the 18th century.

Of great interest are the Church of St. Silvestro, containing a marble altar and a modern rose

window by sculpturer Arnaldo Pomodoro, (Pietrarubbia Honorary Freeman) and the Romanesque Church of St. Arduino.

In the Multimedial Natural Museum you will discover information and peculiarities about the flora, the fauna and the geology of Montefeltro.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER On display in the historic centre is a Sculpture Permanent exhibition, set up by the Centro TAM (Trattamento Artistico Metalli - Artistic metalwork foundation), created by the Municipality with Arnaldo Pomodoro’s partnership. The Centro per l’Artigianato Artistico del Montefeltro (Montefeltro Artistic Handycraft foundation) contains important handicrafts, designed by local craftsmen.

WORTH TASTING Tasteful black truffle or “scorzone”, prestigious white truffle and mushrooms. Excellent pasta recipes. “Polenta” is a typical local dish, mostly accompanied by beans or meat ragù-sauce with wild game.

Notable main courses are: wild game, lamb, cattle farmed in the local pastureland, and pork meat. Specialities are prosciutto di Carpegna (Carpegna ham), cheeses, honey, wild herbs, piadina and local cakes like bustrengo.

SOMETHING TO DO A tennis court and a five-a-side football ground are available.

WORTH DISCOVERING The century-old Municipal Park of St. Silvestro lies along the Montefeltro Provincial Road in the Hamlet Ponte Cappuccini. It’s here, where Matteo da Bascio, who inspired the foundation of the Capuchin Friars, lived in the 15th century.

The area has been turned into a botanic garden, studying and collecting the typical flora of the Middle Apennines, provided with picnic areas. Ponte Cappuccini is located in the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Park, departure point of several fascinating naturalistic routes on the Mounts Carpegna and Boaggine. Very suitable horse trekking itineraries, too. Don’t miss paying a visit to the rocky spur of Pietrafagnana.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di S. Eurosia (Feast of St. Eurosia) in Pietrarubbia Castello - third Sunday in May; Festa di S. Antonio (Feast of St. Antonio) in Mercato Vecchio second Sunday in June; Festa del Crocifisso e degustazione dei prodotti tipici (Feast of the Crucifix and local typical products tasting) in Ponte Cappuccini - first Sunday in August; Festa al lago del Conte (Folk Festival at the lake) third Sunday in August.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

SAN GIORGIO DI PESARO PESARO

URBINO

SAN GIORGIO DI PESARO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1397 Altitude 201 m ASL Surface 20,88 sq km Distance from Pesaro 35 km from Urbino 37 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0721.970102 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0721.74291 www.comune. san-giorgio.pu.it comune.san-giorgio@ provincia.ps.it

Scanty information are available about San Giorgio’s history. What we know for certain, is that the building of the Castle dates from before the year 1000 and already in the Middle Ages it was a property of Fano Abbey of San Paterniano, together with the neighbouring Castle of Poggio. Afterwards, keeping being owned by the Popedom, it was incorporated into the government system of the Vicariate of Mondavio, for which San Giorgio used to collect in its archives every deed issued in the surrounding villages. In the 16th century it became a feud of the Leonelli family. After Napoleon’s domination in Italy, the village got back under the ecclesiastic government, until it joined by plebiscite the new-born Italian Kingdom in November 1860.

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS WORTH VISITING CAMPSITES The Castle still boasts the old HOLIDAY VILLAGES ring walls, containing the COUNTRY HOUSES Church of St. Giorgio, that was APARTMENT RENTALS maybe erected earlier than the ROOMS TO RENT 13th century, but it was re-built FARM HOLIDAYS in Neoclassical style in 1841; BED & BREAKFAST l in it you can see a wooden CruCARAVAN SITES cifix. Of great interest in the vilYOUTH HOSTELS lage, lying downhill the Castle, MOUNTAIN DEWS is the Church of Holy Spirit of

1787, serving today as stage for cultural events. It contains some valuable paintings, one representing the Descent of the Holy Spirit, dating from the 16th century. Not far away from the village is the 19th century

Small Church of the Crucifix, built over the earlier Church of St. Maria di Castagneto, which only some old frescoes are left of.

WORTH TASTING There are different local products and recipes, based on tradition and wellness.

drink selling stands - July and August; Autunno: sapori, colori, suoni (“Autumn: flavours, colours and sounds”) traditional festival with warm chestnuts, wine and bonfires - October; Natale sotto i cipressi e mercatino (Christmas under the Cypresses and market) December.

WORTH DISCOVERING Among the different historical and naturalistic tours we suggest the one leading to the small castle of Poggio; in it were the Franciscan Church and the Convent of St. Maria della Misericordia, erected in 1523 by the noble man Mariotto Sajano; now you can visit the 20th century Church of St. Pasquale, a big building, containing old worthy paintings and wooden sacred furniture, like the monumental 18th century choir, belonging to the earlier church. The modern church is now a place of local pilgrimage.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di San Giuseppe Lavoratore (Feast of St. Giuseppe, the workman) - 19th March; Fiera di San Giorgio (Fair of St. Giorgio) - 25th April; Festa dell’Osteria e Fiera dei ricordi (The Inn festival and the Fair of memories) - 25th April; Festa di San Pasquale Baylon (Feast of St. Pasquale Baylon) - 17th May; Festa d’estate (Summer festival) with typical food and

29

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

SANT’IPPOLITO PESARO

URBINO

SANT’IPPOLITO

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The territory of Sant’Ippolito has been inhabited since the prehistoric time, as the big number of stone household objects, found out in the Tarugo valley and showed in the Civic Museum in Fossombrone evidences. In the Roman time it belonged to the important Municipium of Forum Sempronii. FollowTown hall: ing the spread of Christianity in the Phone: +39 0721.728144 area, the Pieve of St. Ippolito was erected on a near hill. After the year Mountain Community 1000 the village, having the same Phone: +39 0721.74291 name as the Pieve, developed around the Church and was initialwww.comune. santippolito.pu.it ly ruled by the Episcopal government. Supported by the Municipalcomune.santippolito@provincia.ps.it ity of Fossombrone, Sant’Ippolito got its administrative freedom from the bishops’ rule in 1255 and became systematically part of Fossombrone country side (contado).

The Malatesta family ruled over the village during over hundred years, the Montefeltro family over WHERE TO STAY the subsequent 60 years (during HOTELS which Francesco di Giorgio MartiCAMPSITES ni built the Rocca) and then the vilHOLIDAY VILLAGES lage was administrated by the DelCOUNTRY HOUSES l la Rover during 120 years. Finally, APARTMENT RENTALS it passed under the Popedom from ROOMS TO RENT l 1631 till 1860.

Inhabitants 1612 Altitude 246 m ASL Surface 19,7 sq km Distance from Pesaro 30 km from Urbino 23 km

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WORTH VISITING Don’t miss visiting the 18th centul ry Town Hall, containing a polychrome stone Madonna of the 17th century and a 18th century beautiful fire place, once housed in the near Palazzo Nicoletti; of great interest is also Palazzo Guerra, dating from the 17th century with very peculiar decorative wall sculptures. Not far away is a shrine with

a Praying Madonna, local worship place. We also recommend a visit to the 18th century Bell Tower and the Church of St. Giuseppe, erected in the 17th century. In the parish Church it is possible to appreciate a 17th century polychrome statue by an unknown artist.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The century-old tradition of stone carving has been preserved up to the present, thanks to stone masons and marble workers, that are still able to work the local sandstone into real masterpieces, mostly collected in the Museo dell’Arte degli scalpellini (Stonemasonry Museum); the production of earthenware, cane and bamboo handicrafts is also worth a mention.

WORTH TASTING Taste the delicious “crescia sfogliata” (puff flatbread) SOMETHING TO DO In Sant’Ippolito is a sport fishing lake and an Adventure park (Rock’n Ropes), with adrenalin rush providing speeding or soaring rides.

Santo Stefano is a famous race horse stud. It is also possible to play tennis and five-a-side football, as well as engaging in walking tours on the circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi.

WORTH DISCOVERING Just a little bit off the village is Palazzina Sabatelli, historic tower house with dovecote, recently restored, open for visits each Thurs-

day in the month or upon request.

The Bosco della Torre Romana (Roman Tower wood), included in the Bioitaly project, developed by the Italian Ministry of the Environment, covers 80 thousand square metres along the Tavernelle artificial lake. 2 km away from Sant’Ippolito is the Casle of Reforzate, preserving the original gate with the Montefeltro eagle. The Church of St. Pietro houses a valuable 17th century painting of the Last Supper, and a statue of St. Pietro, dating from the 15th century. Sorbolongo is a fortified castle village, sited 4 km away from Sant’Ippolito, characterized by narrow lanes and streets, with its historic Town Hall and the slender Church of St. Michele. The Church of St. Maurizio is annexed to an old Benedictine Monastery, built around the 11th century.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra della lumaca, (slug festival) in Sorbolongo - June; Gara podistica tre castelli (Three castles walking race) - 2nd June; Scolpire in piazza, Simposio di scultura in pietra arenaria (Stonemasonry show and exhibition) - July; Biennale sotto le stelle (Biennale under star light) - July; Corso di lavorazione della pietra arenaria (stonemasonry courses) - from May to September; Fiera del Castello (the Fair of the Castle) in Sorbolongo - September; Mostra di scultura permanente (Permanent sculpture exhibition) - all year round.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

SASSOFELTRIO SASSOFELTRIO

PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1374 Altitude 485 m ASL Surface 21 sq km Distance from Pesaro 43 km from Urbino 40 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0541.974130 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.sassofeltrio.pu.it comune.sassofeltrio@ provincia.ps.it

Historians relate the existence of Sassofeltrio, originally called Serra del sasso, already in 756 after Christ and its donation by Pippin, King of the Franks, to the Blessed Pietro, marking the appropriation of the Castle by the Popedom.

Other records, dated 962, relate that the German Emperor Otto gave Ulderico of Carpegna the feud Sassum together with other neighbouring castles. Documents of 1232 and 1311 refer to the Castrum Saxi as a possession of the Rimini Signoria.

Being a long contested territory between the Malatesta and the Montefeltro families, it was conquered by Captain Giacomo Piccinino for the Dukes of Urbino.

Especially under the rule of Federico of Montefeltro, the Rocca was erected to the design of the Senese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

Afterwards, the village passed under the rule of the Church again.

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT l WORTH VISITING FARM HOLIDAYS The village has preserved its BED & BREAKFAST l medieval framework with CARAVAN SITES overhanging defence walls, YOUTH HOSTELS testifying its illustrious past. Its MOUNTAIN DEWS natural setting, a hilly land-

scape, is absolutely fascinating and evocative itself. The Rocca Feltresca, designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, was completely ruined in 1819 ands still today only a few remains can be seen.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The village, perched atop a rocky spur, in a chalk pits area.

WORTH TASTING Amongst the typical products we recommend piadina, tagliatelle and passatelli.

WORTH DISCOVERING Of great interest is the typical Casa Pasquali.

In the hamlet Valle Sant’Anastasio, near Sassofeltrio, is a sulphurous and alkaline water source.

DON’T MISS OUT Primo Maggio Frattese, motocross competitions, horse race and other events - May; Serate danzanti alla rocca (Dancing eveningsat the Rocca) - July and August; Festa del Patrono (Feast of the Patron Saint) in Valle Sant’Anastasio August; Sagra dei fagioli e delle cotiche (Beans and pork rinds Festival) in the hamlet Fratte - last week end in September.

31

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

SERRA SANT’ABBONDIO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

SERRA SANT’ABBONDIO

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants1125 Altitude 536 m ASL Surface 31,7 sq km Distance from Pesaro 75 km from Urbino 40 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0721.730120 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0721.735701 www.comune. serrasantabbondio.pu.it comune.serra@provincia.ps.it

The territory has been inhabited since the Iron Age. Even before the village was founded in the 13th century, a Serra “closed place” and a Church dedicated to St. Abbondio were already there. Serra Sant’Abbondio was founded by the Municipality (Comune) of Gubbio in the 13th century and became a strategic place for the control and the defence of the shortest, yet impassable passage between Umbria and the Adriatic Coast. Serra Sant’Abbondio’s history from the 14th century is part of the history of the Dukedom of Urbino, that finally incorporated it into its territories in 1348.

WORTH VISITING The modern urban frame work still preserves the medieval structure, including two of the WHERE TO STAY four original gates: Porta SanHOTELS ta with Tower and Porta di MaCAMPSITES cione, both of them dating from HOLIDAY VILLAGES the 13th century. Also to be COUNTRY HOUSES seen are the 14th century APARTMENT RENTALS Church of St. Maria della CaROOMS TO RENT l nale, containing frescoes by FARM HOLIDAYS the Umbrian School; the Crypt BED & BREAKFAST of St. Biagio, built in the 4th (or CARAVAN SITES l 5th) century, using Roman reYOUTH HOSTELS mains; the splendid Hermitage MOUNTAIN DEWS l of Santa Croce di Fonte Avellana, (its building started around the year 1000), including a Church with Crypt, a bell tower, cloister, chapterhouse, scriptorium, monks cells, guest quarters and the “D. Alighieri” Library, with more than 10,000

ancient volumes. The Hermitage, mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the 21st Canto of Paradiso is a place for study and contemplation, founded in 980 by St. Romuald and developed by St. Pier Damiani. A Camaldolese Benedectine monks community manages the Hermitage today.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER An old tradition records that Dante was hosted in the Hermitage of Fonte Avellana after 1310. About 300 hundred metres off the hermitage, you will find a spot allowing you to hear the mountain echoing an entire hendecasyllable. In the past Serra Sant’Abbondio was called Serra Sant’Onda, maybe due to its fascinating landscape.

WORTH TASTING Worth tasting are the “crescia” with ham and wild green vegetables, tagliatelle, ravioli, cappelleti, polenta, wild game, wild boar, mushrooms, truffle, “castagnole” (Carnival fried cakes) and jam tarts.

WORTH DISCOVERING The splendid flora of Fonte Avellana includes downy oaks, beeches, oaks, chestnut trees, hazelnut tree (“avellana”is the historic name for “Hazel nut”) and a famous century-old yew.

The Hermitage, sited at the foot of the Mount Catria, is the departure point of several

trekking tours, winding amid beech, oak and hazelnut groves. Many of the mentioned tracks (e.g. Sentiero Italia and Sentiero Piergiorgio Frassati) are included in the circuit of Trekking dei Fuochi.

DON’T MISS OUT Sacra rappresentazione della Passione di Gesù (Sacred representation of the Passion of Christ) - Palm Sunday; Festa paesana (Village Festival) in Petrara - second Sunday in July; Sagra della trippa (tripe Festival) in Poggetto - first Sunday in August; Festa della Madonna della Neve (Feast of the Madonna of Snow) in Montevecchio - 5th August; Festa d’estate (Summer Festival) 14th/15th August; Palio della Rocca - Sunday before the 16th of September; Fiera di S. Abbondio (Fair of St. Abbondio) 16th September; Cena del Poeta (Poet’s dinner) - last Saturday in November.

Province of Pesaro-Urbino

TAVOLETO PESARO

TAVOLETO URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 880 Altitude 426 m ASL Surface 11,99 sq km Distance from Pesaro 33 km from Urbino 23 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0722.629128 +39 0722.629129 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0722.727003-4 +39 0722.728233 www.comune.tavoleto.pu.it comune.tavoleto@provincia.ps.it

Tavoleto is sited ontop a rocky spur on the leftside of the Foglia Mid-Valley. Originated in the Middle Ages, it has been a contested territory between the Malatesta and the Montefeltro families during centuries. The Dukes of Urbino erected there a Rocca, that was demolished in 1865.

WORTH VISITING The village lies in the heart of the Montefeltro, a land characterized by castles, medieval borghi, rural parish churches and defence walls, erected and demolished during centuries of disputes. A typical example is the Castle of Petrangolini of 1865 with its tower, original furniture and arms, that was actually re-built over the foundations of the historic Rocca, erected in 1462 by Francesco di Giorgio Martini on Federico da Montefeltro’s commission.

Part of the defence walls of the original Rocca are preserved in the Castle, too.

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT l SOMETHING MORE TO FARM HOLIDAYS l DISCOVER BED & BREAKFAST l The village might be named CARAVAN SITES after the amount of wood, YOUTH HOSTELS gathered in this area and than MOUNTAIN DEWS transferred to Rome; Right in

Tavoleto, wood logs were worked out into beams and boards (Tavola, hence Tavoleto).

Today, economy main activity is footware and mattress manufacturing industry.

WORTH TASTING Amongst the typical products we recommend “tortellini al pasticcio”, roastbeef, tagliatelle, lamb, and guinea-hen, rubbit à la “cacciatora” (Hunter’s style), stuffed turkey, wild game, appetizers with natural local products, “piada sfogliata” (puff flatbread) with ham. Top production of Casciotta di Urbino DPO. SOMETHING TO DO It’s a suitable area for walking, mountain-bike and horse trekking tours.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Val Ventena, a charming valley, sited partly in the municipal territory of Tavoleto and partly in Auditore, is also worth a visit: Enjoy its unspoiled ecosystem with untouched pristine flora and fauna.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra dell’asparago (Asparagus Festival) - third Sunday in May; Processione della Madonna del Sole (Procession of Madonna del Sole) - last Sunday in May; Festa di San Vincenzo Martire (Feast of St. Vincenzo martyr) - last Sunday in August; Sagra della polenta (Polenta Festival) - third Sunday in September.

PROVINCE OF ANCONA

Province of Ancona

BARBARA PESARO

URBINO

BARBARA

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1483 Altitude 219 m ASL Surface 6,4 sq km Distance from Ancona 49 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 071.9674212 www.comune.barbara.an.it protocollo@comune. barbara.an.it

The castle of Barbara was originally built as a fortress after the destruction of the Roman town Suasa. After being a Longobard outpost, it was turned into an ecclesiastic feud belonging to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Maria of Sitria.

The municipality (Comune) was established in 1257 under the protectorate of Jesi. Concerning the origin of the name, there is no document offering an exact solution. As the village was located in very last territory of the Longobard dominion of Spoleto, close to the Byzantine territory of Senigallia, it is pretty likely that the name derives from barbaro, “Barbarian” in the original meaning of the term.

WORTH VISITING The historic centre of the vilWHERE TO STAY lage is organised on two levels: HOTELS l the Castle is oriented to the hillCAMPSITES top, while the Borgo and the old HOLIDAY VILLAGES walled structure of Castellaro COUNTRY HOUSES are located in the sea direction.

APARTMENT RENTALS The oldest nucleus is the Castle ROOMS TO RENT (13th - 14th centuries), with the FARM HOLIDAYS city gate, the walls and the ramBED & BREAKFAST part. Of particular interest are CARAVAN SITES The Church of St. Barbara, the YOUTH HOSTELS village’s patron Saint, containMOUNTAIN DEWS ing the Madonna of the Olive tree, painted on a millstone; the parish Church of St. Maria Assunta, built in 1768, housing important paintings by Pomarancio and the Istrian painter Francesco Trevisani; in the charming Church of St. Fortu-

nato there is a fresco, dating from the 15th century, created

by Andrea di Bartolo.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In the historic area of Castellaro there are a lot of tunnels and caves, originally dug into the local sandstone to be used as shelters and escape routes to the moat and the castle during sieges; today, they are used as cellars to store food, or as restaurants full of charm. Of particular interest is a shrine, known as Madonna of the bastard child (according to the tradition a illegitimate child was abandoned near the shrine) decorated with a picturesque popular wall painting.

WORTH TASTING Among the local specialities we recommend: excellent wines (Esino, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Rosso Piceno) and olive oil.

WORTH DISCOVERING Of particular interest are Palazzo Albani, aristocratic building restored in the 18th century, housing the Town Hall and Palazzo Mattei, built in the 16th century.

The road connecting Barbara and Montale, as well as the road leading to Ostra Vetere and to the hamlet Costa are particularly panoramic; have a walk along the Nevola river to appreciate the typical river

bank vegetation. An excursion to the picturesque waterfalls, located near the border to the municipality of Ostra Vetere, in a charming badlands (calanchi) landscape.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del castello (Castle’s festival) - first week in August; Festa dentro le mura (Festival in the castle walls) - November/December; Festa della Patrona Santa Barbara (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Barbara) 4th December; Fiera di Santa Barbara (Fair of St. Barbara) Sunday after the 4th of December; Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) - Christmas time and Epiphany/6th January.

Province of Ancona

CASTEL COLONNA PESARO

URBINO

CASTEL COLONNA

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1042 Altitude 125 m ASL Surface 13,31 sq km Distance from Ancona 40 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 071.7957120 +39 071.7957970 www.comune.castel-colonna.an.it comune.castelcolonna@ provincia.ancona.it

Castel Colonna is a small, but picturesque village, lying on a natural spur, whose origin is still uncertain; the most likely possibility among several ones is that it was founded by people escaping from the old town of Suasa, destroyed by Alaric in 409.

Between the 13th and the 15th century the whole territory of Castel Colonna belonged to the Benedictine Monks of Fonte Avellana, who had several buildings and stores in the area. Afterwards, it became property of the Dukedom of Urbino and in 1631 it was made over to the Popedom.

WORTH VISITING The most characteristic element of this Borgo is the city gate with brick rampart, dating from the 13th century, known WHERE TO STAY as Torre Vittoria Colonna; of HOTELS particular interest are also the CAMPSITES ring walls, erected in the 13th HOLIDAY VILLAGES century, that maintain in their COUNTRY HOUSES oldest part a bank with parapet APARTMENT RENTALS and bracket cornice, though ROOMS TO RENT undergoing later modificaFARM HOLIDAYS tions. The Church of St. Mauro BED & BREAKFAST l Abate is also worth visiting.

CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Until 1921 Castel Colonna was known as the Tomb of Senigallia. The original builtup area leans on a light slope, delimited by the ship shaped ring walls. Outside the original borgo, in the suburb Croce, has

developed a new mainly residential area.

WORTH TASTING The excellent biological wine is absolutely recommended.

The village will be soon obtaining a designation for its most typical product, the Frattula Salami.

ta del salame di Frattula (Festival of Frattula Salami) - January and April; Concorso di pittura (Painting contest) - between the end of July and the beginning of August; Festa dela Patrona S. Marina (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Marina) - 17th July; Festa d’estate (Summer Festival) - second week end in August.

SOMETHING TO DO Castelcolonna has got a park with ponds suitable for fishing; sport fans can also enjoy a multi-purpose ground with sport facilities.

WORTH DISCOVERING In the hamlet Francavilla stands the old Church of Misericordia, with annexed parvis, surrounded on two sites by a blind archway building and delimited by a gate. A beautiful tree-lined avenue leads to the church complex, which was once a Camaldolese monastery.

To recommend also the track into the thick vegetation characterising the Fosso (ditch) della Bruciata, close to the border to Senigallia. The territory offers lots of panoramic view spots: particularly, in the Croce area, over the hill of Montesaltarello and Francavilla, in the hamlet Consolazione and along the road to Roncitelli.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Sega vecchia (Old Saw Festival) - Mid-Lent; Fes-

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Province of Ancona

CASTELLEONE DI SUASA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

CASTELLEONE DI S.

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The village of Castelleone di Suasa rises on a hill, overlooking the middle valley of the Cesano River; the typical medieval structure is still well preserved: narrow streets delimited by the ring walls. Castelleone really flourished in the first half of the 12th century, when Livia Town hall: della Rovere, wife of Francesco Phone: +39 071.966113 Maria II and last Duquesse of Urbino had her residence there Pro Suasa: for a while. Downhill the castle, Phone: +39 071.966770 it is still possible to see the ancient settlement of Suasa, a RoCons. Città Romana di Suasa: man municipium, established Phone: +39 071966524 according to the Lex Flaminia dated 232 before Christ. www.castelleone.disuasa.it Thanks to scrupulous excavation a rich private house (domus), belonging to the senatoricomune@castelleone.disuasa.it al family Coiedii, dating from the 2nd century after Christ was found out, as the valuable mosaic floors representing mythoWHERE TO STAY logical scenes, as well as the HOTELS l rare examples of wall painting CAMPSITES in Pompeian style, the remains HOLIDAY VILLAGES of several statues and the big COUNTRY HOUSES l quantity of every-day objects APARTMENT RENTALS prove.

Inhabitants 1692 Altitude 206 m ASL Surface 15,83 sq km Distance from Ancona 55 km

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After carrying out the excavations in the area of Pian Volpello, the Regional Archaelogical Park of Suasa has been created, containing the ruins of a big amphitheatre, including the cavea and the underground passages, as well as the forum, the old financial heart of Roman towns and the Coedii’s aristocratic domus, mentioned before.

The findings coming from the site are now collected in the Archaeological Museum, housed in the impressive Palazzo Della Rovere. Also the former Monastery of Minimi Friars, today seat of the Town Hall, contains some findings. In the Parish Church of SS. Pietro and Paolo it is possible to appreciate some important paintings and masterpieces. The Church of St. Francesco di Paola is also worth a mention.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The whole municipal territory testifies the traditional devoutness of the people of The Marche: several shrines and small churches are spread around the country side (e.g. shrines devoted to St. Pietro Martyr, St. Lucia, St. Martino).

Worth mentioning are also the Church of Madonna del Vallato, an old shrine, that Francesco Maria della Rovere wanted to enlarge and that contains a tempera painting, dating from the 17th century, as well as a very unusual ex voto and a shrine called Church of St. Caterina.

WORTH TASTING Important production of wines with Registered Designation of Origin (Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Rosso Piceno), table white and red wines and the typical local red wine Rosso Suasano. The onions of Suasa are also excellent.

WORTH DISCOVERING Driving to Senigallia you will find Villa Pianetti, with annexed church, standing on a hill in a wide woody area. Castelleone boasts also further green areas: the Boschetto, near the Primary School, the big wood area in Croce del Termine, as well as the whole course of Via del Bozzo, with thick bushes and panoramic hilly and badlands (calanchi) landscape.

The course of the Cesano River (including small water falls and fishing areas) and the Nevola River, with thick vegetation and several forest trees, are suitable areas to enjoy naturalistic tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Perdono (Feast of the forgiveness), popular devoutness celebration with Fair - Sunday and Monday after Easter; Festa del Patrono san Pietro Martire (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Pietro Martyr) - 29th April; Festa della cipolla (Onion Festival) exhibition, market and cultural events - September.

Province of Ancona

GENGA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

GENGA MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The Castle of Genga is located in the heart of the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Regional Park; its origin is tightly connected with Pierosara (old Longobard stewarddom of Castelpetroso) and to the Monastery of St. Vittore. In the borgo, that experienced a very flourishTown hall: Phone: +39 0732.973014 ing period between the 10th and the 11th century thanks to the Counts of Genga, who dominatMountain Community Phone: +39 0732.6952 ed over the territory until 1816, the feudal Palace and the imFrasassi Consortium : pressive medieval town walls Phone: +39 0732.97211 are still preserved. Annibale della Genga, later Pope Leo XII www.comune.genga.an.it was born here. Anyway, the history of the territory goes further comunicazione@comune.genga.an.it back in the past, as several fragments of prehistoric stone and grotte@frasassi.com pottery manufacture found out in Donatelli - Colleponi, Pianacwww.parcogolarossa.it ci and Pianello, Genga’s hamlets, prove.

Inhabitants 1979 Altitude 320 m ASL Surface 72,35 sq km Distance from Ancona 65 km

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The Gorge of Frasassi is a real marvel of nature. Discovered in 1971, the caves wind about 20 km into the mountain and represent one of the most interesting and known karstic complex in Italy. Not far from the caves rises the Benedictine Abbey of St. Vittore delle Chiuse, one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the region.

The annexed Speleo-paleontological Museum houses the famous ichtthyosaur, a sea reptile living 150 millions years ago.

With its charming location, in the heart of the Gorge of Frasas-

si, the neoclassical Octagonal Temple was created by Valadier on Pope Leo XII’s commission; not far from it is the old Hermitage of St. Maria infra saxa, dug in a natural cave into the mountain. Genga offers the tourist the impressive Palazzo dei Conti della Genga, as well as the Parish Church of St. Maria Assunta and, not far away, the Pieve of St. Clemente, currently turned into an interesting Museum of Sacred Arts, which houses a very valuable collection. In the hamlet Pianello you will find the biggest Protovillanovan Necropolis of the region. Other archaeological sites and charming medieval churches, like the old Church of St. Ansovino in Avacelli, are also to find in the territory.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The name Genga possibly derives from the Lombard word Zinka, or from genga, meaning tuff, or from the German word Gang, in the meaning of underground passage. The area is actually extremely characterized by underground caves, like Grotta dei Baffoni, Grotta del Mezzogiorno, Grotta del Prete, Grotta Leonardo.

WORTH TASTING Excellent sausages, salami and ham variety, that goes perfectly with the local brown bread; Tagliatelle, hand made with rolling-pin (local word “ra-

sagnolo”), the “crescia”, kind of “bread pizza” to be roasted in the fire coals, slugs and “polenta” with wild boar ragù-sauce.

SOMETHING TO DO Genga is the perfect place to relax: the Terme of St. Vittore, famous and well equipped thermal centre, offer treatments with natural mineral waters, welling about 400 metres from the centre. Rowing opportunities at Lago Fossi.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Natural Regional Park includes several protected areas: the floristic are of Valle Scappuccia, the area of the Gorge of Frasassi, along the course of the Sentino River and the WWF Oasis of Valmontagnana. This area, with high crests, panoramic tracks, century-old forests, is ideal for trekking (e.g. Sentiero dei Gradoni) and climbing lovers, as well as for rafting, horse-riding and mountain bike practisers.

DON’T MISS OUT Sacro Incanto, concerts held in the Monastery of the Frasassi Gorge - June; Vetrina dell’artigianato artistico (Exhibition of artistic handicrafts) - from the last week of July to the end of August; Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) in the Frasassi cave - Christmas time.

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Province of Ancona

MERGO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MERGO

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The village has been inhabited before and during the Roman’s time, as the archaeological findings, discovered in the Castelluccio area, prove, but Mergo experienced its most flourishing period in the Middle Ages. In a document of 1233 Mergo is mentioned as a Town hall: castle belonging to the territory Phone: +39 0731.814820 of Serra San Quirico. The Town Hall houses an important Mountain Community parchment dating from the Phone: +39 0732.6952 middle of the 16th century, representing the Castle Articles, www.comune.mergo.an.it that is life regulations for the inhabitants of the castle. Mergo protgen@comune.mergo.an.it has been always depending on Serra San Quirico, with excepwww.parcogolarossa.it tion of a short phase, during which it belonged to Jesi. In 1827 Pope Leo XII issued a decree, designating Mergo as Municipality (Comune) and set up the parish of San Lorenzo.

WHERE TO STAY From 1928 until 1946 was inHOTELS l corporated with Rosora, until it CAMPSITES gained its autonomy again.

HOLIDAY VILLAGES Mergo’s coat of arms shows a COUNTRY HOUSES l bird (a merganser); the built-up APARTMENT RENTALS area rose around the Castle, but ROOMS TO RENT only fragments of the Castle FARM HOLIDAYS l walls are still to see nowadays.

Inhabitants 1081 Altitude 380 m ASL Surface 8 sq km Distance from Ancona 52 km

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The territory of Mergo rises almost unexpected on the left side of the Esino Valley, with the Apennines on the background. Evidences of its old past are the ruins of the town walls, remains of a quadrangular keep and the castle gate; on one of the altars in the Parish

Church of St. Lorenzo it is possible to appreciate a Rosary Madonna by Ercole Ramazzani from Arcevia. Of particular interest are the Palazzo of St. Marciana, belonging to the old Borgiani family, Palazzo Conti in the hamlet Acquabona and Palazzo dei Conti Vallemani in the hamlet Montirone.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The name derives from Merago, akin to the medieval Latin word mera, lacus palustris, “marshland”, clearly referring to the Esino river, that flows downhill the village. Around the middle of the 15th century Mergo together with Massaccio and Maiolati Spontini was the scene of the activity of the heretical sect Fraticelli.

WORTH TASTING Typical dishes are polenta with stockfish, beans with pork rinds, tripe, “braciole del contadino”, farmer’s steaks, crescia (bread pizza) and …Verdicchio d.o.c., of course.

SOMETHING TO DO Roller-Skating rinks, tennis fields and boules (it. Bocce) rinks are available.

WORTH DISCOVERING Naturalistic routes, winding across the soft hills, give above all walkers, horse-riders and bikers the opportunity to enjoy landscape, artistic and histori-

cal spots of great beauty.

DON’T MISS OUT Mergo d’Estate (Mergo in Summer) theatre and music shoes - July/August; Festa del Patrono San Lorenzo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Lorenzo) 10th August; “San Martì all’Angeli”, traditional food and drink event in Mergo and its hamlet Angeli - November.

Province of Ancona

MORRO D’ALBA PESARO

URBINO

MORRO D’ALBA

ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1926 Altitude 199 m ASL Surface 19,12sq km Distance from Ancona 29 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0731.63013 +39 0731.63000 www.comune.morrodalba.an.it comune@comune. morrodalba.an.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The ruins of two Roman villas found in the hamlet Sant’Amico prove that Morro d’Alba was already inhabited during the Roman time. In 1984 in the same area was found a golden medallion with the inscription Theodoricus pius princeps invictus semper (today displayed in the Museo delle Terme in Rome); the origin of the settlement can be actually traced back to 1000, when the village is mentioned as curtis in an imperial decree issued by Fredrerick I. In 1213 was indicated as castrum in an other announcement, stating the commitment of Senigallia to transfer Morro d’Alba to Jesi.

Over the centuries we can find records of several sieges and incursions, including one dated in 1365, that caused the destruction of the town walls, that had to be re-built. Morro d’Alba was transferred to the Malatesta family from Rimini and was victim of plunderers from Ancona and, later on, of Francesco Maria Della Rovere. In 1808 under Napoleon’s rule it was taken away from Jesi and in 1860 it was transferred to the province of Ancona. The name reminds the mora o cippo di confine sull’alba (border marker on the hill), marking the distinction between the medieval boards of Jesi and Senigallia. In 1861 Alba was added to the name Morro.

WORTH VISITING The small historic centre preserves a very interesting archi-

tectural structure, as it is completely surrounded by overhanging ring walls, dating from the middle of the 15th century.

The top of the high sheer walls houses elegant dwellings; underneath, winds the so called Strada della Scarpa, a completely covered parapet walkway, whose sections are delimited by five bastions, amazing panoramic view points.

The Church of St. Gaudenzio and St. Benedetto contain two paintings by Ercole Ramazzani from Arcevia; worth a mention is also the tavola centinata (painting with rounded top) by Claudio Ridolfi representing a Crowning of Virgin and Saints, housed in the Town Hall. The Utensilia Museum cannot be missed. The Church of the SS. Annunziata of 1670, known as Church of St. Teleucania has been recently transformed into an Auditorium, used to hold conferences, exhibitions and concerts.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Underneath the village you can find a parallel underground town, composed by a labyrinth of caves dug in the cellars over the centuries.

WORTH TASTING The main typical product is the rubin-coloured red wine Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, endowed with Registered Designation of Origin. The excellent olive oil

“verdastro” (greenish) is produced in very small quantity by little local oil mills.

SOMETHING TO DO The territory offers opportunities for walking, biking and horse trekking tours. Soccer fields, tennis courts and boules (It. Bocce) rinks, as well as play grounds for children will let you enjoy your stay. An equipped Camper parking area is also available.

WORTH DISCOVERING In the hamlet Sant’Amico is the old residence of the family Marotti Campi, standing amid vineyards. Among the ruraltouristic routes the Via del Sole is particularly enjoyable: it includes two interesting mountain-bike tracks and a horse trekking itinerary.

DON’T MISS OUT Raduno Nazionale dei Camper d’epoca (National vintage camper rally), the sole event in Italy - spring time; Sagra della Lacrima (Lacrima Festival) first week end of May; Cantamaggio - third Sunday in May; In colors - July; Calici di stelle (Star glasses) - second half of August; Festa del Patrono San Michele Arcangelo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Michele Arcangelo) - 29th September.

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Province of Ancona

OFFAGNA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

OFFAGNA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1860 Altitude 309 m ASL Surface 11 sq km Distance from Ancona 18 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 071.7107005 Tourist office: Phone: +39 071.7107552 www.provincia.ancona.it/ comuni/offagna comune.offagna@ provincia.ancona.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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It’s a typical village of the Marca Anconetana, belonging to the territory of Osimo between the 13th and the 14th century and transferred to Ancona in 1445. The name may derive from the Afrani, a Roman family owning at its time a big latifundium, as large as the territory covered by the Offagna municipal territory nowadays. The history of the villages reflects the history of its impressive Rocca, a fortress that the people of Ancona built for defence purposes.

WORTH VISITING The Rocca of Offagna is one of the most beautiful and impressive fortresses in the region. It was erected between 1454 and 1456 on the ruins of a previously existing castle and it stands on a big tuff spur, that enhances its defensive efficiency. It is provided with external ring walls and keeps and it’s a rare example of a transitional fortification, probably designed by Lombard builders. Still appreciable is the impressive donjon, containing an amazing bronze bell, dated 1447 and founded by certain Jacobus from Istria.

The Rocca houses a documented Museum of Ancient Arms.

The interesting Natural Science Museum Luigi Paolucci is also worth visiting; it contains paleontological, mineralogical, zoological and botanical collections, extremely helpful to understand the evolution of

the territory of The Marche.

Andrea Vici, architect and Vanvitelli’s apprentice is the designer of the 13th century Church of SS. Sacramento, the Monastery and the Presbitery of the Parish Church of St. Tommaso. This one houses an altar-piece dating from the 17th century, dedicated to St. Bernardino, the village’s Patron Saint. Coats of arms of the 17th century are built in the walls of the hall of the Town Hall. In the Church of St. Lucia it is possible to appreciate a wooden Crucifix dating from the 17th century.

WORTH TASTING Notable production of Rosso Conero (red wine with Registered Designation of Origin) and excellent olive oil. Variety of tasteful cheeses, hams and meats. In the area there is an ostrich-farm, too.

SOMETHING TO DO A soccer field and a gym are available.

WORTH DISCOVERING The hills between Offagna, Polverigi, Agugliano and Camerata Picena offer interesting historical and artistic routes; for that reason the area is known as Terra dei castelli (Land of castles). These villages, located between the rivers Esino and Musone, used to provide for the defence of Ancona, thanks to a structured defence system,

composed by two concentric fortification systems, including about fifteen fortified ancient villages, castles and fortresses.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna della Rocca (Feast of Madonna della Rocca) - last week of April; Festa del Santo Patrono (Feast of the Patron Saint) - last Sunday in May; Feste Medievali (Medieval Festivals): during some days the whole village experiences a kind of transformation, getting back the atmosphere of the Middle Ages across all squares and streets last week of July; Festa del SS. Crocifisso (Feast of the Holy Crucifix) - last Sunday in July; Poetando e ballando sotto la Rocca (Poetry and dance event under the Rocca) - August; Fiera del Colombaccio (Fair of the Colombaccio) - last Sunday in September; Concerto di Natale (Christmas Concert) - end of December.

Province of Ancona

POGGIO SAN MARCELLO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

POGGIO S. MARCELLO

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

A villa with annexed small church, called San Marcello al Poggio, located on the top of a hill gave the name to the castle, that rose later on not far way.

Considering the archaeological findings discovered in the area, dating from prehistoric to Roman time, as well as from early Town hall: Christian to Romanesque time, Phone: +39 0731.813446 the castle originated in the remote past. Findings like dagger www.comune. blades, fibulas, armours, earthpoggiosanmarcello.an.it enware and the discovery of a Picene worrior’s tomb are evicomune@comune. dences of the human presence poggiosanmarcello.an.it in the area since the 6th century before Christ.

The village, always tightly linked to Jesi was likely provided with a fortification structure already in 1261, when it was known as Castello di Poggio San Marcello. In 1503 the castle walls were strengthened WHERE TO STAY with the addiction of the basHOTELS tions, designed by Domenico CAMPSITES di Giovanni from Bellinzona.

HOLIDAY VILLAGES In 1926 Poggio San Marcello COUNTRY HOUSES lost its autonomy and was asAPARTMENT RENTALS sembled with Castelplanio, but ROOMS TO RENT in 1947 the village got its adFARM HOLIDAYS l ministrative independence BED & BREAKFAST l back again.

Inhabitants 762 Altitude 387 m ASL Surface 13,53 sq km Distance from Ancona 50 km

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WORTH VISITING The village is composed by three parallel main streets crossed perpendicularly by narrow lanes, creating a charming and evocative atmosphere.

Porta of St. Nicola of 1455 is the only fragment of the old Castle walls that is still to ap-

preciate. Also to be seen are the 17th century Porta del Soccorso and the Parish Church of St. Nicola, erected by the middle of the 18th century, containing a painting by Ercole Ramazzini from Arcevia and a Madonna Enthroned by Antonino Sarti from Jesi. Not far from the mentioned monuments you can find the gothic crypt belonging to the old Parish Church. Together with the Church of St. Maria del Monte of the 14th century and the Church of St. Marcello al Poggio, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, built near the town gate in 1646, is also worth visiting.

People are very devoted to the Sanctuary, due to the presence of the wood carving representing a Madonna Enthroned with Child of 1608, sited in the high altar of the Sanctuary.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER During the time between the first and the second world wars, the most people’s livelihood was provided by the Libanori Brothers’ Fornace (Brickyard), flourishing business that contributed to limit emigration from the Hinterland to the Coast, affecting the most villages, including Poggio San Marcello.

WORTH TASTING Noteworthy production of cereals, oil; excellent Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi d.o.c. (en-

dowed with Registered Designation of Origin).

WORTH DISCOVERING Thanks to its location in the Esino Mid-Valley the territory is a suitable area to enjoy walking, mountain-bike and horse trekking itineraries. It’s the perfect place to appreciate not only the beautiful sweet hilly landscape with typical farmer buildings spread around, but also charming spots of great artistic and historical value, due to the variety of the old villages, that occupy the hilltops.

DON’T MISS OUT Rappresentazioni teatrali (Theatre representations) February and March; Poggio in Fiore, Flowers, plants and handicrafts Trade - last week end of April; Festa della Madonna del Soccorso (Feast of Madonna del Soccorso) second Sunday in May; Festa dell’Emigrante (Festival of the Emigrant) - 14th August; Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) - December.

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Province of Ancona

ROSORA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

ROSORA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The village probably originated in the Early Middle Ages, founded by Longobards. The hill where the village is located must had been covered by a thick forest, which was cut down, as the etymology of the name seems to confirm (Rasa area later Rosora). The tight Town hall: connection of Rosora with the Phone: +39 0731.813963 powerful Abbey of St. Elena +39 0731.814599 during the feudal time is recorded in a document of Tourist office: 1180, mentioning Paganello Phone: +39 0731.813701 de Rosora, an important Rosora townsman as Abbey’s proMountain Community tector. By the second half of Phone: +39 0732.6952 the 13th century the village Rosora is already a free Muwww.comune.rosora.an.it nicipality, though it belonged to the country side (contado) of comune@comune.rosora.an.it Jesi. Due to its fidelity to Jesi, Rosora was endowed with the www.parcogolarossa.it title of fidelis and was allowed to provide its coat of arms with WHERE TO STAY the same crowned lion ramHOTELS pant. From 1926 until 1946 CAMPSITES formed the Municipality of HOLIDAY VILLAGES Rosora-Mergo, together with COUNTRY HOUSES l Mergo; in 1946 Rosora obAPARTMENT RENTALS tained its administrative indeROOMS TO RENT pendence back.

Inhabitants 1894 Altitude 381 m ASL Surface 9,5 sq km Distance from Ancona 49 km

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The echelon town framework is very interesting; it’s characterized by roomy space between the buildings, arranged in rows and the ring walls.

Fragments of the Ring walls (13th - 15th century), the gate with the original hinges, a semi-circular tower with sheer basement and a passage under-

neath the ring walls, with barrel vault resting on round arches are the sole traces of the original Castle. In the historic centre of the village is the rich parish Church of St. Michele, erected in the 18th century on a previously existing Romanesque Church, containing, among other well preserved items, a wooden Crucifix of the 17th century, created by Pier Domenico Nofroschi, considered as miraculous, as well as a notable painting representing St. Giovannino, generally attributed to the painter Adrea from Jesi.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The hamlet Tesenaria (today Tassanare or Croce del Moro) is famous for a wooden cross: according to a very sad legend the “Moro” of the aristocratic family of Genga was hanged on it.

WORTH TASTING Among the local specialities we recommend salami and hams, cheeses and oil; wine lovers cannot miss tasting the excellent Verdicchio, produced by lots of little local winegrowers.

SOMETHING TO DO The location of the village allows an amazing panoramic view sweeping away from Mount Catria to the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic

Sea. Thanks to its healthy air the territory is a perfect place to spend summer holidays. Soccer fields, tennis courts and a Boules (Bocce) rink are available for fitness fans.

WORTH DISCOVERING Enjoy the naturalistic Route of Granchio Nero, winding along the Fosso di Rosora (Rosora Ditch, also called Fosso delle Macinare), characterized by the presence of river crabs (black crab); the rich flora and fauna of the region include beech martens, weasels, badgers, dormouses, birds of preys, forest trees and a nice cyclamen brushwood. Walking along the road to the hamlet San Giovanni you will appreciate several century-old oaks, and Pliocene sea deposits containing fossil Gastropoda and Lamellibranchia.

DON’T MISS OUT Miss Verdicchio - June; Fiera del perdono (Fair of the forgiveness) in the hamlet Angeli 3rd August; Festa in campagna (Festival in the country side) in the hamlet Tassanare - first week end in September; Convegno sul Verdicchio (Conference about Verdicchio) - Saturday before the Feast of Sapa; Festa della Sapa (Sapa Festival) - third Sunday in October.

Province of Ancona

SAN PAOLO DI JESI PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

SAN PAOLO DI JESI

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Even if different archaeological items have been found in the hamlet Follonica, the origin of the village can be identified with the presence of a small friar Church dedicated to St. Paolo. This also explains the origin of the geographical name Castrum Monti Sancti Pauli, from Town hall: which the current name derives.

Phone: +39 0731.779088 The earliest mention of the vil+39 0731.779141 lage can be dated around 1079, but in a document dated 1275 www.comune.sanpaolodijesi.an.it San Paolo is mentioned as a castle of the country side (contado) comune@comune. of Jesi for the first time. The desanpaolodijesi.it pendance on Jesi is further confirmed in the Descriptio Marchiae Anconitanae and again in the Costituzioni Egidiane, enacted in 1357 by Cardinal Albornoz. After its transfer to the Popedom the village of San Paolo was extended in 1491.

Assembled to Monte Roberto in WHERE TO STAY 1818, it got its autonomy again HOTELS from 1818 till 1929, when San CAMPSITES Paolo was assembled with HOLIDAY VILLAGES Staffolo; since 1946 it’s comCOUNTRY HOUSES pletely administratively indeAPARTMENT RENTALS pendent.

Inhabitants 904 Altitude 224 m ASL Surface 10,07 sq km Distance from Ancona 40 km

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ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

l WORTH VISITING l Just entering the village, you

will find the 18th century Palazzo Bassi; in the heart of the borgo stands the Parish Church of St. Paolo, built at the end of the 18th century, that contains an altar-piece representing the Madonna with Apostles, created by Pomarancio in 1620; of particular interest in the same Church are an

organ by Feliciano Fedeli of 1737, a wrought-silver goblet of 1523, coming from the old Church of St. Maria dell’Arco (of which only ruins are available nowadays) and a font of 1708. In the Church of the Misericordia, also called Church of the Cementery it is possible to appreciate a wall painting, attributed to by Andrea from Jesi, representing the Madonna with St Pauli’s people under her cloak (the original piece is currently covered by a copy). The Town Hall and the elegant Civic Tower (unfortunately it was damaged by lightning in the 70s) date from the end of the 18th century.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER To honour the vocation of this land to wine-growing, typical for the territory and characterized by natural products, the municipal authorities arranged the restoration of old building in the historical centre and created the Bottega del Vino, an unmissable stopover in the local touristic itineraries, where everyone can enjoy a wide selection of wines of the Marche.

WORTH TASTING Thanks to the location, protected from cold winds in winter, but airy and cool in the summer, the territory of San Paolo is very suitable for wine-growing: land actually gives on the average about one million litres wine a

year, 4.000 litres Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Olive oil is also excellent.

SOMETHING TO DO The village is located on the right side of the Esino River, on a hill leaning over the Staffolo’s hill. It’s a very suitable area for walks and excursions, enjoying amazing panoramic views of both the coast and the Apennines.

WORTH DISCOVERING The area is characterized by so called “bollitori” (kettles), small mud-volcanos, often inspiring old folk legends and imaginings, created by gas erupting after going through soaked clay strata. These formations are particularly present in Fonte and Battinebbia, San Paolo’s hamlets.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di San Giuseppe (Feast of St. Giuseppe) - March; Infiorata del Corpus Domini (Corpus Christi Infiorata - Procession across the town streets, specifically covered with devotional flower decorations) - June; Settimana gastronomica (Gastronomic week) - 15th August; Andar per frantoi e mercatini (free visit to oil mills and typical market) - October; “Verdicchio in versi” poetry contest and the Cavata delle Zitelle (Feast celebrating the very old folk tradition) - 7th and 8th December.

47

PROVINCE OF MACERATA

Province of Macerata

ACQUACANINA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ACQUACANINA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 125 Altitude 740 m ASL Surface 26,71 sq km Distance from Macerata 52 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.52143 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.acquacanina.sinp.net comune@acquacanina.sinp.net www.sibillini.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

Acquacanina was initially a feud of Count Manardo di Sigfredo, who is mentioned in a document dated 977. Later it was submitted to the Benedictine monks, that is under direct papal protection. The Valley took the name of St. Salvatore due to the presence of the monks, and Rio River, which flows into the Fiastrone River, was described as “Sacred”. In the 15th century it became a Free Municipality, still being under the influence of Camerino.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting are the Romanesque Abbey of St. Maria di Rio Sacro, the Baroque Church of Madonna del Vallone with seven altars; the Romanesque Church of St. Michele Arcangelo with a dovecote of the 15th century; as well as the ring walls of the castle of the Da Varano family from Camerino, recently restored; inside is the Romanesque Church of St. Margherita.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The etymology of the name is uncertain: the first part owes its origin to the abundance of water in that area; about the origin of the second part there are some assumptions: it may result from Cumina, an herbaceous plant that abounded in the area, or from the Latin

word Cumma, which means condominium, that is water of common utility. Another supposition recalls a dog, likely referring to a lookout tower located in the Fiastrone Valley; this may be confirmed by the scene represented in the municipal coat of arms, that is a watchdog standing on the water.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: cheese, salami, honey and cakes.

SOMETHING TO DO The municipal territory is of great naturalistic interest, since it is located in the heart of the Sibilllini Mountains National Park. Therefore it offers quiet and relaxing summer holidays to those people, who love walking and going on excursions on foot or by mountain bike. It is also famous for its cross-country skiing tracks on Prati di Ragnolo.

WORTH DISCOVERING Acquacanina is located in the picturesque landscape of the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and it is one of the l8 Municipalities of the Sibillini Mountains National Park.

There are lots of possibilities to discover the different natural treasures of the area.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra della bruschetta (Bru-

schetta festival) - August; Biennale Mostra di antiquariato (Biennal Antiques show) August; Serate musicali (Musical Evenings) - August.

Province of Macerata

BELFORTE DEL CHIENTI PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

BELFORTE DEL CHIENTI FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1747 Altitude 347 m ASL Surface 15,93 sq km Distance from Macerata 26 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.951011 +39 0733.951010 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune. belfortedelchienti.mc.it comune@belforte.sinp.net

The village of Belforte, located on the top of a steep hill, is a centre rich in artistic evidences and in environmental and landscape attractions. In the high Middle Ages the current territory of Belforte was included in the court of St. Gregorio in Travenano. In 1205 it became part of Camerino with the purpose to oppose the expansion of Tolentino; the following events bounded Belforte to the inhabitants of Tolentino first, then to Camerino, until it finally passed under the rule of the Popedom in the 16th century. It still preserves its 14th century ring walls and its medieval urban system with narrow steep and winding roads.

WORTH VISITING The noble historic Church of St. Eustachio preserves an imWHERE TO STAY portant and valuable Giovanni HOTELS l Boccati’s polyptych, dated CAMPSITES 1468; the Church of St. SebasHOLIDAY VILLAGES tiano has a wonderful portal of COUNTRY HOUSES the 15th century; in the Church APARTMENT RENTALS of St. Pietro Apostolo you can ROOMS TO RENT see a processional copper FARM HOLIDAYS l Cross in Byzantine style; in the BED & BREAKFAST l Church of St. Giovanni Battista CARAVAN SITES you can find interesting fresYOUTH HOSTELS coes of Andrea de Magistris, MOUNTAIN DEWS dated 1558.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The name derives in part from its harmonious appearance and in part from its strategic position on the Chienti Valley.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, red wine Vernaccia d.o.c., traditional sausages, cheese, bread with nuts, dry pastry (anise biscuits, pizza cakes, ciambelle - ring-shaped pastries), homemade pasta (tagliatelle and the famous “vincisgrassi”).

SOMETHING TO DO In Belforte you can find a municipal indoor Bocce rink centre, a tennis court, a baseball ground, a municipal sports ground and a gym.

WORTH DISCOVERING Nearby you can enjoy numerous natural-environmental trips, either on foot or by mountain bike, in the paths or woods of the territory of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri) .

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono Sant’Eustachio (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Eustachio) with traditional fried fish festival - May; Festa delle fornaci (festival of Brickyards) - July; Sagra della polenta (Polenta festival) - August; Festa a Villa Case e a Villa Pianignoli (Festivals in Villa Casa and Villa Pianignoli) September; Festival dell’acquaticcio (Acquaticcio: fermentation of must and water) in Borgo S. Maria - last Sunday in September.

51

Province of Macerata

BOLOGNOLA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

BOLOGNOLA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 176 Altitude 1070 m ASL Surface 25,86 sq km Distance from Macerata 65 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.520 225 +39 0737.520265 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751

The first written document, certifying the existence of the village and of its name, is the Bull of Pope Celestine III of 1192. In Roman times the territory of Bolognola was an integral part of the Civitas camerinese. During the municipal period it was subjected to the Da Varano family from Camerino. With the Napoleonic invasion it was finally assigned to the Musone District, which had Pieve Torina as capital.

WORTH VISITING Bolognola consists of three settlements (Villas), set up by three faMonti Sibillini National Park: mous noble Ghibelline families exPhone: +39 0737.972711 pelled from Bologna in the 13th century: Bentivoglio, Pepoli and www.comune.bolognola.mc.it Malvezzi; the three units, composing the municipality, were named comune@bolognola.sinp.net after the three families, but they are also called, Villa da Piedi, Villa di www.sibillini.net Mezzo and Villa da Capo, respectively. In Villa da Piedi you can find WHERE TO STAY the Church of St. Nicolò, containHOTELS l ing an organ of the 18th century, the CAMPSITES Palazzo Primavera of the 17th cenHOLIDAY VILLAGES tury, with frescoes, dating from COUNTRY HOUSES that time, ruins of the Church of St. APARTMENT RENTALS Maria a Piè del Sasso and the old ROOMS TO RENT Mill. In Villa di Mezzo is preserved FARM HOLIDAYS a Rosary Madonna, painted by BED & BREAKFAST l Giulio Vergari Amandola in 1519; CARAVAN SITES l of great interest are also the reYOUTH HOSTELS mains of the Da Varano Castle, MOUNTAIN DEWS with walls and keeps, dated back to the 13th century, and the Town Hall.

In Villa da Capo you can see the Church of St. Maria delle Grazie with Baroque frescoes of the 15th century and an organ of the 18th century. From the Edicola Cruciani, a shrine, dating from the half

of the 15th century, comes an important fresco representing the Madonna with Child and Saints, attributed to Girolamo di Giovanni from Camerino and now preserved at the Picture Gallery in Camerino.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER There are several hypothesis regarding the origin of the name: according to some opinions the term derives from the adjective bonus in relation to waters good quality, land fertility and pastures richness, according to others it derives from Bona, an Umbro-Celtic divinity.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: cheese, salami, honey, cakes and fruits of the forest and undergrowth (mushrooms, chestnuts, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and so on).

SOMETHING TO DO Bolognola offers many opportunities for sport lovers: ski practisers can enjoy its seven lifts, furthermore, you can hike, go on mountain bike, play soccer, tennis, Bocce and enjoy walking or horse trekking excursions up to 2000m in height.

WORTH DISCOVERING Bolognola is the highest town in the Marche and its territory belongs the of Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and its municipal territory is totally included in the Sibillini Mountains National Park.

There are numerous floristic presences of high naturalistic interest: the gentian, the pearl oysters and various kinds of orchids. You can enjoy wonderful walks along the following natural itineraries: Valle dell’Acquasanta, Fonte dell’Aquila, Valle del Fargno, Pizzo tre Vescovi, Fonte dell’Efre, Fonte delle Bassette, Macchia Tonda, Sentiero Pineta per la Maddalena.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra dell’antico sapore di montagna (Festival of mountain ancient flavours) - July; Feste triennali del Patrono (Triennal Patron Festivals) - July and August; Festa della frittella (Fritters Festival) August; Festa dei fagioli con le cotiche (Festival of beans with pork rinds) - August; Corsa del palio delle Tre Ville (Palio of the three villas) - August; Mostra antiquaria (Antiques exhibition) - August; Mostra fotografica e gruppo corale di montagna (Photographic Show and Mountain choral group) - August.

Province of Macerata

CALDAROLA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

CALDAROLA FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1832 Altitude 314 m ASL Surface 20,09 sq km Distance from Macerata 30 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.905529 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune.caldarola.mc.it comune@caldarola.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Since the 9th century Caldarola has belonged to the Abbey of St.Clemente in Casauria; it joined Camerino in 1240. After various and long war events, it finally returned to the Popedom in 1545. In 1799 the pontifical domain was overthrown by the French Revolution. After Napoleon, the village came back to the Church government till 1861, when the region Marche was annexed to Italian Kingdom.

WORTH VISITING It is a centre of great historical and artistic interest, famous for the presence of important and significant traces of a remote past in the outskirts. The key feature of the village is the Casle of Counts Pallotta, which dominates the village from the top of the Cuculo Hill.

The Palace of Cardinal Evangelista Pallotta (16th century), today’s Town Hall, houses the beautiful Stanza del Paradiso, full of frescoes, and the Municipal Painting Gallery. In the basement of the palace you can also visit the Museum of Esoterism and the Resistance Museum. The Castle Vestignano (9th - 10th centuries) preserves works of De Magistris and Nobile da Lucca. The Sanctuary of Maria SS. del Monte, dating from the half of the 18th century, contains a painting representing the Madonna with Child among Saints and clients. The significant Munici-

pal Theatre dates 1830. Worth visiting is also the medieval Castle Pievefavera.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Caldarola owes probably its name to the Latin word Calidarium, which indicated the room with warm water pool in thermal baths; the area was probably been rich in sulphur waters.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil “Coroncina”, vincotto (literally cooked wine), traditional salami and sausages variety (ciauscolo, pork neck salami, salsiccia, ham), cheese, pastries with anise biscuits, Christmas and Easter pizzas, ring-shaped cakes, honey, truffles, pasta.

km), characteristic area downhill the Sibillini Mountains, suitable for swimming and canoeing. You can also enjoy historical-naturalistic excursions in the wonderful territory of the Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri, for example you can visit the castles of Vestignano, Pievefavera, Croce di Pievefavera, Valcimarra.

DON’T MISS OUT Via Crucis - Good Friday; Festa Calendimaggio - May; Giro cicloturistico “Gran Fondo dei Sibillini” (Bicycle tour) July; Giostra de“Le Castella” historical revival show - first week of August; Presepe vivente (Staging of the nativity) - 26th and 29th December.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, an indoor Boules (Bocce) rink centre, a multi-purpose ground and a municipal sports ground.

WORTH DISCOVERING Caldarola belongs to the district of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri). Within the town walls is a park with century-old trees, including a pine tree, planted on the occasion of the visit of Clement VIII. You can easily reach the lake Caccamo (2,8

53

Province of Macerata

CAMPOROTONDO DI FIASTRONE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

CAMPOROTONDO DI FIASTRONE FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

During the last period of the Western Roman Empire, Camporotondo was a legally independent agricultural centre. After the fall of the Empire in 1147, in the early Middle Ages, it was turned into a Castrum (small town surrounded by walls) and into a stronghold for Town hall: the defence of San Ginesio by Phone: +39 0733.907153 the Da Varano family. The spe+39 0733.907359 cial autonomy enjoyed by Camporotondo is confirmed by Mountain Community its statutes, dated 1322-1366, Phone: +39 0733.656336 which are considered among the oldest ones of central Italy. www.comune.

In the 16th century Camporocamporotondodifiastrone.mc.it tondo was annexed to the Church States, however it comune@camporotondo.sinp.net maintained its own statutes and privileges.

Inhabitants 606 Altitude 335 m ASL Surface 8,83 sq km Distance from Macerata 30 km

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WORTH VISITING Worth visiting are the restored ancient castle walls and the 14th WHERE TO STAY century “Portarella”, the meHOTELS dieval town gate. In the Church CAMPSITES of St. Marco you can see a HOLIDAY VILLAGES Rosary Madonna with Saints of COUNTRY HOUSES the 16th century, a Madonna APARTMENT RENTALS with Child and Saints of the ROOMS TO RENT 17th century and the Trinity and FARM HOLIDAYS l Saints, dating from the 17th BED & BREAKFAST l century. Interesting is the ConCARAVAN SITES vent of Colfano, where you can YOUTH HOSTELS find, among other works, a MOUNTAIN DEWS Madonna Enthroned with Saints (1490) and a Crucifixion with Virgin and Saints by Nobile da Lucca. The Church of St. Maria di Garufo preserves an important fresco representing the Madonna Enthroned with Child, dating from the 15th

century, attributed to Paolo da Visso. The Town Hall has been recently restored.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The name Camporotondo seems to derive from the name of a medieval landlord or, according to a more likely option the name recalls the circular shape of the village. The specification of “Fiastrone”, referring to the stream that runs across the town, was added in 1863.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, vincotto (literally cooked wine), wine Rosso Piceno doc., salami, cheese, pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti and the famous “vincisgrassi”), lamb, Christmas and Easter pizzas, fruits of the forest.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field and a multi-purpose gym (where you can play tennis, volleyball and football).

WORTH DISCOVERING Camporotondo belongs to the district of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri). From the town walls, towards north-west, you can enjoy a wonderful panorama from the Fiastrone Valley with its unique and beautiful land-

scape. The town is of great naturalistic interest; hiking or mountain-bike lovers will enjoy their stay, indeed.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di Sant’Antonio Abate (Fair of St. Antonio Abate) January; Sagra dell’agnello e degustazione dei prodotti tipici (Lamb Festival and tasting of typical products) - last Sunday in August.

Province of Macerata

CASTELSANTANGELO SUL NERA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

CASTELSANTANGELO SUL NERA

Inhabitants 323 The first people, who resided in Altitude 725 m ASL the valley were Umbrian people Surface 70,7 sq km of the civilization of Villanova.

Distance In the 12th century the territory from Macerata 76 km of Castelsantangelo sul Nera

was included among the possessions of the Lord of the Castle of Norcia and in 1255 it was given to the most important Lord of Visso. Castelsantangelo became one of the five “Guaite” of Visso and since then, it followed its historical evolution. In 1912 it obtained its administrative autonomy.

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.970039 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.comune. castelsantangelosulnera.mc.it comune@castelsantangelo.sinp.net www.sibillini.net WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING It still preserves the medieval walls and the original framework of the 15th century. The Church of St. Martino, built in Romanesque style with its elegant bell tower with double lancet windows, is full of frescoes, made by the Umbrian School. The Church of St. Sebastiano dates from the 17th century. The 14th century parish church of St. Stefano boasts a Romanesque portal and contains a stone font of the 14th century.

The Monastery of St. Liberatore, built in the 13th century, is surrounded by massive walls, that once delimited the castle; now it preserves an interesting fresco in the apse wall, as well as some paintings, made by the Umbrian school. Worth seeing is also the Porta Castello with a very charming massive stone portal, Porta Norcina with a double arch and Porta S. Angelo (historic town gates).

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The origin of the name dates back to the 14th century, when different local people, exposed to the danger of plunders and incursions, joined together, looking for protection and freedom.

From that moment they gave the name of Castrum Sancti Angeli to the big village, that they founded, putting it under the protection of the Arcangel Michele.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: emmer, beans, lentils, mushrooms, black truffles, pecorino cheese, the ciauscolo (soft spreadable salami), the so called torciglione (snakeshaped cake stuffed with walnuts, almonds and jam), tarts with blackberries and chestnuts jam, sweet fritters, sweet ravioli with ricotta, the so called tozzetti, ring-shaped cakes and Carnival Castagnole.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a Bocce rink centre, a multi-sports centre and 4 ski-lifts on the Mount Prata.

Cross-country skiing opportunities in the nearby tableland of Pian Perduto.

WORTH DISCOVERINGCastelsantangelo is located near the source of the Nera River, the territory is in the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and the municipal territory is totally included in the Sibillini Mountains National

Park, in a wooded area, sited on the western side of the park. It is a starting point for wonderful walks and excursions on foot, horseback or by mountain bike. The habitat of the area is characterized by unspoiled and lush vegetation and it’s very rich in water. The most evocative places are: Fonte del Lupo (1775m) close to a beautiful pine forest, Forca di Gualdo (1469m) and the tableland of Pian Perduto (1345m), with its unique landscape, indeed.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna dell’Icona (Feast of Madonna of the icon) first Sunday in July; Rievocazione storica della Disfida delle Guaite (Historical revival representation of the “Disfida delle Guaite”) - August; Sagra dei fagioli con le cotiche (Festival of beans with pork rinds) in the hamlet Vallinfante - 16th August; Sagra del Marrone Castellano (Festival of typical marron) - October/November.

55

Province of Macerata

CESSAPALOMBO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

CESSAPALOMBO

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 564 Altitude 418 m ASL Surface 27,78 sq km Distance from Macerata 36 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.907132

As regards the origins of Cessapalombo, we haven’t any certain sources. According to some documents, in the 12th century it was a castle, that was assigned by the Cardinal Fieschi to the town of Camerino in 1240; the later history of Cessapalombo was strongly affected by Camerino’s history.

WORTH VISITING The settlement, which rose at the feet of the Mount Castro, is very interesting from the arMonti Sibillini National Park: chaeological point of view. A Phone: +39 0737.972711 great number of findings, dating from the 4th-3rd centuries www.comune.cessapalombo.mc.it before Christ have been discovered in the area. Very intercomune@cessapalombo.sinp.net esting from the historical point of view is the Abbey of St. Salwww.sibillini.net vatore, dated back to the 11th century, located in the hamlet Monastero; in its crypt you can WHERE TO STAY find a fresco representing the HOTELS Madonna with Child, the CasCAMPSITES tle of Montalto, a mighty bulHOLIDAY VILLAGES wark belonging to the Da VaraCOUNTRY HOUSES l no family, built in the 9th centuAPARTMENT RENTALS ry and the Church of St. ROOMS TO RENT Benedetto, which preserves a FARM HOLIDAYS l valuable fresco by De MagBED & BREAKFAST l istris. Of particular interest are CARAVAN SITES also the Parish Church of St. YOUTH HOSTELS Andrea (known as the MadonMOUNTAIN DEWS na dell’Impollata), containing a venerable wooden group representing the Madonna dell’Impollata and the 14th century Church of St. Maria Ausiliatrice, sited in the hamlet Villa di Montalto, where you can see the painting Mater MisericorMountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336

diae con cavalieri of 1468, attributed to Girolamo di Giovanni. The Fortress Col di Pietra of the 13th century stands sheer over the Fiastrone Valley.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, vincotto (literally cooked wine), “ciauscolo”, mushrooms, black truffles, wild boar, wild game, cheeses, handmade pasta, bread with nuts, pizza with cheese, Frustingo (Christmas cake), cicerchiata (Carnival cake) and Easter pizzas.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a sports ground, a multipurpose centre and a fitness centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING The municipality, located in the Fiastrone Valley, belongs to the territory of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri) and is included in the Sibillini Mountains National Park. It is an excellent starting point for several excursions on foot or by mountain bike, which allows you to enjoy a wonderful panorama over the Gorge of Fiastrone, a lush and unspoiled nature, and to appreciate the different abbeys and monasteries sprinkled in the valley.

Worth remembering are the following routes: Gorge of Fi-

astrone , Grotta dei Frati, Lame rosse, Rocca di Col di Pietra.

It’s possible to book guided tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra del fungo (Mushroom Festival) - May; Festa di San Filippo (Feast of St. Filippo) in the hamlet Colbottoni June; Sagra della Pizza (Pizza Festival) - June/July; Sagra “Taverna del Castello” tasting of typical products in the hamlet Tribbio - August; Festa della Madonna dell’Impollata (Feast of Madonna dell’Impollata) - August, Festa della natività della Madonna (Feast of the Nativity of the Madonna) - September; Festeggiamenti (Celebrations) in the hamlet Monastero - September; Festa della Natura e dei Sapori del bosco (Festival of the nature and forest flavours) - October.

Province of Macerata

COLMURANO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

COLMURANO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1287 Altitude 414 m ASL Surface 11,17sq km Distance from Macerata 19 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.508287 +39 0733.508463 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune.colmurano.mc.it comune@colmurano.sinp.net

Archaeological findings, dating from the Palaeolithic Period, attest the human presence in the area in prehistoric times. Thereafter we have no further information about the settlement till the conquest by Rome. In the Middle Ages Colmurano became a fortified village, feud of the Gualtieri family. Later it passed under the rule of Tolentino, which elected the Priors and the Podestà; however, it still maintained a certain freedom, as the existence of the statutes, containing the rules that regulated the life of the small town, evidences. At the beginning of the 19th century it regained its independence.

WORTH VISITING The Church of SS. Annunziata, built between the end of the fourteenth century and the first half of the fifteenth century, is characWHERE TO STAY terized by the brick doorway, HOTELS l decorated with floral motifs and CAMPSITES by the presence of valuable maHOLIDAY VILLAGES jolica bowls on its facade. Inside COUNTRY HOUSES you can find a fresco representAPARTMENT RENTALS ing the Nativity, attributed to ROOMS TO RENT Giovanni De Magistris from CalFARM HOLIDAYS l darola (1560), a wooden crucifix, BED & BREAKFAST an illuminated parchment of Paul CARAVAN SITES l V and some Baroque picture YOUTH HOSTELS frames. The Church of St. Rocco, MOUNTAIN DEWS or della Loggia, is a small square chapel with segmented dome, built between the sixteenth and the seventeenth century and restored later. In the sacred building, ancient refuge of pilgrims, there is a fresco of a Madonna Enthroned and Saints, dated

1536. The Parish Church of St. Donato preserves ancient tabernacles, interesting paintings and revered shrines. Some sections and a defensive tower are what remain of the castle walls, reinforced by ramparts.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, vincotto (literally cooked wine), salami, cheese, homemade pasta (tagliatelle and “vincisgrassi”), bread with nuts, Frustingo (Christmas cake), “cicerchiata” (Carnival cake), Easter pizzas.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a Bocce rink centre, a tennis court, a five-a-side football field, a stadium and 2 multipurpose fields.

WORTH DISCOVERING Colmurano belongs to the territory of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri); it is located on the top of a hill, offering a wide panorama, that covers the surrounding hills and the chain of the Sibillini Mountains. Within the village there are several green areas equipped for children, such as Parco della Rimembranza and the green space dedicated “to the Children of the world.” There are lots of historical and naturalistic routes in the territory of the Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri, called “the territory of small charms”.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di Santa Croce (Fair of St. Croce) - first Sunday in May; Biennale L. C. Ventura - June; Fiesta Latina (Latin Fiesta) - June, Concerto in piazza (Concert on the town square) - June; “Pizzagra - Artistrada”- July; Raduno moto d’epoca (Meeting of vintage motorcycles) - July, ; Festa del Patrono San Donato (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Donato) August, Gara Nazionale di Karting (National Go-Karting race) August; “Magicabula” feast of the Childhood - September; Castagnata in piazza (Chestnut festival on the town square) - October; “Marciando per i colli” National meeting of amateur runners - November; Allestimento presepe Francescano (Franciscan crib) - December; Concerto di Natale (Christmas Concert) 25th December.

57

Province of Macerata

FIASTRA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FIASTRA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 591 Altitude 750 m ASL Surface 57,57 sq km Distance from Macerata 52 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.52112 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.comune.fiastra.mc.it

The origins of Fiastra are remote: archaeological findings attest the presence of human settlements since the Neolithic period. Poggio, Trebbio and Fiegni date from the Roman period, according to the findings, discovered in San Lorenzo al Lago. In the Middle Ages numerous castles, feuds of the Malagotti Lords, Beato Ugolino’s family of origin, arose in the area. In the following years Fiastra passed under the rule of the King Manfredi (1259), the Da Varano family (1262), the Sforza family (1443), the Da Varano family (1447) and until it was appropriated by the Popedom in 1545.

ries of paintings representing Scens of the Blessed’s life, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The evocative Grotta dei frati (Friars’ Cave) on the left bank of the Fiastrone River, used to be a refuge for Clareni monks, repentant friars, who built there a shrine for cult.

WORTH VISITING The Castle of Conti Magalotti (the Castrum Flastrae), whose origins date from the 11th century, residence of the Podestà and of the General Council, had solid walls, reinforced by seven keeps; the inhabitants of the valley found refuge there during the invasions. The Abbey St. Paolo Apostolo in Fiegni, built in the eleventh century in Romanesque style with one nave and two aisles, preserves a painting representing St. Paolo’s Conversion, attributed to Baciccia. The Church of St. Lorenzo al Lago of the 12th century preserves important Romanesque frescoes. The Sanctuary of Blessed Ugolino, built in the 14th century, preserves in the central nave a se-

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: cheese, traditional salami (including ciauscolo), lentils, honey, bread, handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti, vincisgrassi), cakes and fruits of the forest (mushrooms, black truffles, chestnuts, strawberries).

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The Lake Fiastra is a stretch of water, where the tops of the Sibillini Mountains reflect themselves. It is one of the most evocative basins in the region and it is formed by the barrage of the Fiastrone River, a tributary of the Chienti River.

comune@fiastra.sinp.net www.sibillini.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: tennis court, soccer field, five-a-side football ground and a Bocce rink centre.

The lake allows you to practice several sports activities, including fishing, swimming, canoeing and water skiing WORTH DISCOVERING The town Fiastra is located in the picturesque natural setting

of the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and it is one of the l8 municipalities included in the Sibillini Mountains National Park, established in 1993. You can enjoy different excursions by mountain bike, on foot and horseback, in particular in the picturesque landscape of the Fiastrone Gorge.

It’s possible to book excursions with tour park guides.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera dei SS. Pietro e Paolo (Fair of SS. Pietro and Paolo) 29th June; Triathlon dei Monti Sibillini - June/July; Fuochi artificiali sul lago (Fireworks on the lake) - 9th August; Fiera di San Lorenzo (Fair of St. Lorenzo) - 11th August.

Province of Macerata

FIORDIMONTE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FIORDIMONTE

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 231 Altitude 569 m ASL Surface 21,22 sq km Distance from Macerata 50 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.644115 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.comune.fiordimonte.mc.it comune@fiordimonte.sinp.net www.sibillini.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The Municipality of Fiordimonte, characterized by very scattered settlements all over the territory, is sited in the upper valley of the Fornace River; its origins are pre-Roman.

In fact, in its territory an architrave with Picene inscription has been found; now it’s kept in a public fountain in the hamlet Taro. The earliest information about the village, which has always followed the historical events of Camerino, refers to the Middle Ages.

The remains of well-preserved medieval walls testify its importance. Eminent people of Fiordimonte, together with those ones of Nemi, Valle and Castello, forming together a circle, used to go to Macerata and Camerino.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting is the Church of St. Maria Assunta, in the hamlet Nemi, with 14th century frescoes by Paolo da Visso and a painting by Boccati (15th century). The Church of St. Antonio, in the hamlet Castello, contains a Crucifixion, attributed to Girolamo di Giovanni. In the little Church of St. Marco, in the hamlet Alfi, you can see a triptych with a Gothic frame attributed to Nobile di Francesco da Lucca.

The Church of St. Sebastiano (15th century), in the hamlet Villanova, contains a valuable polychrome wooden statue.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In the territory of the municipality you can find the faunalhunting farm, which covers an area of about 3,000 hectares, where you can practice the hunting activity.

Fiera di Sant’Antonio (Fair of St. Antonio) - 13th June; Sagra degli arrosticini (Sheep brochettes “arrosticini” Festival) August.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: vincotto (literally cooked wine), cheese, “ciauscolo”, honey, bread, handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti, vincisgrassi), cakes (pasta with walnuts) and fruits of woods and underbrush (mushrooms, black truffles, chestnuts, strawberries, and so on...)

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field and a tennis court.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Municipality of Fiordimonte is located within the beautiful territory of the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and some hectares its territory are included in the Sibillini Mountains National Park.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Gregorio (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Gregorio) - 30th January; Sagra delle fave e del pecorino (Festival of broad beans and pecorino cheese) - 1st May;

59

Province of Macerata

FIUMINATA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FIUMINATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1604 The name derives from the Altitude 652 m ASL nearby sources of the Potenza Surface 76,4 sq km River. It was the feud of the Da Distance Varano family from Camerino. from Macerata 54 km With the end of the domination

i

of the Da Varano family, the Popedom took the government of the territory.

Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.54122 +39 0737.54128

WORTH VISITING The Sanctuary of Madonna di Valcora, whose actual complex dates 1728, is situated in a very Mountain Community charming woody landscape, on Phone: +39 0733.637245 the top of the Mount Bordaino: inside is the main altar, a Cruciwww.comune.fiuminata.mc.it fixion with Madonna, St. Giovanni and Angels, a fresco atcomune@fiuminata.sinp.net tributed to Girolamo di Giovanni. Worth visiting is the 14th century Fortress of Spindoli, located in the hamlet Spindoli on a 650 m high spur; the Fortress of Laverino (or St. Lucia), built in 1020 by Rodolfo Monaldo WHERE TO STAY III, belonging to the Counts of HOTELS Nocera; the Castle of Orve, CAMPSITES which dates from the 13th cenHOLIDAY VILLAGES tury; the Church of the Crucifix COUNTRY HOUSES of Romitella of the 14th century, APARTMENT RENTALS l which preserves lots of fresROOMS TO RENT coes; the Church of St. Maria di FARM HOLIDAYS l Laverino of the 14th century BED & BREAKFAST with wonderful frescoes, dated CARAVAN SITES 1406, and a painting of the 16th YOUTH HOSTELS century representing the Virgin.

MOUNTAIN DEWS

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Fiuminata is a typical mountain village of great interest from the landscape point of view, located in the upper Valley of Potenza.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: salami, cheese, potatoes, black truffles, mushroom and cakes like “crescia sfogliata” (puff pizza bread).

SOMETHING TO DO It is the starting point for beautiful excursions on foot or by mountain bike on the green surrounding tablelands. The park is considered one of the best hang-gliding areas in Italy. The climbing wall, the first to be opened in the Marche, can boast 60 climb ways (from the 4th to the 8th difficulty level). Moreover, the following sport facilities are available: soccer field, Boules (Italian Bocce) rink, tennis courts, five-a-side football field, basketball-volleyball grounds, hang-gliding school area, skating rink, indoor Boules rink centre, gym and a small lake for sport fishing.

WORH DISCOVERING The natural environment is perhaps the greatest resource of the territory, as there are different areas of a great naturalistic and landscape value: Mount Gemmo (1250 m), Mont Pennino (1571 m), the meadows of “Le Spiante” (1100 m) and Mount Merennino (950 m), the ponds situated in Stoini, ancient woods, numerous mineral springs and the Potenza River with its sources. You can enjoy different historical-cultural excursions to visit the numerous abbeys of the area.

DON’T MISS OUT Motoraduno (Motorcycle Rally) - 1st May; Mercatino d’antiquariato “Il passato in piazza” (Antiques Market “The past on the piazza” - each Monday of August; Sagra della “Crescia fogliata” (Festival of “Crescia Fogliata”) - August; Marcia podistica dei 4 ponti (Foot Race) - first Sunday in August; Festa del ritorno a Spindoli (Feast of the Coming Back to Spindoli) - August; Fiera di Ferragosto (Fair of the 15th August), Corsa ciclistica “Alta valle del Potenza” (Cycling Race “Potenza Upper Valley) August; Premio“ Leonida Barboni (“Leonida Barboni” Award) for cinematography and photography - August; Mostra dei funghi e delle attività produttive (Exhibition of Mushrooms and Productive Activities) - first week of November; Concerto di Natale (Christmas Concert) - 25th December.

Province of Macerata

GAGLIOLE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

GAGLIOLE FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The history of Gagliole begins with prehistoric settlements of the ancient people of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic period, traces of which have been found in different occasions in the valley of Potenza and on the hill of Colle Marte. The territory experienced the influence of Town hall: the Roman civilization, too, but Phone: +39 0737.641184 no evidence of that time is left.

During the Early Middle Ages, Mountain Community the so called Pieve di St. ZePhone: +39 0733.637245 none, today know as St. Maria della Pieve, arose in the valley. www.comune.gagliole.mc.it Around the 12th century, the fortified Castle, initially comcomune@gagliole.sinp.net posed by one tower and ring walls only, was built on the hill, which Gagliole occupies nowadays. In the 13th century Gentile Da Varano arranged the enlargement of the castle, with the addiction of walls, gates and keeps towers and the building WHERE TO STAY of a fortress in the highest point.

HOTELS Today the fortress is one of the CAMPSITES most important evidences of HOLIDAY VILLAGES the medieval military architecCOUNTRY HOUSES ture of the Marche. The village APARTMENT RENTALS l preserves its original medieval ROOMS TO RENT town structure with the castle FARM HOLIDAYS l and the walls.

Inhabitants 640 Altitude 484 m ASL Surface 23,6 sq km Distance from Macerata 38 km

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BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

WORTH VISITING The Castle of Gagliole was built by the Da Varano family in the 14th century; interesting are its ring walls with mighty keeps to the west and the gate to the south. The parish Church of St. Michele Arcangelo, recently restored, has a beautiful brick portal and preserves a wooden

polychrome statue of St. Sebastiano (16th century). The Church of St. Giuseppe of the 16th century preserves a polychrome wooden crucifix of the 16th century and a fresco with a A. De Magistris’ Nativity of 1530. About 3km away from here, you can find the hermit’s Church of St. Maria delle Macchie, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries with annexed Convent and small cloister with brick columns; worth remembering are the brick decorations and numerous paintings, including two Madonna by Lorenzo Salimbeni. The original painting of the Madonna della Macchie is preserved in the Church of St. Lorenzo in Torreto. The Church of St. Maria della Pieve, important Romanesque building, preserves an interesting fresco of the 16th century, representing a Madonna with Child.

WORTH DISCOVERING The ancient Castle of Gagliole is the starting point for different excursions: you can go up to Prati (1000m above the sea level), a big green land of great naturalistic interest with a wonderful panorama. Hike to the wild Valley dell’Elce, a natural area covered by oak forests, to visit the Grotta dell’Elce e del Sasso Pozzo, or appreciate the karst intermittent springs.

DON’T MISS OUT Pellegrinaggio alla Madonna delle Macchie (Pilgrimage to the Madonna delle Macchie) night of 30th April; Torneo di calcio a cinque (Five-a-side football tournament) - July; Rassegna del Teatro Dialettale (Dialect Theater Show) - August; Serata “Blues festival” (Blues Festival) - August; Manifestazioni ricreative e culturali (Recreative and cultural Events) - Summer.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: honey, bread, handmade pasta (“tagliatelle” and “vincisgrassi”), the wine Verdicchio doc, traditional sausages, among which is the famous ciauscolo, cakes (crescia, Frustingo, Easter ringshaped cakes).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: multi-purpose sports ground, tennis courts, Buoles (Italian Bocce) rinks and cycle paths for mountain biking.

61

Province of Macerata

GUALDO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

GUALDO

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 909 Altitude 652 m ASL Surface 22,11sq km Distance from Macerata 43 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.668122 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune.gualdo.mc.it comune@gualdo.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The village of Gualdo was built after the destruction of Urbisaglia and Falerone, when the Lords of these towns took refuge in the nearby mountains and began to build their castles in higher places to escape the massacre of barbarians. The name Gualdo comes from the Longobard word Wald, meaning forest, being the area actually covered by thick forests.

The Castle of Gualdo was the stronghold of the ancient and powerful dynasty of Brunforte, who acquired it by the Bonifazi family, declining noble dynasty from Monte San Martino, who had sold it to Fermo in 1319.

There was a long period of conflict between Gualdo and San Ginesio because of border problems, but in 1484, thanks to the intervention of Pope Sisto IV, the two municipalities achieved an agreement setting the boundaries along the Salino River. The importance of the Castle of Gualdo was also determined by the fact that the border between the dioceses of Camerino and Fermo went across its territory.

WORTH VISITING In the neoclassical parish Church of St. Savino (14th century) there are several important works, among which we have to remember numerous paintings and a stone relief of the 17th century. At the ground floor of the “Romolo Murri”

Library-House, built in the 20th century, are the library and the archives of this illustrious man.

The Church of Madonna delle Grazie (12th century) boasts a facade with a beautiful sandstone portico and preserves an interesting fresco of the 15th century. The Franciscan Convent (16th century) contains a wonderful cloister, made up of twelve big arches with a central well.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, mushrooms, vincotto (literally cooked wine), “ciauscolo”, cheese (pecorino cheese), handmade pasta (tagliatelle, vincisgrassi, cappelletti), cakes (bread with nuts and Easter ring-shaped cakes).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multi-purpose indoor centre, a tennis court, a sports field and a skating rink WORTH DISCOVERING Gualdo is included in the charming territory of the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri), characterized by an unspoiled nature and by the vestiges of a glorious past.

Within the village there is a park with a great variety of plants and flowers. You can enjoy different historical-cultural and naturalistic trips on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.

DON’T MISS OUT Mostra mercato dei formaggi d’Italia (Exhibition and Market of Italian Cheese) - May; Festa del Patrono San Savino (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Savino) - August.

Province of Macerata

MONTE CAVALLO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTE CAVALLO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 159 Altitude 653 m ASL Surface 38,61 sq km Distance from Macerata 57 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.519618 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 www.comune.montecavallo.mc.it comune@montecavallo.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

Monte Cavallo is located at the entrance of a gorge, between two rock faces. In the Middle Ages it was part of the feud of the Dukes Baschi, a Ghibelline family from Orvieto. Later it passed to the Da Varano famiy from Camerino and then to the Popedom.

WORTH VISITING The Church of St. Benedetto in Valle preserves parts of the original Benedictine structure. The Church of St. Niccolò in Valcadara contains frescoes representing the Annunciation, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, attributed to Paolo da Visso. The Church of Cerreto contains a Crucifixion and a Madonna

by Andrea De Magistris.

Worth visiting is the Church of St. Maria Assunta, which preserves a gilded-copper Cross of the 16th century and some paintings.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Through the streets of the village you will easily meet older people, willing to tell you fantastic stories, ancient legends, where the sacred and the profane are mixed together.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: mushrooms, black truffles, “ciauscolo”, cheese, honey, lentils and potatoes.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a five-a-side football field and cycle paths for mountain biking.

ucts) - July; Feste triennali in onore della Madonna della Valle (Triennial Feasts In honor of the Madonna Della Valle) - August.

WORTH DISCOVERING The territory of Monte Cavallo is situated within the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and it’s included in the Torricchio Mountain Natural Reserve, established in 1977. The reserve covers 371 hectares, and since its establishment it has been included in the WWF Oasis National System. It is a very interesting area from the naturalistic and faunal point of view: the wooded areas are characterized by beeches, oaks, holm-oaks and black hornbeams; the fauna includes wild cats, foxes, badgers, beech-martens, weasels, squirrels and hares. The bird population is characterized by the partridge and the Greek partridge. It is a starting point for wonderful naturalistic trips on foot, horseback or by mountain bike. In particular periods of the year you can gather different fruits of the forest and undergrowth like mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, strawberries, blueberries, and so on...

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra del Castrato e dei prodotti della Montagna (Festival of Mutton and Mountain Prod-

63

Province of Macerata

MONTE SAN MARTINO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MONTE SAN MARTINO

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 815 Monte San Martino originated Altitude 600 m ASL in the Roman times, as eviSurface 18,5 sq km denced by the great number of Distance archaeological findings, such from Macerata 47 km as coins, vases, weapons and

tombs. It became a Free Municipality around 1240, and it was strongly influenced by the the noble Bonifazi family. Later it expanded its territory buying the neighbouring castles, like Scheggia; this fact caused a long conflict with Amandola, which aspired to the possession of the same places. Around the half of the 14th century it was submitted to the Signoria of the Da Varano family; afterwards it was included in the Church Territories.

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.660107 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune. montesanmartino.mc.it comune@ montesanmartino.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING Some sections of walls, reinforced by square base towers, and the remains of a stone door with a beautiful well-preserved brick decoration, typical of the Marche, are the only traces left of the fortified medieval Castle (13th - 14th centuries). Worth remembering is the interesting Church of St. Martino, containing some polyptyches of extraordinary importance; two of them are attributed to Vittore Crivelli, one to Carlo and Vittore Crivelli, and another one (coming from the Church of St. Maria del Pozzo) is a triptych, dated 1473 and created by Girolamo di Giovanni, one of the main leading exponents of the school of Camerino. Worth seeing are the Church of St.

Maria delle Grazie, which preserves remarkable frescoes, the Church of St. Maria del Pozzo, where you can see important paintings and the Town Hall, preserving a small copper painting representing the Crucifixion. Worth remembering are the Municipal Theatre and the Picture Gallery “Monsignor Armindo Ricci”, preserved in Palazzo Armando Ricci.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The name refers to the cult of St. Martino, introduced by Franks, who had their headquarters the village during the barbarian invasions, changing its name from Arx Rubetana Romanorum to Monte San Martino.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, Vincotto (literally cooked wine), ciauscolo, honey, chestnuts, cheese, handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti and the famous vincisgrassi), Spumetto (cake made up of egg white, sugar and toasted almonds).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multi-purpose sports field and a tennis court.

WORTH DISCOVERING Monte San Martino belongs to the territory of the Monti Az-

zurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri). It is a centre of remarkable landscape and environmental interest, as it rises in a beautiful panoramic position on a hill falling sheer to the Tenna Valley. Here you can enjoy interesting historical-cultural and naturalistic tours on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del S.S. Crocifisso (Feast of the Holy Crucifix) - first Sunday in August; Festa del Patrono San Martino Vescovo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Martino Bishop) - 11th November.

Province of Macerata

MUCCIA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MUCCIA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 923 Altitude 451 m ASL Surface 25,65 sq km Distance from Macerata 45 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.646135 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 www.comune.muccia.mc.it comune@muccia.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Muccia originated in the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the great number of archaeological findings, now preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche in Ancona. In the Middle Ages it belonged to Camerino and since the 15th century it owned an important fortified mill, from which the local people earned their livelihood.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting are the Church of Madonna dei Da Varano of the 16th century with its special octagonal shape, containing valuable A. De Magistris’ works. The Sanctuary of Blessed Rizzerio, largely rebuilt, preserves the remains of the confessor of St. Francesco of Assisi: the Hermitage is destination of pilgrimages and visits. The Sanctuary of Madonna di Col de’Venti contains a beautiful 15th century painting representing the Virgin with Child.

The Torre di Massa, in the hamlet Massaprefoglio, was built in the 13th century by the Dukes Da Varano, Lords of Camerino. The Villa “La Maddalena”, surrounded by a park, was built in the 17th century.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: mushrooms, black truffles, trout, ciauscolo, honey, handmade pasta (“tagliatelle” and “vincisgrassi”), cakes (bread with nuts, biscuits and Easter piz-

zas) the excellent Amaro Sibilla (liquor made up of herbs and roots, coming from the Sibillini Mountains) and the famous Mistrà Varnello (anise liquor).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a sports centre with swimming pool, a tennis court, a five-a-side football ground and a multi-purpose sport centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING The territory Muccia is part of the natural and wonderful area of the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino), area of naturalistic-environmental interest with beautiful landscapes.

You can enjoy different excursions, either on foot or by mountain bike across paths and woods.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Biagio (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Biagio) - 3rd February; Sagra delle Tagliatelle fatte a mano (Festival of handmade Tagliatelle) - July; Fiera della Maddalena (Fair of Maddalena) July; Sagra della Trota (Trout Festival) - first Sunday in August; Festa sui prati (Festival on the grass) in the hamlet Maddalena - August/September.

65

Province of Macerata

PENNA SAN GIOVANNI PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

PENNA SAN GIOVANNI FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The name Penna probably comes from the Celtic etymology of “place, located on high hill, mountain or fortress “; in the 12th century the village was either called Castel della Penna or Castello del Monte di San Giovanni. Considering the evidences found on this place, the origins probably date from the 1st and 2nd centuries before Christ, being a district of the Roman colony Faleria. In the Middle Ages the village was fortified and became the residence of local Lords. During Manfredi’s occupation in 1259, the inhabitants rose up and destroyed the fortress on the top of the mountain. At the half of the 13th century the fortress was rebuilt by the Da Varano family, who had taken possession of the village on behalf of the Cardinal Albornoz.

From the half of the 15th century it was conquered and kept by Francesco Sforza together with other nearby castles during two decades, until it passed under the l rule of the Popedom.

Inhabitants 1211 Altitude 700 m ASL Surface 228,18sq km Distance from Macerata 38 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.699003 +39 0733.669119 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune. pennasangiovanni.mc.it comune@ pennasangiovanni.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT l WORTH VISITING FARM HOLIDAYS l Interesting are the remains of the BED & BREAKFAST l ancient ring walls, with the PorCARAVAN SITES ta Marina and Portarella (two YOUTH HOSTELS original town gates), located MOUNTAIN DEWS within the village; on its vault

you can see traces of a 18th century fresco. Worth remembering are the Church of St. Giovanni Battista, dated 1251-1256, restored in 1501 and renovated in Baroque style in 1736. The Church of St. Francesco (15th

century) preserves its original portal and terracotta floor; remarkable is the adjacent ancient convent with the cloister and the portico. In the Town Hall you can find some remains of the Roman times and an interesting triptych representing the Madonna among St. Rocco, St. Sebastiano, St. Apollonia and St. Giovanni, attributed to Crivelli. The Church of St. Biagio, dated back to the 11th century, contains a statue of the Saint. The Church of St. Giuseppe of 1587 is adorned with a big stucco rosette and includes a high bell tower. The Church of St. Filomena (13th century), built in a single aisle, contains lots of paintings. The historic Municipal Theatre “Flora”, built in 1780, can boast a sandstone portal and frescoes

by Antonio Liozzi. The Fortress is an ancient sighting-tower, now in state of ruin. Worth visiting is the Municipal Picture Gallery of Contemporary Art. SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER A few kilometres away from the village you can find the picturesque hamlet of Villa Saline. It extends up to the sources of the Salino River, from which healthy mineral salt-iodic-bromine-sulphur natural waters well, the natural healing properties of which were discovered in 1876.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, vincotto (literally

cooked wine), “ciauscolo”, honey, cheese, handmade pasta.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multipurpose ground, a Bocce rink centre and a multi-purpose sports field WORTH DISCOVERING Penna San Giovanni belongs to the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri), a territory rich in history, culture and natural beauties. Worth remembering are the beautiful Park of Villa Salina, with its lush aquatic vegetations of natural ponds, and the Park del Monte, located on a high and panoramic point.

You can enjoy historical-cultural and naturalistic trips on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback DON’T MISS OUT Sfilata dei carri allegorici (Carnival carts parade) - Sunday before Carnival Tuesday in February; Giornata della terza età (Old Age Day) - July; Concerto lirico-vocale (Lyric-vocal concert) - August, Sagra della polenta sulla “spianatora” (Festival of the Polenta on the “board”) - August; Tombola di Ferragosto, (15th August Bingo); Festa del Patrono S. Giovanni Battista (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Giovanni Battista) - 24th June and 29th August; Sagra “La Castagnata (Chestnut Festival) - last Sunday in October, Concerto di Natale (Christmas Concert) - December.

Province of Macerata

PIEVE TORINA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

PIEVE TORINA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1440 Altitude 470 m ASL Surface 74,84 sq km Distance from Macerata 50 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.51202 +39 0737.518022 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751

The territory has always been a land of passage for Proto-Italian people going from the Umbrian valleys to the Adriatic plains, as well as nomadic peoples, Etruscans, Romans, Longobards, Benedictine monks, Franciscans and Pilgrims of every period, going to Loreto and Assisi. Already Umbrian territory under the control of the Church of Spoleto till 1587, it was later affected by the historical events of Camerino.

WORTH VISITING In the town square you can find the Romanesque parish Church of St. Maria with a polygonal comune@pievetorina.sinp.net apse and a bell tower of the 14th century: inside you can see a Madonna with Child, a wooden group of the end of 15th century; a painting of 1541 by Giovanni Andrea De Magistris and WHERE TO STAY different frescoes, dated back HOTELS to the 14th and 15th centuries.

CAMPSITES Nearby you can visit the HOLIDAY VILLAGES Church of St. Maria in COUNTRY HOUSES Caspriano di Casavecchia, APARTMENT RENTALS built in 1350, now surrounded ROOMS TO RENT by woods, amid a very interestFARM HOLIDAYS l ing landscape. Worth visiting BED & BREAKFAST l are the ruins of the Castle of CARAVAN SITES Prefoglio and the picturesque YOUTH HOSTELS Hermitage of Santi, halfway on MOUNTAIN DEWS the mountain, surrounded by a thick forest; the annexed buildings offers free overnight stay opportunity. The Church has a wonderful early Christian crypt, partly dug into the rock.

The Picture Gallery, belonging to the Church of St. Giovanni, www.comune.pievetorina.mc.it

preserves some altarpieces, coming from the destroyed churches of Pomarolo and St. Teodora, as well as frescoes, removed from the ancient parish Church of St. Maria Assunta.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In the former Convent of St. Agostino (dated back to the 17th century) you can find the Museo della Nostra Terra (Our land Museum), an ethnographic-farming museum founded in 1976, where you can see different representations of life and work of the people of the upper country side surrounding Macerata, inclding faithful reproductions of the rooms of farmhouses and workshops.

The Mill on the river, a branch of the museum, preserves its original structure, including the lake, the lock and the waterfalls, that are still functioning; its structure, complete in all its parts, recreates the moments of life and work of the miller.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: cheese, “ciauscolo”, honey, trout, handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti, vincisgrassi) and fruits of the forest and undergrowth (mushrooms, black truffles, chestnuts, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities

are available: a tennis court and a sports ground. In the River Chienti you can practice sport fishing and you can catch beautiful specimens of trout.

WORTH DISCOVERING Pieve Torina is located within the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino), amid pastureland, meadows and woods. It belongs to the Sibillini Mountains National Park and to the Torricchio Mountain Natural Reserve. It is the starting point for beautiful historical-artistic, cultural and naturalistic excursions on foot, horseback or by mountain bike, across the wonderful territory, characterized not only by the beauty of the landscape, but also by medieval castles, Renaissance buildings and ancient rural churches.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra “De lu porcu” (Pork Festival) in Casavecchia - August; Sagra della pecora (Sheep festival) - late August; Sagra dei gamberi di fiume (Crayfish Festival) - first Sunday in September.

67

Province of Macerata

PIEVEBOVIGLIANA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

PIEVEBOVIGLIANA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 900 Altitude 441 m ASL Surface 27,33 sq km Distance from Macerata 50 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.44126 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 www.comune.pievebovigliana.mc.it comune@pievebovigliana.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The village originated in the remote past: traces of settlements, Neolithic pottery, different findings dating from the Iron Age prove that native people chose the Valleys of the Chienti River and its tributary streams to settle. In particular the Fornace stream played an important role in Pievebovigliana’s history.

WORTH VISITING The Church of St. Maria Assunta (11th century) preserves a beautiful crypt in Romanesque style. The Church of St. Giusto (11th - 12th centuries), in the hamlet San Maroto, contains frescos of the 14th and 15th centuries. The Church of St. Francesco (12th - 14th centuries), in the hamlet Pontelatrave, can boast several frescoes of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. The Church del Rosario preserves a fresco of the 17th century, as well as several baroque wooden altars.

The Church of St. Maria Maddalena, located on the mountain having the same name, preserves fragments of frescoes, attributed to Cola di Pietro.

The Castle of Beldiletto was built in 14th century by the Dukes Da Varano to control an important communication way.

The museum Raffaele Campelli preserves different archaeological findings, as well as some paintings by Cola di Pietro and Venanzo da Camerino and one

by Simone De Magistris.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: traditional salami, including “ciauscolo”, honey, handmade pasta (vincisgrassi and tagliatelle), different fruits of the forest and undergrowth (mushrooms, black truffles, chestnuts). It is the area of production of the famous Mistrà Varnelli (anise liquor) and the excellent Amaro Sibilla, a liqueur obtained from a decoction of herbs and roots of the Sibillini Mountains, sweetened with honey.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: an indoor Bocce rink centre, a tennis court, a sports ground and a multipurpose gym.

WORTH DISCOVERING Pievebovigliana lies at the foot of the Fornace Valley; the territory is included in the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino), falling within the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The territory offers innumerable and different opportunities of excursions by mountain bike, on foot or horseback. You can choose among 14 itineraries. There’s also the possibility of booking your excursions with the park guides.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra della castagna (Chest-

nut Festival) - October; Concerti di Natale e Capodanno (Christmas and New Year’s Day Concert) - December.

Province of Macerata

PIORACO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

PIORACO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Its origins date back to 215 B.C.; it was originally inhabited by primitive peoples, at the Roman imperial time era it was provided with different temples, a theatre, thermal baths and a swimming pool. Pioraco experienced its most flourishing period in the Middle Ages under the Dukdom of the Da Varano family from Camerino, who boosted the manufacturing of paper, thanks to the rags trade. The village became very famous for its paper mills, currently distinguishing business activity.

senting the Madonna with Child. The parish Church of St. Maria delle Lacrime, in the hamlet Sepia, contains a valuable painting of Giovanni Boccato representing the Madonna Enthroned with Child, dated 1466. Worth visiting are the rural Churches of St. Paolo in the hamlet Costa and the Church of Fonte Venere in the hamlet Seppio. Worth seeing are also the interesting and documented Paper and Watermark Museum, the Fossils Museum and the Mushrooms Museum, housed in the Town Hall.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting is the parish Church of St. Vittorino, which preserves the remains of the Saint; it was built on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple: inside you can see the traces of WHERE TO STAY ancient frescoes and a stone HOTELS l font of 1646. The Church of St. CAMPSITES Francesco, dated 1327, is charHOLIDAY VILLAGES acterized by an external polygCOUNTRY HOUSES onal apse in calcareous stone APARTMENT RENTALS and preserves an Annunciation, ROOMS TO RENT attributed to Arcangelo di Cola, FARM HOLIDAYS a painting of the Bolognese BED & BREAKFAST school representing St. Carlo CARAVAN SITES l Borromeo, and a Via Crucis by YOUTH HOSTELS Mancini. The Church of SS. MOUNTAIN DEWS Crocifisso, in Lombard Gothic style, contains a valuable painting representing the Crucifix, attributed to Girolamo di Giovanni. The Church of Madonna della Grotta, originally ancient hermitage, preserves a wooden statue of the 15th century repre-

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The Latin name of Pioraco was Prolaqueum, which means “near the lake”, as in the past the village was located near a lake (dried up in 1660), that the Potenza River, created above the built-up area. If you want to reach the village, you have to cross the rough and narrow Gorge of Pioraco, closed between high cliffs with steep waterfalls.

Inhabitants 1209 Altitude 441 m ASL Surface 19,48 sq km Distance from Macerata 50 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.42142 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.637245 www.comune.pioraco.mc.it protocollo@pioraco.sinp.net

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are sausages, including “ciauscolo”, wild game, mushrooms, honey, handmade pasta (tagliatelle and vincisgrassi) and cakes (crescia and Easter pizza).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multipurpose

gym, a sports ground, two tennis courts, two indoor Bocce rink centres and climbing walls on the Mount Gemmo.

WORTH DISCOVERING The centre of Pioraco is situated among three mountains: Mount Primo (1300 m), Mount Gemmo (1250 m) and Mount Gualdo (1065 m), and belongs to the Mountain Communities of the Upper Potenza and Esino Valleys (Comunità Montana Alte Valli del Potenza e dell’Esino), an area rich in vegetation and beautiful landscapes.

Thanks to the particular geographical features, the territory is a suitable area for walking and mountain-bike excursions, at the discovery of the pure nature and of its wonderful landscapes.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del patrono San Vittorino (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Vittorino) - 8th June; Rassegna Musicarte (Musicarte Show) - June; Premio cinematografico Venanzio Biraschi (Venanzio Biraschi Movie Award) - Summer Time; Rassegna di teatro dialettale (Dialect Theatre Show)- August; Festa dei cartai (Paper Manufacturer Festival) - 14th September; Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) - 6th January.

69

Province of Macerata

POGGIO SAN VICINO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

POGGIO SAN VICINO MACERATA

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 314 Altitude 509 m ASL Surface 12,91 sq km Distance from Macerata 52 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.619109 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.602823 www.comune. poggiosanvicino.mc.it comune@ poggiosanvicino.sinp.net

Poggio San Vicino owes its origins to the Romans, who built a fortified outpost, named Podium Ficanum, at the foot of the Mount Sitria; over the years the name of the place turned into Ficano. In the early centuries after the year 1000 it was part of the possessions of Abbey of Val di Castro, and passed later to the District of Apiro. Since 1346 the place was subjected to the supervision of Smeducci, Lords of San Severino. It became a possession of the Papal States and, after being reunified to the Italian State, it was part of Apiro from 1929 to 1948, until it returned later to its administrative autonomy back.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting is the historic Tower of the ancient castle, recently restored and located on WHERE TO STAY the highest point of Poggio.

HOTELS The parish Church of St. Maria CAMPSITES Assunta, built between 1876 HOLIDAY VILLAGES and 1888, has a brick facade COUNTRY HOUSES and pink gravel sides; inside APARTMENT RENTALS you can see a beautiful wooden ROOMS TO RENT Crucifix of Florentine art, datFARM HOLIDAYS ed back to the 16th century; a BED & BREAKFAST l painting of the Madonna EnCARAVAN SITES throned with Saints, and a muYOUTH HOSTELS ral painting representing the MOUNTAIN DEWS Virgin Mary. In the sacristy you can find some paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries, together with different vestments. Worth visiting is also the Church of SS. Giovanni Evangelista and Battista, the exterior of which is enriched

by a small bell tower, while the interior contains important frescoes, made by the School of San Severino, that the local tradition attributes to Bernardino di Mariotto. Worth seeing is also the rural Churches of St. Rocco in the hamlet Palace, the Church of St. Maria delle Nevi in the hamlet Serronchia and the Church of Madonna del Carmine in the hamlet Cordivino.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: honey, handmade pasta, wine, pecorino cheese, mushrooms, black truffles, sausages, including “ciauscolo”, excellent virgin olive oil, cakes (the ringshaped cake, the Easter snake, the so called “cavallucci”).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a soccer field, outdoor Bocce rinks and a paragliding school WORTH DISCOVERING The village of Poggio, located on the ridge of the hills that surround the Mount San Vicino, is part of the San Vicino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana del San Vicino), characterized by interesting naturalistic and landscape beauties.

Worth seeing is the green area of the public park “La Torre”.

The place is the starting point for fascinating excursions on foot, horseback or by mountain

bike through the different paths of the area. Worth remembering is that one, who allows you to reach the beautiful Abbey of Val di Castro, monastery founded in 1006 by St. Romualdo, and those ones, that lead to the lake of Cingoli, to the Abbey of Sant’ Urbano and Pian dell’ Elmo.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Patrona Santa Caterina da Siena (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Caterina) April; Motoraduno interregionale (Interregional Motorcycle Rally) - between May and June; Festa della Birra (Beer Festival) - August; Gare di parapendio (Paragliding Races) - May/August; Festa della Madonna del Rosario (Feast of Madonna del Rosario) - October.

Province of Macerata

RIPE SAN GINESIO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

RIPE SAN GINESIO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

The first settlement appeared probably with Picene people; in the Roman age it was a vicus of the noble town of Urbisaglia.

The village was fortified in the Middle Ages, when the Bishops of Camerino built there a feud, given to the Counts Prontaguerra. After this rule, it Town hall: passed under the control of San Phone: +39 0733.500102 Ginesio, despite the opposition of its inhabitants. Later the terMountain Community ritory was conquered by the Phone: +39 0733.656336 Popedom and Pope Leo X decided to give the castle of Ripe www.comune.ripesanginesio.mc.it to San Ginesio. On commission of the same Pope the so comune@ripesanginesio.sinp.net called Leonina Tower was built to defend the territory. The later history of Ripe is part of the history of san Ginesio.

Inhabitants 827 Altitude 430 m ASL Surface 10,11sq km Distance from Macerata 23 km

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WORTH VISITING Worth seeing is the Tower Leonina, built on Leo X’s comWHERE TO STAY mission, which stands at the HOTELS centre of the historic centre.

CAMPSITES The Church of San Michele ArHOLIDAY VILLAGES cangelo, built in the 14th centuCOUNTRY HOUSES ry, was formerly held by the APARTMENT RENTALS Benedictine, Dominican and ROOMS TO RENT l Cistercian monks. The municiFARM HOLIDAYS l pal Picture Gallery of ContemBED & BREAKFAST l porary Art includes more than CARAVAN SITES three hundred paintings and YOUTH HOSTELS sculptures. Worth rememberMOUNTAIN DEWS ing are also the remains of the walls of the Middle Ages and the Church of St. Silvestro.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, “ciauscolo”, cheese, handmade pasta, cakes (bread

with nuts, the so called Frustingo, the “cicerchiata”, Easter pizzas).

SOMETHING TO DO A multipurpose sports centre is available. Sport fishing opportunities along the Fiastra River.

WORTH DISCOVERING The municipality, located on a hill of the Fiastra Valley, belongs to the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri), a territory of great historical and artistic interest, characterized by pure nature and beautiful landscapes.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Eurosia (Fesat of St. Eurosia) - May; Mostra “Ripe Arte” (Show “Ripe Arte”) - July; Sagra dei “Fumi Cotti” (Festival of “Fumi Cotti”) celebrating must cooking October.

71

Province of Macerata

SANT’ANGELO IN PONTANO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

S. ANGELO IN PONTANO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1523 Altitude 473 m ASL Surface 7 sq km Distance from Macerata 28 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.661602 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune. santangeloinpontano.mc.it comune@santangelo.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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At Roman times it might have been a vicus or pagus of Falerio and a post stage on the road that connected the town to Rome.

With the spread of Christianity, the cult of Mars, God of war, it was replaced by that one of the Archangel Michele, whose image appears on the municipal coat of arms. The first church dedicated to the Angel was probably built on a temple dedicated to Mars; and the village got the modern name of Sant’Angelo. The first residential settlement developed around the church. It gradually expanded till it reached a certain importance at the time of the Longobards. In 1245 the most famous citizen of Sant’Angelo in Pontano was born: St. Nicola da Tolentino, named after the town, where he died in 1305.

Sant’Angelo was proclaimed “free Municipality” in 1263, but its freedom lasted only few years, since it passed first under the jurisdiction of the powerful Municipality of Fermo, then under the Da Varano family from Camerino, until it finally came back under the State of Fermo, joining its following history.

With the Unification of Italy, after the abolition of the province of Fermo, the town was annexed to the Province of Macerata with Royal Decree dated 22nd December 1860.

WORTH VISITING Worth visiting is the Municipal Theatre N. A. Angeletti and the

Church of St. Salvatore (12th century), with a crypt and a 14th century bell tower. The Church of St. Michele Arcangelo preserves interesting works of art.

The Castle was built at the end of the fourteenth century. The Civic Tower dates back to the 14th century; the Church of St. Nicola was built in the 13th century: inside you can see some frescoes by Domenico Malpiedi, several important paintings and a beautiful wooden choir.

Worth seeing is also the St. Nicola’s birth house. The rural Church of St. Martino and the Church of Madonna delle Pietre, located in the hamlet Salti, are very typical. Pleasant are alleys and small squares with typical open brickwork.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER From everywhere in the town you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view, including the chain of the Sibillini Mountains to the west and the hills sloping down towards the sea to the east.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, ciauscolo, honey, cheese, handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti and the famous vincisgrassi), cakes (Christmas and Easter pizzas and Carnival scroccafusi).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities

are available: an indoor Bocce rink centre, a soccer field and a tennis court. You can also practice sport fishing in the Tenna River.

WORTH DISCOVERING Sant’Angelo is situated on a hill between Ete Morto Valley and the Tenna valley, in a beautiful panoramic position; it belongs to the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri), a territory rich in history, culture, art and natural beauties. Here you enjoy make numerous historical-cultural and naturalistic trips on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback.

DON’T MISS OUT Concorso nazionale di poesia (National poetry contest) - late July; Spettacolo in piazza di arte varia (Art Show on the piazza) - second Sunday in August, Festa del Patrono San Nicola (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Nicola) - September; Mostra e Fiera degli uccelli (Birds Show and Trade) - second Sunday in October; Sagra del Polentone (Polenta Festival) - second Sunday in October; Fiera-mercato di Santa Lucia (Fair of St. Lucia) - second Sunday in December; Mostra dei 100 Presepi (100 cribs exhibition) - December/ January.

Province of Macerata

SEFRO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

SEFRO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 442 Altitude 497 m ASL Surface 42,31 sq km Distance from Macerata 55 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.45118 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.637245

The territory has been populated since ancient times, but we have got certain mention of a settlement only in the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 13th century Sefro got the status of Municipality, developing a close relationship with the near Camerino; however, it maintained a special autonomy, until it passed later on under the rule of the Popedom.

WORTH VISITING We can see numerous artistic evidences of the past; first of comune@sefro.sinp.net all the recently restored medieval Castle of the Dukes Da Varano. Worth visiting are also the Church of St. Maria Assunta, which preserves a Crucifix and a statue of St. Sebastiano of the 16th century, the Church of Madonna WHERE TO STAY dei Calcinai, the Church of HOTELS l St. Albertino and the Church CAMPSITES of St. Pietro. In the hamlet HOLIDAY VILLAGES Abolla you can find the COUNTRY HOUSES Church of St. Tossano, conAPARTMENT RENTALS taining a beautiful CruROOMS TO RENT cifixion, painted in the 14th FARM HOLIDAYS century and a very rare Via BED & BREAKFAST Crucis in polychrome terraCARAVAN SITES cotta, dating from the 15th YOUTH HOSTELS century. Worth remembering MOUNTAIN DEWS is also the rural Church of St. Michele Arcangelo in the hamlet Abolla, as well as the Churches of St. Biagio and St. Paolo in the hamlet Sorti.

Worth visiting is the Museum of Agricultural Tools “F. Ferretti”. www.comune.sefro.mc.it

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: traditional sausages, including “ciauscolo”, the renowned trout, wild game, cheese, black truffles, mushrooms, honey and handmade pasta.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a sports ground, a five-a-side football field and a skating rink. Trout and crayfish sport fishing opportunities along the Scarsito stream (tributary of Potenza) and in the small pond at the fork to the hamlet Agolla.

WORTH DISCOVERING Sefro is a village of remarkable landscape interest, with lush vegetation and small lakes, belonging to the Mountain Community of the Upper Potenza and Esino Valleys (Comunità Montana Alte Valli del Potenza e dell’Esino). In its territory you can find the Valle Scurosa Oasis, very important naturalistic area, characterized by the yellow blossoming of laburnum bunches, by the white flowers of manna ash, by turkey oaks, sessile oaks, century-old beech trees, hazels and maples. It is the starting point for numerous excursions on foot or by mountain bike along the paths of the Oasis della Valle Scurosa, of the tableland of Montelago and of the mounts

Vermenone and Linguaro.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Benvenuto (Welcoming Festival) - between June and July; Torneo di calcetto (Five-a-side football tournment) - July; Festa della pizza (Pizza Festival) - July; Torneo di scacchi (Chess Tournament) - August; Sagra della Trota (Trout Festival) 15th August; Fiera, serata danzante e fuochi d’artificio (Fair, Dancing and Fireworks) - August; Festa dell’arrivederci (Goodbye Festival) end of August.

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Province of Macerata

SERRAPETRONA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

SERRAPETRONA FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1010 Altitude 490 m ASL Surface 37,5 sq km Distance from Macerata 30 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0733.908321 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0733.656336 www.comune.serrapetrona.mc.it comune@serrapetrona.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Its origins date back to the prehistoric period: Picene people at first, than Romans and Longobards resided in the territory of Serrapetrona. Afterwards, it was subjected to the Signoria of the Da Varano family from Camerino and was appropriated later on by the Popedom, until it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

WORTH VISITING The Parish Church of St. Francesco can boast a significant polyptych by Lorenzo d’Alessandro; on its walls you can see numerous fragments of frescoes from different eras. The Church of St. Lorenzo in Castel San Venanzo preserves a painting of the 15th century representing Jesus on the Cross with Virgin and Saints Maria Maddalena and Giovanni. The Church of St. Maria delle Grazie in Serra is an ancient building, enlarged during the 16th century, and it still preserves the small door of the 13th century: inside you can find a painted niche with a Madonna and Saints Giovanni Battista and Sebastiano by Lorenzo d’Alessandro. Worth remembering are the Historical Archives and the Oil Museum, located in the old Mill of the Village; worth seeing are also the Picture Gallery of Contemporary Sacred Art hosted in the Galleria del Caburro (Caburro Tunnel) and the Museum dell’uomo (Museum of Man) in the old Watch-Tower.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The territory is famous for the production of the Vernaccia, a sparkling ruby-red wine, considered the jewel of the oenology of the Marche Region. In 1971 it obtained the Registered Designation of Origin (Denominazione di Origine Controllata; in 2003 it received the Registered and certified Designation of Origin (Denominazione di Origine controllata e Garantita). The Vernaccia is produced in two versions: “dry” and “sweet.” The “dry” version is excellent between meals, but also served with barbecue and meat; the “sweet” one is suggested with desserts and pastries. You can taste it at the temperature of 12-14 degrees. Uncork just before drinking!

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: the famous Vernaccia, virgin olive oil Coroncina, traditional sausages, included the renowned “ciauscolo”, handmade pasta, cakes (cookies with anise, cookies with almond, nougat, ciambelle - ringshape patries with Vernaccia).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: indoor Buoles (Italian Bocce) rinks, a tennis court, a sports ground, a municipal gym, a skating rink and an horse-riding centre. Here you can practice sport fishing, water

skiing, canoeing and rowing on the beautiful Lake of Caccamo.

WORTH DISCOVERING Serrapetrona is located amid the hilly landscape of Macerata; the municipal territory is included in the Monti Azzurri Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Monti Azzurri), a territory rich in history, art and naturalistic beauties. The wooded areas are characterized by oaks, elm-trees, wild chestnuts, oaks and smoke-trees, typical plant that gives the Cesolone Valley its peculiar red hue; the plant was very required in the past, because of its utility for tanning.

The municipality organises historical-cultural excursions at the discovery of churches and museums of the territory upon booking, as well as gourmet conventions, including visits of the wine industries, that produce the famous “Vernaccia”.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera dei Fiori (Fair of flowers) - 25th April; Sagra della Vernaccia (Vernaccia Festival) - second weekend of August; Sagra de lu Scartocciu - Third weekend of August; Antiche armonie - Concerti d’organo con saluti in cantina (Organ concerts) second Sunday in October, November and December.

Province of Macerata

SERRAVALLE DI CHIENTI PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

SERRAVALLE DI CHIENTI ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1151 Altitude 649 m ASL Surface 95,81 sq km Distance from Macerata 57 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.53121 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 www.comune. serravalledelchienti.mc.it comune@serravalle.sinp.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The town originated from the union of three settlements, developed in the neighbourhood of the castles of Serravalle, Tufo and Serramula. Thanks to its particular position at the entrance to the Chienti Valley, surrounded by mountains and woods, it has always been the scene of military events, as well as trade and cultural dealings.

WORTH VISITING Now you can see the imposing ruins and one of the five towers belonging to the charming Castle of the Da Varano family, mighty fortress built by the Dukes Da Varano in 1240. Interesting is also the Fortress of the Castle in Percanestro, which preserves the remains of the external walls, as well as the ruins of the Castle d’Elce.

Worth visiting is the Basilica of St. Maria in Plestia, built on the ruins of a Roman temple. The Church of Madonna del Piano, built in the 15th century, preserves several frescoes of the 16th century. The Church of St. Lucia, of the 13th century, was built on a monastic structure; now you can see only the sacristy, that preserves some interesting frescoes, a Crucifixion of the 16th century by Simone and Gianfrancesco de Magistris and a painting by Giovanni Andrea da Caldarola. The Church of Madonna del Sasso (15th -16thcentury), in the hamlet San Martino, contains a fresco showing the Last Judgement.

The Camaldolese Abbey of St. Salvatore, in the hamlet Acquapagana, dating from the year 1000, was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 14th century. The Abbey of San Bartolomeo in Brogliano, with a former monastery belonging to it, dates back to the 13th century.

Worth seeing are the Church of St. Lorenzo in the hamlet Dignano, the Ospizio dei Pellegrini (13th - 14th century), which preserves a part of its facade with a pointed arch stone portal; the Botte dei Varano, important hydraulic work made in squared stone, dating from the second half of the 15th century, and the Town Hall, built in 1960, which represents the only work of the architect P. L. Nervi in the Marche Region.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Important fossils findings of animals have been discovered in the hamlets Collecurti and Madonna del Piano. The fossils, dating from to the late Pleistocene, consist mainly of big Vertebrata: ancient species similar to the modern hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant, bear, deer, bison and the sabre teeth tiger. The importance of the deposit is due to the simultaneous presence of fossils of tropical fauna and colder climate animals.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: potatoes,

lentils, emmer, chickpeas, honey, sausages, mushrooms, black truffles, handmade pasta and cakes (pannociato, frostenga, torciglione and Easter pizza).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: two multi-purpose outdoor fields, a sports hall, two tennis courts. Worth remembering is the Rock Wall on the slopes of the Mount Igneo, suitable for climbers training.

WORTH DISCOVERING Here you can find two green areas with recreational facilities: the public Park Cagnolo and the Parco fluviale. Serravalle di Chienti is part of the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino), territory rich in naturalistic and landscape beauties. You can enjoy numerous historical-cultural trips in an area, sprinkled with monasteries, castles and sanctuaries. The territory offers naturalistic tours of great interest, too. In particular periods of the year you can go gathering different fruits of the wood (mushrooms, truffles, and so on ...)

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra dell’Acquacotta (Acquacotta festival) - 10th August; Festa del Ritorno (Comeback Festival) - 15th August; Festa del Geranio (Geranium Festival) - August.

75

Province of Macerata

USSITA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

USSITA ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 446 Altitude 730 m ASL Surface 55,22 sq km Distance from Macerata 73 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.971211 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0737.61751 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.comune.ussita.mc.it comune@ussita.sinp.net www.sibillini.net

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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In the past Ussita belonged to Visso; it was the most important one of the five “Guaite”.

Later it was under the jurisdiction of the Signoria of the Da Varano family from Camerino.

In 1380 Rodolfo De Varano wanted to build the castle to defend himself from the incursions of the Municipalities, located on the Adriatic site of the Sibillini Mountains. In 1913 Ussita obtained its administrative autonomy.

WORTH VISITING The Church of St. Maria Assunta (14th century), in the hamlet Pieve, has a stone facade with a central rose window and an ogival portal, supported by two columns: inside you can find some frescoes by Paolo da Visso and a painting attributed to Camillo and Fabio Angelucci.

The Church of St. Vincenzo and Anastasio, built in 1093 in the hamlet Casali, has a stone facade and a beautiful arched portal with denticulated arched lintel; the interior is embellished by two wooden altars of the 17th century. The Church of St. Stefano, in the hamlet Sorbo, contains frescos of the 14th and 15th centuries, the Church of St. Andrea can boast some frescoes of the 15th century.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Ussita is an interesting tourist resort for summer and winter holidays. Frontignano, 1350m

high, is an equipped ski resort.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: traditional pecorino cheese, honey, mountain lamb and mutton, black truffle, summer truffle, mushrooms and cakes (Easter pizzas).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a tennis court, an ice rink, a municipal indoor swimming pool, a solarium, a mini golf course, a riding ground, skiing facilities with 6 ski lifts and 4 chair lifts.

WORTH DISCOVERING Ussita is a characteristic village, situated on a valley at the foot of the Mount Bove and in the middle of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The geographical features of the beautiful massif of the Mount Bove offers climbing opportunities. You can enjoy naturalistic excursions on foot, horseback or by mountain bike.

Don’t miss out a visit to the historic Castle on the hill Fantellino.

DON’T MISS OUT Torneo delle Guaite (Guaite Tournament) - first week of August; Sagra dei prodotti tipici della montagna (Festival of the Mountain typical products) August; Rassegna di canto popolare (Folk songs show) -

August; Sagra della polenta (Polenta Festival) - 15th August.

Province of Macerata

VISSO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

VISSO ASCOLI PICENO

Even before the foundation of Rome, the Vissano valley was inhabited by Naharci, Sabine tribes devoted to sheep-farming. In the early Middle Ages the town and its territory became part of the Longobard Dukedom of Spoleto.

Thanks to its position, it was an important centre of trade and markets; it alternated free government Town hall: Phone: +39 0737.95421 periods with phases of appropriation by the Popedom, the DukeTourist office: Phone: +39 0737.9239 dom of Spoleto and the Da Varano family from Camerino. With the Mountain Community proclamation of the Kingdom of Phone: +39 0737.61751 Italy in 1860, it was separated from Umbria and passed to the Monti Sibillini National Park: Marche till 1927; it came back to Phone: +39 0737.972711 Umbria for two years and from 1929 it became part of the Marche www.comune.visso.mc.it region, finally.

Inhabitants 1207 Altitude 608 m ASL Surface 99,89 sq km Distance from Macerata 68 km

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comune@visso.sinp.net www.sibillini.net WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING The Square of Martiri Vissani is characterized by elegant fourteenth-sixteenth century palaces.

The Collegiate Church of St. Maria, dating from the 12th-14th centuries, is embellished by a wonderful facade and preserves ancient frescoes, a wooden group of the end of the 12th century, precious holy-water stoups and an important Cross by Nicola Guardiagrele. The Museum-Picture Gallery, hosted in the deconsecrated Church of St. Agostino (14thcentury), preserves paintings of considerable interest, among which we have to remember some frescoes by Paolo da Visso and a Madonna with Child, St. Margherita and Angels by Orazio Gentileschi. Worth visiting are the Palace dei Priori of the 15th century; the Church of St. Francesco of

the 14thcentury and the Church of the Monastery of St. Giacomo of the 16th century. 9 km away from there, in a picturesque and isolated position amid the Apennines pasturelands, you can see the Sanctuary of Macereto, a very interesting building from the architectural point of view, built in the first half of the 16th century.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Visso is considered one of the 50 most beautiful villages in Italy: this medieval small town is located among mountains, gorges, woods and rivers and it boasts noble palaces and churches.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: pecorino and ricotta, salami, like the renowned “ciauscolo”, honey, virgin olive oil, lamb and mountain mutton, the trout of the Nera River, black truffle, lentils, potatoes, mushrooms, cakes.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a swimming pool with solarium, an indoor Bocce rink centre, a soccer field, 2 tennis courts and a skating rink.

WORTH DISCOVERING Visso is located at the confluence of the Ussita stream with the Nera River, in a flat basin on the western side of the Apennines; the territory is included in the Camerino Mountain Community (Comunità Montana di Camerino) and hosts the headquarters of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The park was

established in 1993 and covers a site of about 70,000 hectares. It is the starting point for beautiful excursions on foot, horseback or by mountain bike. It’s possible to book excursions with the park guides.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Giovanni Battista (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Giovanbni Battista) - 24th June; Torneo delle Guaite (Guaite Tournament) - first week in August; Sagra del “Ciauscolo” (Ciauscolo Festival) - between July and August; Mostra mercato nazionale “Sibilla & Ovini” (National Trade Show “Sibilla & Ovini”) - August; Mercatino di antiquariato (Antiques Market) - each Wednesday of August); Sagra della “Pecora alla callara” (Festival of “Sheep à la Callara”) - week with the 15th of August; Sagra della lenticchia (Lentils Festival) in Villa S. Antonio - week with the 15th of August; Concorso di pittura (Painting Contest) - August; Festa della Madonna Bruna (Feast of the Madonna Bruna) - 8th September.

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PROVINCE OF FERMO

Province of Fermo

BELMONTE PICENO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

BELMONTE PICENO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 663 Altitude 310 m ASL Surface 10,58 sq km Distance from Fermo 21 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.771100 www.provincia.ap.it/ Belmonte_Piceno com.belmonte@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The territory was initially inhabited by the Picenes, as the findings of the necropolis evidence. The Romans occupied the village in 268 before Christ and included it in the territory of Faleria. In the Middle Ages the Farfensi monks ruled over it and gave the village the name of Belmonte. The Castle of Belmonte was appropriated by Fermo in 1263 and passed under the Popedom together with it, subsequently.

WORTH VISITING The village still preserves parts of the walls and keeps, dating from the 15th century. The parish Church of SS. Salvatore, re-built in 18th century, contains a 15th century wooden sculpture representing the Pietà, a silver Cross of the 17th century and a relic of the Holy Cross. The facade of the Church of St. Simone (10th century), sited in a oak wood, was originally an outlook tower.

Worth visiting are also the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, the Church of Madonna del Rosario and the Municipal Theatre.

WORTH TASTING Amongst the local specialities, we recommend: virgin olive oil, traditional sausages like the famous ciauscolo; cheeses, wines like Rosso Piceno and Falerio doc; hand made pasta recipes (tagliatelle and the famous vincisgrassi); cakes and

sweets (cicerchiata, pistringu, pizza with figs); don’t forget the delicious Ascoli’s stuffed green olives.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: tennis court, fivea-side football ground, Boules (Italian Bocce) rink and a soccer field.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village lies on a hilltop between the Tenna Valley and Ete Vivo Valley: it’s a perfect departure point for beautiful naturalistic excursions, walking or mountain-bike itineraries along paths, leading to the Torricella Park or to the Sanctuary of St. Anna.

DON’T MISS OUT Sagra della Polenta in piazza (polenta Festival held on the village square) - Thursday before Lent; Sagra della Nutella (Nutella Festival) - 1st May; Festa della Santa Croce (Feast of the Holy Cross) - 2nd and 3rd May; Sagra dei Maltagliati e delle Pennette (Maltagliati and Pennette Festival) - July; Festa della Pizza e della Birra (Pizza and Beer Festival) - August; Sagra della Rana (Frogs Festival) - first Sunday in September; Castagnata in piazza (Chestnut Festival) - first Sunday in October.

Province of Fermo

CAMPOFILONE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

CAMPOFILONE ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1896 Altitude 210 m ASL Surface 12,11sq km Distance from Fermo 19 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.932951 +39 0734.932775 www.provincia.ap.it/Campofilone com.campofilone@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Built over a previous Roman settlement, the village Campus Fullonum (dyers’ field), developed in the Early Middle Ages around the Benedictine Abbey of St. Bartolomeo. From 1219 to 1342 was under the rule of the Bishops of Fermo, until it was finally appropriated by the Popedom.

WORTH VISITING The Greek-cross-plan Abbey Church of St. Bartolomeo (19th century) contains valuable Fontana’s frescoes; outside the Church are remains of the vegetable garden of the original 11th century building. The Church of SS. Crucifix, in the hamlet Santa Maria dates back to the 16th century. In the Church of St. Patrizio you can see other Fontana’s frescoes.

In the historic centre, within the castle walls, you can visit the Bell Tower (12th century), the Keep of Porta Marina, Porta da Sole and Porta da Bora (original town gates). Of particular interest is also the Church of St. Maria, sited in the hamlet Ponte Nina. In the country side is a 16th century fortified building, called la Castagna, which originally served as shooting lodge.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The Municipality is famous for its old tradition gastronomic tradition: “maccheroncini”; historically considered a noble

recipe, maccheroncini are different from other hand made pasta recipes, as the recipe strictly requires that flour has to be worked with eggs only: 10 eggs each kilo flour. Kneading requires special skill and strength, because the dough sheet must be light and porous, in order to be cut into very fine strings. Maccheroncini have to cook very quick and can be eaten in soup or with sauce, with or without tomato.

WORTH TASTING Apart from its famous maccheroncini, we recommend: virgin olive oil, traditional sausages like the famous ciauscolo, certified wines like Rosso Piceno and Falerio doc, cakes (ciambella strozzose, frustingo, Christmas pastry called “Pizza di Natale”).

tain-bike tours, along the paths leading to the pinewoods of Santa Maria, Valmarana, and Montecamauro.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Befana (Befana old lady character of the Italian folklore) - 6th January; Sagra dei Maccheroncini (Maccheroncini Festival) - first 10 days in August; Festa del Mare (Sea Festival) in Ponte Nina - 14th till 16th August; Festa del Patrono San Bartolomeo, (Feast of the Patron saint, St. Bartolomeo) with Fair by night 24th August; Babbo Natale in piazza (Father Christmas on the square) - 24th December.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: multi-purpose gym, a tennis court, a five-aside football ground and a multi-purpose sports field.

WORTH DISCOVERING The Municipality lies in a merging point of sea, country and hilly environments; in the village is also a public garden equipped with recreational facilities.

Amid the nature of the hills of the Marche, Campofilone is as a perfect departure point for amazing walking and moun-

81

Province of Fermo

FRANCAVILLA D’ETE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FRANCAVILLA D’ETE FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 981 Altitude 234 m ASL Surface 10,24 sq km Distance from Fermo 24 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.966131 www.provincia.ap.it/ Francavilla_D'Ete com.francavilla@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The earliest mention of Francavilla d’Ete dates 1157, when it was a property of the Bishop of Fermo. When Averardo della Campana, Italian condottiere (captain of the mercenary troops) took over the village, the Municipality of Fermo bought it off in 1385. The later history of Francavilla d’Ete is part of the history of Fermo.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre it is still possible to see the remains of the walls with six Keeps and two Gates. Outside the town walls is the Church of St. Rocco di Montpellier, containing two valuable frescoes of the 16th century: Nativity and Crucifixion, attributed to Vincenzo Pagani. Near the municipal gardens is the Parish Church of SS. Pietro and Paolo, designed in the 19th century by Giuseppe Sacconi. Two wooden crosses, representing the Eastern Art tradition of the 17th century, are preserved in the Church. Off the village you can visit the stunningly beautiful Rural Church Madonnetta, housing a 16th century fresco, showing a Madonna with Child and Saints, created by a local artist.

WORTH TASTING Food and wine tradition, including for example extra virgin oil, vincotto (literally cooked wine), handmade pasta and cakes (frustingo), has been preserved up to the present.

Pappardelle with hare meat ragù-sauce and vincisgrassi are absolutely recommended.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: Boules (Italian Bocce) rink, soccer field and a multi-purpose sport ground.

WORTH DISCOVERING Francavilla d’Ete is a medieval village, sited on a hilltop, overlooking the Ete Morto Valley.

The municipal garden Parco delle Rimembranze is right in the village.

Furthermore, the territory is a suitable area for historical, naturalistic tours, including walking and mountain-bike itineraries across the Ete Morto Valley.

DON’T MISS OUT Carnevale in piazza (Carnival on the Piazza) - Carnival Sunday; Festa della Madonnetta (Feast of the Madonnetta Easter Tuesday; Festa di Santa Rita (Feast of Santa Rita) - end of April/beginnings of May; Festa del Patrono San Rocco (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Rocco) - 16th August; Sagra “Lu Vurgu fa cantina”, when old inns revive - first week in September.

Province of Fermo

LAPEDONA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

LAPEDONA FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants1159 Altitude 264 m ASL Surface 14,81 sq km Distance from Fermo 10 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.936321

The origin of the village dates around the year 1000, when Benedictine monks from Farfa and Fonte Avellana moved about in the surrounding country side and erected new churches and small monasteries. Afterwards, it became one of the even more than fifty Castles depending on Fermo, retaining some of its administrative independence, though.

www.provincia.ap.it/Lapedona com.lapedona@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING In the historic centre you will find remains of the Ring Walls (15th century), the Porta Marina and the Porta da Sole (Town Gates). Worth a visit are the Town Hall (16th century) containing a Simone De Magistris’ painting representing a Madonna with Child and Saints of 1596 and a wooden Crucifix, dating from the 16th century, as well as the Church of St. Nicolò (built between the 15th and the 18th century), with a beautiful wooden painted ceiling of 1764 and a Rosary Madonna of 1682, attributed to Giuseppe Ghezzi. Inside the walls is also the Church of St. Giacomo and St. Quirico, containing two wooden paintings attributed to Pietro Alemanno, a 15th century polyptych representing a Madonna with Child and Saints and a polychrome wooden sculpture representing St. Quirico; of great interest is also the Church of St. Lorenzo, housing a Callido’s organ of 1784 and a 16th century altar.

Outside the castle walls you can find three beautiful old churches: the Church of SS. Quirico and Giuditta, the Church of St. Pietro and the Small Church of the Madonna.

WORTH TASTING Amongst the specialities, we recommend virgin olive oil, salamis and sausages, handmade pasta (tagliatelle), vin cotto, cakes (pistringo, Easter ring cake, pizza with figs) and the delicious peaches of the Aso Valley.

(Gnocchi Festival) - last week in July; Festa del vino cotto con rievocazione “De lo fa’ cantina” (Festival of vin cotto with historical revival show - end of September; Concerto d’Autunno (Autumn concert) in the Church of St. Quirico - first week in October.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a municipal gym, a soccer field and a multi-purpose sports ground in the hamlet Aso. WORTH DISCOVERING The Municipality of Lapedona lies between the Aso Valley and the municipal territory of Fermo, about 5 km from the sea; the village includes the public garden “Parco delle Bore”.

Historical walking tours at the discovery of the old narrow streets and picturesque squares of the village are recommended.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna Bruna (Feast of the Madonna Bruna) Sunday after Easter; Festa del Patrono San Quirico (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Quirico) 15th July; Sagra degli gnocchi

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Province of Fermo

MAGLIANO DI TENNA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MAGLIANO DI TENNA FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1368 Altitude 293 m ASL Surface 7,82 sq km Distance from Fermo 15 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.632172 www.provincia.ap.it/ magliano_di_tenna com.magliano@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

In the Middle Ages Castrum Malleani belonged over years to the Abbey of Farfa. After a long period of disputes and attacks, it passed under the rule of Fermo and until the Unification of Italy, Magliano’s history was part of the history of Fermo.

WORTH VISITING The parish Church of St. Gregorio Magno, built in the 18th century over a previous Farfense building, still preserves in a chapel a fresco attributed to Vincenzo Pagani. Outside the village walls is the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, erected in the 18th century over a previous shrine. The Church contains 16th century valuable frescoes, one of them representing a Crucifixion. The Church of St. Filippo, sited in the hamlet San Filippo, houses the funeral monument of Giovan Battista Carducci, architect from Fermo, designed by Luigi Fontana. Of great interest are also the Church of Madonna di Loreto, remains of the 14th century defence walls, with two Tower and the Porta da Bora (Northern Gate).

WORTH TASTING Amongst the specialities we recommend: virgin olive oil, sausages and local hams and salamis, like the famous ciauscolo; cheeses, honey, hand made pasta recipes (tagliatelle and vincisgrassi); cakes

(ciambellone - big ring cake, pistringu, pizza with figs); don’t forget the delicious Ascoli’s stuffed green olives.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a tennis court, indoor Boules (Italian Bocce) rinks, a municipal gym and a five-a-side football ground.

WORTH DISCOVERING Magliano occupies the top of a hill overlooking the Tenna Valley, about 20 km from the sea.

In the village is an equipped municipal garden, called “Parco delle Prese”. It’s a suitable area for historical and naturalistic tours, like the walking and mountain-bike itineraries along the Tenna River.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa Madonna delle Grazie (Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie) - first Sunday in June; Sagra delle Sagre, Festival with typical dishes - last Saturday and Sunday in June; Rievocazione storica della trebbiatura (Historical threshing revival show) - second Sunday in July; Sagra del ciambellone e del vino cotto (Ciambellone and vino cotto Festival) - first Sunday in August; Rievocazione della Pasquella (folk revival of the Pasquella) - August and December; Castagnata (chestnut festival) in the hamlet San Filippo - end of October.

Province of Fermo

MASSA FERMANA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MASSA FERMANA FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1000 Altitude 349 m ASL Surface 7,74 sq km Distance from Fermo 30 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.760127 www.provincia.ap.it/ massa_fermana com.massafermana@ provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The earliest mention of Massa Fermana dates 1050, when the Castle was under the rule of the Bishops of Fermo. In the 13th century it was appropriated by the Brunforte family, but in 1252 it voluntary got back to Fermo until the Unification of Italy.

WORTH VISITING The access to the historic centre is still nowadays through the Porta di Sant’Antonio, (St. Antonio Gate) a 14th century pointed-arch gate. The Municipal gallery contains a great number of works of art, among which are a Vincenzo Pagani’s Adoration of the Child, a Simone De Magistris’ Resurrection and a Durante Nobili ‘s Immaculated Conception. In the parish Church of St. Lorenzo, St. Silvestro and St. Ruffino are preserved a famous polyptych, representing a Madonna with Child and Saints of 1468

by Carlo Crivelli, a wooden painting of a Madonna of Cintola among playing angels (Madonna della Cintola tra angeli musicanti) by Vittore Crivelli and a Sebastiano Ghezzi’s painting. On the Stalio hillside is the Convent of St. Francesco, built in the 13th century.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Massa Fermana is famous for the local century-old hat manufacturing. Nowadays, it’s one

of the most important centres for hat industry in Italy.

WORTH TASTING Amongst specialities we recommend: mutton barbecue; “Caciù co’ la Fava”, puff pastry in ravioli-shape, stuffed with spiced cooked broad beans, fried in virgin olive oil.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a five-a-side football ground and a multi-purpose sports field.

WORTH DISCOVERING Massa Fermana lies on a hill, in beautiful position, overlooking the Sibillini Mountains and the hill around the Tenna Valley; in the village is a municipal play ground for children.

It’s a suitable area for naturalistic tours, like the walking and mountain-bike itineraries along the Ete Morto and Ete Vivo streams.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Befana (Festival celebrating the Befana, old lady character of the Italian folklore) - 6th January; Fiera “De lu Pirdù”, (Fair of the forgiveness) - 2nd August; Festa del Patrono San Lorenzo (Feast of the patron Saint, St. Lorenzo) first week in August; Castagnata (Chestnut Festival) - October; Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) - 4th December.

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Province of Fermo

MONSAMPIETRO MORICO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONSAMPIETO M. ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 712 Altitude 289 m ASL Surface 9,61 sq km Distance from Fermo 24 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.773140 www.provincia.ap.it/ monsampietro_morico com.monsampietro@ provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The village originated around the year 1061, when the Malugero Morico, son of the Norman count Dragone D’Altavilla, founded the Castles of Monsampietro and Sant’Elpidio Morico. From the 9th to the 13th century both castles were annexed to the powerful Abbey of Farfa. In 1316 they passed under the rule of Fermo, until the Napoleonic period.

After the Unification of Italy, Sant’Elpidio Morico and Monsampietro were incorporated into one Municipality.

WORTH VISITING Of great value are the ruins of the Medieval castle and the polygonal Tower of the 14th and 15th centuries. The 18th century Church of St. Francesco contains a painting of the Venetian school, dated from the 17th century and an astylar cross of the 16th century. In the Church of St. Michele Arcangelo (17th century), sited in the hamlet S. Elpidio Morico, is a three-panels-polyptych of 1496, representing a Madonna with Child and Saints by Vittore Crivelli. The Romanesque Church of St. Paolo (11th century), National monument, was built over a pagan temple. Of great interest are also the parish Church of SS. Pietro and Antonio, built in 17th century, and the Church of the Madonna del Carmine.

Worth visiting is also the Town Hall, containing some valu-

able paintings and a 16th century triptych.

WORTH TASTING Amongst local specialities we recommend: virgin olive oil, traditional sausages and salamis, hand made past recipes (tagliatelle and vincisgrassi), honey, vincotto (literally cooked wine) and cakes (calcione, frustringo, pizza with figs).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: multi-purpose sports centre, a soccer field and an indoor boules (Italian bocce) rinks centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING Monsampietro stands on a hilltop overlooking the Ete Vivo Valley, about 27 kilometres from the sea; in the village is a municipal playground for children.

It’s a suitable area for naturalistic excursions, like the walking or mountain-bike itineraries along the Ete Vivo and Indaco streams.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Pietro (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Pietro) and Sagra della polenta (Polenta Festival) - last Sunday in June; Festa della Madonna del Carmine (Feast of the Madonna del Carmine) and Sagra degli gnocchi (Gnocchi Festival) - 16th July; Sagra de

“Lo magnà de’ na ota”, discovering Grandmas’ recipes) 8th and 9th August; Mostra di Presepi (Cribs exhibitions) 24th December to 6th January.

Province of Fermo

MONTAPPONE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MONTAPPONE FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1747 Altitude 370 m ASL Surface 10,37 sq km Distance from Fermo 29 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.760426

The village has been a property of the Nobili-Brunforte family since the Middle Ages. After a long period of assaults and battles, the Castle was destroyed

by Gentile da Mogliano, and built over new by the inhabitants in 1371. Until the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy the history of Montappone is part of the history of Fermo.

www.provincia.ap.it/ montappone

WORTH VISITING The Oratory of SS. Sacramento (14th century), with a Rocom.motappone@provincia.ap.it manesque brick portal, contains 16th century frescoes, one of which is a Madonna with Child and Saints Santi Giovanni Battista and Giorgio, attributed to Vincenzo Pagani. The Church of St. Maria in Castello, built in the 17th century, contains a valuable Pomarancio’s Madonna with Child. The WHERE TO STAY parish Church of Santa Maria HOTELS l and San Giorgio was erected CAMPSITES over the ruins of a previous RoHOLIDAY VILLAGES manesque building. It houses COUNTRY HOUSES an important reliquary of the APARTMENT RENTALS 15th century. Of special interest ROOMS TO RENT is the Hat Museum.

FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Montappone is famous for hat manufacturing, handicraft activity, started in the 16th century. The modern industrial production is now exported all over the world.

WORTH TASTING Amongst specialities we rec-

ommend: traditional ham, sausages and salami variety, like the famous ciauscolo; hand made pasta recipes (tagliatelle and vincisgrassi); cakes like stuffed calcioni, Christmas and Easter pastries (called pizza).

in August); Festa della Madonna di Gagliano (Feast of Madonna di Gagliano) - 13th to 15th August; Festa di San Martino (Feast of St. Martino) - November.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a tennis court, two Boules (Italian Bocce) rinks and a five-aside football ground.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village of Montappone occupies the top of a hill, offering an amazing panoramic view, sweeping away from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. It is possible to enjoy naturalistic tours, like the walking or mountain-bike itineraries along the Ete Vivo and Ete Morto streams.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Befana (Festival celebrating the Befana, an old lady character of the Italian folklore) - 6th January; Festa di Sant’Antonio (Feast of St. Antonio) - January; Festa del Patrono San Giorgio (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Giorgio) and Festival of “Li Caciù co’la Fava” - 23rd April; Festa della Pinturetta (Feast of the Pinturetta) - first Sunday in July; Festa del cappello (Hat festival) with revival representation of the strawwork - first Sunday

87

Province of Fermo

MONTE GIBERTO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MONTE GIBERTO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 844 Altitude 322 m ASL Surface 12,67 sq km Distance from Fermo 15 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.630047

Initially inhabited by Picene people and Romans, the territory of Monte Giberto became a property of the Farfa Abbey, until it passed under the rule of Fermo in the 13th century. Until the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy, the history of Monte Giberto is tightly connected with Fermo’s history.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre you can see the ruins of the 14th century castle walls with four keeps and the pointed-arch Gate, the com.montegiberto@ provincia.ap.it Church of St. Antonio (1742), the Town Hall (13th century) and the parish Church of St. Nicolò (18th century), containing numerous paintings, one of which represents a Last Supper created in 1602 by the Florence’s School, a 18th century polychrome wood group, WHERE TO STAY carved by Gaetano Callido in HOTELS 1797. Near the main square is CAMPSITES the Church of St. Giovanni BatHOLIDAY VILLAGES tista, re-built in the 18th centuCOUNTRY HOUSES ry, showing three paintings of APARTMENT RENTALS the 18th century, different fresROOMS TO RENT coes and a Vincenzo Paci’s orFARM HOLIDAYS l gan, dated 1876. Outside the BED & BREAKFAST l Castle walls it is possible to visCARAVAN SITES it the Sanctuary of St. Maria YOUTH HOSTELS delle Grazie, worship place MOUNTAIN DEWS and example of the local devotion to the Virgin Mary, erected by the Middle of the 18th century to the design of the architect Giambattista Vassalli. Inside is a display of 17th century paintings, a 14th century marble sculpture representing a Mawww.provincia.ap.it/ montegiberto

donna with Child, and a Angelo Morettini’s organ, dated 1830. Also to be seen is the rural Church of St. Lucia, erected in the Hamlet Santa Lucia in the 13th century, but restored in the 18th century.

WORTH TASTING Amongst the local specialities we recommend: lu Pizzottu, unrefined bread with maize flour, raisins and dried figs; polenta with different sauces made with sausage (local salsiccia), fish, wild game, dried salt cod, pork rinds; Cacciannanze, rustical pizza made of flour, water, organic yeast and salt.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multi-purpose sports centre and tennis courts.

WORTH DISCOVERING Monte Giberto lies on the top of a nice hill, offering an amazing panoramic view; it’s about 15 km from the Adriatic Sea and about 40 km away from the Sibillini Mountains. In the village is a beautiful pine wood.

The surrounding country side is perfect to enjoy naturalistic walking or mountain-bike tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Presepe vivente (Staging of the Nativity) - 6th January; La Desolata, historical revival representation - Good Friday; Con-

certo su organi antichi, (Old organ concert, to enhance the three historic organs, preserved in Montegiberto) - last Sunday in May; Festa de “Lo Vatte”, (historical revival harvesting and threshing representation) Mid July; Sagra del vino (Wine Festival) - first half of August; Ricordando i Piceni, (Remembering the Picenes - banquets with traditional Picene recipes) - first week in August; Festa del granoturco (Maize Festival) second half of August; Festa della Madonna delle Grazie (Feast of Madonna delle Grazie) - 6th till 8th August; Festa d’Autunno (Autumn Festival) second week end in October; Presepe artistico all’aperto (Outdoor artistic crib) - from 24th December to 17th January.

Province of Fermo

MONTE RINALDO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTE RINALDO ASCOLI PICENO

According to the tradition the village was founded by a Norman noble man in 1061. But the ruins of an impressive historic Roman Sanctuary of the 2nd-1st centuries before Christ, discovered in the 50s and in 60s, might be evidences of the presence of the Roman civilization Town hall: in the area between the 3rd and Phone: +39 0734.777121 the 1st century before Christ. In 1063 the village is mentioned www.provincia.ap.it/ as a property of the Bishop of monterinaldo Fermo. A few centuries later the village submitted voluntarcom.monterinaldo@provincia.ap.it ily to Fermo. At beginnings of the 15th century Monte Rinaldo was appropriated by Carlo Malatesta.

Inhabitants 411 Altitude 485 m ASL Surface 7,78 sq km Distance from Fermo 27 km

i

WORTH VISITING Entry is through a 16th century Gate; go ahead to the main square, on which is Palazzo Giustiniani, a splendid examWHERE TO STAY ple of rococo architecture, HOTELS boasting a beautiful 18th centuCAMPSITES ry facade and fine decorated HOLIDAY VILLAGES windows. The parish Church of COUNTRY HOUSES SS. Sacramento and Rosario of APARTMENT RENTALS the 18th century contains two ROOMS TO RENT A. Liozzi’s altar-pieces. Don’t FARM HOLIDAYS l miss visiting the Curch of SocBED & BREAKFAST l corso, with very plain architecCARAVAN SITES ture, but very interesting, inYOUTH HOSTELS deed.

MOUNTAIN DEWS

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In the hamlet Cuma, sited amid picturesque agricultural fields, is the archaeological site, with the historic Sanctuary and ruins of a temple. The splendid

external portico is composed by a double line of tuff Ionic and Doric columns, 14 of which still preserve pedestal.

Antefixes, oil lamps, ex voto, dedicated to the goddess Cupra, clay statues decorating the temple gable, as well as traces of an inscription, have been found out during the excavations.

WORTH TASTING Apart from the delicious Ascoli typical products, the area is famous for vegetables and fruits cultivated in the Aso Valley: peaches, plums, apricots, strawberries, pears, grapes and cherries, exported to the main European markets and used to make delicious jams. Chestnut woods provide delicious marrons.

Castle of Bucchiano housing remains of a Roman tomb is also worth a visit. Not far from Montorso is the Church of St. Maria, holding some frescoes, dating from the 16th century.

DON’T MISS OUT “Capitello d’oro”, children song event - forth Sunday in July; Sagra della bistecca di castrato (Mutton steak Festival) second Sunday in August; Fiera di S. Andrea (Fair of St. Andrea) - 30th November.

SOMETHING TO DO Adventure lovers can engage in unforgettable mountain-bike excursions; for those looking for relax, we recommend leisurely and healthy walks, instead.

WORTH DISCOVERING Like many other surrounding villages, Monte Rinaldo is a “belvedere”, overlooking the Aso Valley beneath, sited in a stunningly beautiful landscape.

During walking tours and excursion, enjoy the peculiar skyline of some of the surrounding mountains, sculpted by erosion over the centuries. The near

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Province of Fermo

MONTE VIDON COMBATTE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTE VIDON COMBATTE ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 482 Altitude 398 m ASL Surface 10,91 sq km Distance from Fermo 21 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.656103 www.provincia.ap.it/ monte_vidon_combatte

The village of Monte Vidon Combatte originated in the Middle Ages from the feudal Castle, that occupied the top of the hill. Due to its strategic position overlooking the Aso River, it has always been a contested territory between Fermo and the Farfa Abbey. The later history of Monte Vidon Combatte was strongly influenced by the vicissitudes of Fermo, being a very productive centre included in the country side of the chief town.

com.mvcombatte@provincia.ap.it

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre it is possible to see the ruins of the original medieval borgo, including parts of the ring walls and the gate (15th century) and the aristocratic Palazzo Pelagallo (14th century). Further into the historic centre is the parish WHERE TO STAY Church of St. Biagio, with 18th HOTELS century bell tower, housing a CAMPSITES Jacopo Agnelli da Patrignone’s HOLIDAY VILLAGES painting showing the a MaCOUNTRY HOUSES donna with Child. Don’t miss APARTMENT RENTALS l visiting the Church of St. ProROOMS TO RENT colo (7th - 8th centuries), sited FARM HOLIDAYS in the hamlet san Proloco, BED & BREAKFAST erected in Romanesque style CARAVAN SITES over the ruins of a very old YOUTH HOSTELS building. The Church contains MOUNTAIN DEWS prestigious 15th century frescoes by Crivelli’s School and parts of a friar Marino Angeli’s polyptych.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Tradition records that the earli-

er feudal lord of the castle, Guidone, was coming off worst in the battle against Rocca Monte Varmine and asked his brother Corrado, lord of a near Castle, for military help, sending the following message “Corri Corrado che Guidone combatte” (run Corrado, Guidone is fighting). The two neighbouring villages might be named after this message Monte Vidon (from Guidone) Combatte and Monte Vidon Corrado. The village is the birth place of Aurelio Rossi (18981942), heroic fighter in the First world war, explorer in Africa and illustrious author.

WORTH TASTING Amongst wine and food specialities we recommend: traditional salamis and sausages, like the famous “ciauscolo”; d.o.c. wines Rosso Piceno and Falerio, roast sucking pig (porchetta), fusilli in Montevidonese style and quail barbecue.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a five-a-side football ground and a multi-purpose indoor sports centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village is sited on a the top of a hill overlooking the Aso valley, from which you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view, sweeping away from the

Gran Sasso Mountains to the sea. Along the Aso Valley is Bosco Pelagallo, a stunningly beautiful natural park with untouched pristine nature, where it is possible to enjoy relaxed walking or mountain-bike tours.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio (Feast of St. Antonio) - 17th January; Festa di Sant’Antonio, (Feast of St. Antonio in the hamlet Collina Nuova) - Saturday and Sunday after the 17th of January; Festa del Patrono San Biagio (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Biagio) - 3rd February; Sagra della Quaglia (Quail Festival) - first week end in August.

Province of Fermo

MONTE VIDON CORRADO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MONTE VIDON CORRADO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 790 Altitude 429 m ASL Surface 5,99 sq km Distance from Fermo 25 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.759348 www.provincia.ap.it/ monte_vidon_corrado com.mvcorrado@provincia.ap.it

In 1300 Monte Vidon Corrado submitted to Fermo and the Popedom, to protect itself against plunders carried out by people from the surrounding villages or by mercenary troops. In spite of that, the village was attacked and plundered by the Count of Carrara; afterwards it was occupied by Carlo Malatesta in 1413 and Francesco Sforza in 1433. The village was involved in the historical vicissitudes of Fermo, and then of the near Montegiorgio.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre you can see beautiful houses with terracotta decorations (15th century), elegant aristocratic palaces, remains of the ring walls with defence keeps (14th 15th century) and the parish Church of St. Vito Martyr, with the 18th century Neoclassical façade and attached convent.

Outside the historic centre it is possible to visit the Church of Madonna del Carmine and the rural Church of St. Giuseppe.

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS l BED & BREAKFAST SOMETHING MORE TO CARAVAN SITES l DISCOVER YOUTH HOSTELS The village is the birth place of MOUNTAIN DEWS Osvaldo Licini, who is consid-

ered one of the most important exponent of European Abstractivism. After living in France for a while, the artist decided to come back to Monte Vidon Corrado, became town mayor and created most of his

masterpieces, like Amalassuntas and Rebel Angels; The municipal administration laid out a study centre, dedicated to Osvaldo Licini, that hosts displays and exhibitions systematically.

Manufacturing of straw, used to produce hats, has been traditionally practised in Monte Vidon Corrado since the 18th century; the modern industrial production, including hat and accessories (buckles, buttons, an so on), plays an important role in the international fashion market.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Vito Martire (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Vito Martire) - 15th June; Festa della Madonna del Carmine (Feast of Madonna del Carmine) - July; Castagnata in piazza (Chestnut Festival) - October.

WORTH TASTING Amongst specialities we recommend: traditional sausages and salamis, vincotto (literally cooked wine), hand made pasta (tagliatelle) and cakes (calcioni with broad beans).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field and an indoor multi-purpose sports centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village is sited on a hilltop between the lower Tenna Valley and the upper Ete Morto Valley, about 30 km away from the sea. Just outside the historic centre are two municipal public garden areas. We recommend a historical and artistic tour across the narrow streets of the old borgo, to discover its charming architecture.

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Province of Fermo

MONTEFALCONE APPENNINO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

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FERMO

MONTEFALCONE A. ASCOLI PICENO

Perched ontop a rocky spur south of Mount Falcone, the old village of Montefalcone Appennino dominates the valley with its unique skyline. The square-plan Tower, soaring in the highest point of the village, is the last trace of the medieval castle, erected by the Farfensi Town hall: monks. After being a feud of Phone: +39 0734.79120 the Farfa Abbey, it became an a free Municipality in 1214. In Mountain Community 1212, when the dispute bePhone: +39 0736.844526 tween Emperor and the Pope+39 0736.844379 dom had almost concluded, Fermo and Ascoli Piceno took www.provincia.ap.it/ over the territories and the montefalcone_appennino properties of the Farfa Abbey in Santa Vittoria, including com.montefalcone@provincia.ap.it Montefalcone. It’s in that occasion, when the tower, standing still nowadays, was erected.

Inhabitants 520 Altitude 758 m ASL Surface 15,98 sq km Distance from Fermo 41 km

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WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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WORTH VISITING The charming natural setting is further embellished by religious buildings like the Church of St. Pietro in Penne, in which the Gothic traits of the façade and the Romanesque elements of the bell tower match perfectly. Inside are a wood font and a cross of the 15th century. Evidences of the original village are the Rocca and the castle walls, dating from the 11th 13th centuries; of great value is also Palazzo Felici, hosting the Pietro Alemanno’s Museum.

Don’t miss visiting the Fossiles and natural history Museum “Neldo Bruni”. Leaving the village towards Comunanza, across the tunnel, created in

1833 under the Pontifical Government, you will see the 15th century Church of the Scalelle with its Renaissance portal, 15th century frescos and a holy water stoup, dated back from the later 16th century. On the way to Smerillo is the 17th century Church of St. Antonio, which has been recently restored. Just ahead is the Convent of the Friars Minor, also called Convent of St. Giovanni.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER It is possible to enjoy a naturalistic route around the vertiginous vertical spur (elevation over 200 metres), made of the typical local sandstone with tertiary fossiliferous strata.

There are lots of chestnut trees and broad-leaved coppices. A pine wood, located just off the village, scents the air. The fauna in the surrounding country side includes jays, birds of pray and squirrels. According to a recent custom, most of the house fronts are painted with bizarre decorations.

WORTH TASTING Notable variety of red wines and delicious cheeses.

SOMETHING TO DO There are a lot of mountainbike tracks in different difficulty levels, used to train for the yearly marathon. A target shooting ground is also available.

WORTH DISCOVERING Near the Cemetery is the Convent of Zoccolanti with its 15th century cloister. The church contains a polyptych by Pietro Alemanno. Have a walk to the Mount Falcone (904 m) to enjoy the amazing panoramic view.

Not far away archaeology fans can appreciate ruins of the Roman thermal baths of Colle Terme. This is also a suitable area for walking excursions itineraries suiting all tastes.

The village is sited on a overhanging rocky spur, therefore entry access is possible only on foot, across narrow and steep streets. Giardino Tronelli lying on a cliff slope and the ditch “Magica avventura” (Magic adventure), with water falls and small lakes, are also worth a mention.

DON’T MISS OUT Mostra delle uova pasquali dipinte (Exhibition of painted Easter eggs) - Easter time; Festa di San Michele Arcangelo (Feast of St. Michele Arcangelo) - May; Montefalcone Estate (Summer in Montefalcone) August; Maratona (Marathon) - August; Sapori d’autunno, (Autumn flavours), gastronomic tour in the historic centre - second week end in October.

Province of Fermo

MONTEFORTINO PESARO

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MONTEFORTINO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1285 Altitude 638 m ASL Surface 78,31 sq km Distance from Fermo 52 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.859101 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.montefortino.com com.montefortino@provincia.ap.it www.sibillini.net WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Montefortino became a Municipality (Comune) in 1084; afterwards, it was annexed to the feud of the Castellani family in Monte Passillo (today Comunanza), but it got free in 1249.

In 1261 a few local soldiers, together with troops from Amandola and Sarnano managed to defeat Manfredi’s troops in Piano di Pieca. In 1318 Fermo took over the village in exchange for the promise to erect a Rocca and to garrison the town. Instead, a judge of Fermo seized the territory and the Castles of Montefortino, starting a long dispute. It passed then under the rule of the Varano family from Camerino and, later on, under the Sforza Family of Milan, in the second half of the 15th century; they transferred Montefortino to Fermo again, from which the village got free in 1484, until it was appropriated by the Popedom. In 1537 Pope Paul III cancelled every other authority over the village.

In 1860 Montefortino voted to join the Italian Kingdom of Vittorio Emanuele II.

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Amongst the monuments we recommend: the Municipal Gallery, housed in the elegant rooms of Palazzo Duranti, containing three panels belonging to a Pietro Alemanno’s polyptych of the 15th century, a sacred work by Pier Francesco Fiorentino, a great number of wood and marble sculptures,

an astylar cross and carved coffers. Above the village is the solitary 15th century Church of St. Francesco, containing a Rosary Madonna. The impressive Palazzo Duranti stands closed to a Tempietto dell’Orologio (Small temple of the Clock), built in Neoclassical style. Other three churches can be seen in the historic centre: the Church of St. Andrea, the Pieve di St. Michele Arcangelo and the Church of St. Agostino.

In Montefortino is the important Birdlife Museum of the Marche. Not far from the village is the Baroque Church of Madonna della Fonte; the country side is sprinkled with tower-houses, built in the feudal and Renaissance period.

Don’t miss visiting the Pieve of St. Angelo in Montespino (10th -11th century), earlier outpost of the Farfensi monks, probably built in Longobard time.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Very attractive is the contrast between the religious fervour related to the Church of Madonna dell’Ambro, often combined with the “naughty” legends, the surrounding mountains are filled with, and the “fearsome beauty” of the Infernaccio Gorge.

WORTH TASTING Apart from the wine variety, don’t miss tasting local caciotta and pecorino cheese. Sheep’s

milk produced in the area is transformed into tasteful cheeses, both fresh and ripened ones. The secret of their fragrance rests with the local grazing land and the purity of mountain spring water.

SOMETHING TO DO Sport funs may enjoy multipurpose sports centres in Montefortino and Trinacria’s indoor swimming pool.

WORTH DISCOVERING Piazza Umberto I is a kind of natural balcony, offering a wide panoramic view. The Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Ambro lies on a hillside on the right side of the Tenna River course, in a mountain gorge landscape. The Church contains frescoes representing the Sibilla. Enthusiastic trekking lovers may enjoy excursions to the Infernaccio Gorge (deep cleft, carved by the Tenna River between the Mounts Sibilla and Priora); ahead is the secluded Hermitage of St. Leonardo.

DON’T MISS OUT Festival del Tartufo “vero” (Real-truffle-festival) - second Sunday in February; Sagra della cucciola, (cucciola “slug” festival) - August; Sagra d’autunno, Autumn Festival with traditional recipes - November.

93

Province of Fermo

MONTELEONE DI FERMO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

MONTELEONE DI F.

FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 434 Altitude 427 m ASL Surface 8,13sq km Distance from Fermo 27 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.773521 www.provincia.ap.it/ monteleone_di_fermo com.monteleone@provincia.ap.it

The settlement of Monteleone existed already at the time of Faleria and was originally divided into two different villages: Monte Legumi e Torre de’ Casoli. In 533 Euterio, the King of the Longobards attacked Faleria and occupied Monte Legumi. Torre de’ Casoli withstood a 12-years-siege under the command of certain Leone, instead. To leave the memory of his value to posterity, the name of the new-established Municipality was subsequently changed from Torre de’ Casoli into Monteleone.

WORTH VISITING Monteleone is a small village, sited on a rocky spur between Ete Vivo River and Lubrico stream. The Town Hall contains two small wooden paintings by Crivelli’s School, repWHERE TO STAY resenting a Madonna and a St. HOTELS l Giovanni. The Romanesque CAMPSITES gate and an octagonal keep HOLIDAY VILLAGES (13th - 15th centuries), serving COUNTRY HOUSES as bell tower for the parish APARTMENT RENTALS Church of St. Giovanni BatROOMS TO RENT tista have been part of the origFARM HOLIDAYS l inal medieval fortress. The BED & BREAKFAST l Church of the Crucifix, or CARAVAN SITES Madonna della Misericordia, YOUTH HOSTELS shows Romanesque elements MOUNTAIN DEWS and frescoes, among which is a Last Judgement of 1548, attributed to Vincenzo Pagani. In Piazza Umberto I stands the Church of St. Marone, built in the 16th century on the foundations of earlier Romanesque buildings.

WORTH TASTING You will be possibly enjoy local restaurants more than the village itself… The most prestigious fruit of this land is “truffle”, called “kitchen diamond” by experts.

SOMETHING TO DO There are some multi-purpose sports grounds.

WORTH DISCOVERING The environs of Monteleone are very suitable to enjoy historical and naturalistic routes in the woody mounts of Ascoli hinterland.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate (Feast of St. Antonio Abate) Sunday after the 17th of January; Festa della Madonna Addolorata (Feast of Madonna Addolorata) - Sunday after Easter; Festa di San Vincenzo Ferreri (Feast of St. Vincenzo Ferreri) - second Sunday after Easter; Rassegna teatrale (Theatre representations) June and July; Sagra della pasta fresca (Festival of Handmade pasta) - July; Festa della Madonna del Soldato (Feast of Madonna of the Soldier) - first ten days in August; Festa di S. Marone (Feast of St. Marone) 18th August; Festa di San Martino (Feast of St. Martino) - 11th November.

Province of Fermo

MONTELPARO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTELPARO ASCOLI PICENO

Stone findings, probably dating from the Bronze Age, evidence the presence of Picene settlements already in the 7th century before Christ. Vestiges of the late Roman imperial civilization have been discovered, too. The village is named after a castle called Eliprando, erected on a Town hall: hilltop in the Early Middle Ages Phone: +39 0734.780141 by the Longobard Eliasdoe, or Eliprando. It was likely originalMountain Community ly called Monte Elprando, hence Phone: +39 0736.844526 Montelparo. The castle passed +39 0736.844379 under the rule of the Farfensi monks, who enlarged it. In 1046 ww.provincia.ap.it/montelparo the territory including Montelparo, Smerillo and Montefalcom.montelparo@provincia.ap.it cone represented the core of the Farfensi possessions in the Piceno area.

It became a free Municipality in the 12th century, governed by its owns statutes. In the time between the 12th and the 14th cenWHERE TO STAY turies Montelparo’s population HOTELS l increased and the village experiCAMPSITES enced a flourishing time, so HOLIDAY VILLAGES much that the aristocracy called COUNTRY HOUSES it magnifica comunitas (magnifAPARTMENT RENTALS icent community). Being a ROOMS TO RENT Guelph territory numerous FARM HOLIDAYS l Popes endowed it with many BED & BREAKFAST privileges and indulgences, but CARAVAN SITES Sisto V cancelled any privilege, YOUTH HOSTELS that it had ever obtained, when MOUNTAIN DEWS he created the Montalto diocese.

In spite of that, the village kept being synonymous with political stability, thus between the 13th and the 14th centuries many people of the outskirts asked to get their permanent residence in Montelparo, whose population Inhabitants 920 Altitude 588 m ASL Surface 21,56 sq km Distance from Fermo 32 km

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increased to 5000 inhabitants.

WORTH VISITING The urban frame work retains most of the medieval structure, while houses are laid out following the local territory features: a cluster of houses, getting smaller and smaller, as closer as you get to the centre of the village, which is also the highest point. There soars the bell tower of the Gothic Church of St. Michele Arcangelo, erected in the 14th century, containing a fresco of 1527 showing a Crucifixion with Pietà and Eternal Father.

The cylindrical keep included in the old defence ring walls stands close to the Town Hall (14th - 15th century), holding a display of prestigious parchments. The Church of St. Maria Novella (14th century) contains a Vincenzo Pagani’s painting and the Convent of St. Agostino (18th century), housing today the Museum of Sacred Objects, contains church furnishings and other valuable parchments. Those feeling like to discover unusualness may appreciate the “Old Street Handicrafts Museum” SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Montelparo is the birth place of two cardinals, Fulgenzio Travelloni and Gregorio Petrocchini.

The village offers services, residences and recreational activities for older people, handicapped persons and disadvantage children.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are ciauscolo, vincisgrassi, polenta on the “board”, emmer, frascarelli, tagliolini, pork, chicken, rabbit, lamb and roasted sucking pig. All this accompanied by excellent local white and red wines, as well as vincotto (literally cooked wine).

SOMETHING TO DO Sport fans may enjoy the municipal indoor multi-purpose sports centre.

WORTH DISCOVERING Not far away from the village is the charming Church of St. Maria di Camurano, with remains of 15th and 16th century frescoes.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate (Feast of St. Antonio Abate) and Sagra del Baccalà (dried salt cod festival) - January; Festival “Il chiostro d’oro”, (“The golden cloister”) Festival, performances of street theatre and plays in dialect - July/August; Sagra della polenta sulla spianatora (Festival of the Polenta “on the board”) - Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the 15th of August; Festa di Santa Maria in Camurano (Feast of St. Maria in Camurano) and Sfilata delle canestrelle (Parade of the Canestrelle) - September.

95

Province of Fermo

MONTOTTONE PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTOTTONE ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1030 Altitude 277 m ASL Surface 16,44 sq km Distance from Fermo 21 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.775135 www.provincia.ap.it/montottone com.montottone@provincia.ap.it

Montottone was initially a very important Castle in the territory of Fermo, laid out between the 10th and the 11th century by Attone, Duke of Atri, hence Mons Actonis. In 1537 it became the chief town of the Papal State of Agro Piceno, including all castles, that were under the rule of Fermo at that time. During about 10 years governors had their residence in Montottone.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre it is possible to see the Castle walls with medieval keep and the Porta Marina (Castle gate); on the main square stands the Church of St. Pietro (17th - 18th century), containing a Vincenzo Paci’s organ of 1877; worth mentioning is the Neoclassical façade of Palazzo Amici (19th WHERE TO STAY century). Along the corso HOTELS l (main street) is the Church of CAMPSITES St. Maria Ausiliatrice, retainHOLIDAY VILLAGES ing a painting, attributed to COUNTRY HOUSES Vincenzo Pagani. Close to the APARTMENT RENTALS Church you can find a meROOMS TO RENT dieval cistern. Of great interest FARM HOLIDAYS are also the Church of St. SalBED & BREAKFAST l vatore (15th - 17th centuries), CARAVAN SITES the Church of Madonna delle YOUTH HOSTELS Grazie (14th - 17th centuries) MOUNTAIN DEWS holding a valuable fresco, dating from the 15th century; the Church and the Convent of St. Francesco, with Gothic-Romanesque portal and late Baroque interior with stuccoes and gilts. It holds many artworks, like a 18th century

wood carved choir, a Pietro da Rimini’s fresco of 1333 (it’s the only work of the artist, that he ever dated) and a Maratta’s painting. Don’t miss visiting the Ceramics and Earthenware Museum.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Montottone is known as the “Paese de le cocce”, (the village of Earthenware), as it has been an important centre for the production of earthenware, ceramics, wrought iron and copper manufactures since the 13th century. Handicraft workshops sells their manufactures still today.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: beans with pork rinds, fried olives, tripe, hand made tagliatelle, vincisgrassi and roasted sucking pig.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sports facilities are available: a tennis court, a skate rink, an indoor sports centre and a soccer field.

WORTH DISCOVERING Montottone is a medieval village sited on a rocky spur, about 28 km from the sea. In the village is a municipal public garden.

It’s a suitable area for naturalistic tours, like the walking or mountain-bike itineraries across the Ete Valley.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate (Feast of St. Antonio Abate) January; Festa della Madonna delle Grazie (Feast of Madonna delle Grazie) - Mid-June; Festa della Madonna Madre della Chiesa (Feast of the Madonna Mother of the Church) - last Sunday in July; Festival “La Brocca d’oro” food and wine festival - first half of August; Festa del Patrono San Lorenzo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Lorenzo) 10th August; Sagra del fungo (Mushroom Festival) - September.

Province of Fermo

MORESCO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MORESCO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 616 Altitude 405 m ASL Surface 6,32 sq km Distance from Fermo 13 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.259983 www.provincia.ap.it/moresco com.moresco@provincia.ap.it

Historians disagree about the origin of the village: According to some opinions Moresco was founded in the 8th century by a Moorish colony, coming from across the Adriatic Sea; other people say that people from Monterubbiano may have built the Castle to defend themselves from Barbarians; last but not least, the most likely possibility has it that local landlords moved to the hilltop to protect themselves from enemy attacks. In the 13th century the village passed under the rule of Fermo until the Unification of Italy. In 1869 Moresco was incorporated with the other neighbouring municipalities.

Finally, it got its administrative independence in 1910.

WORTH VISITING In the walled around historic WHERE TO STAY centre you can see the 12th cenHOTELS tury heptagonal Tower, the 14th CAMPSITES century Clock Tower, Piazza HOLIDAY VILLAGES del Castello with Gothic PortiCOUNTRY HOUSES co, the Town Hall, housing nuAPARTMENT RENTALS merous works of art, including ROOMS TO RENT a piece showing a Madonna in FARM HOLIDAYS l glory with Child, Angels and BED & BREAKFAST Saints by Vincenzo Pagani.

CARAVAN SITES l Worth visiting is also the parish YOUTH HOSTELS Church of SS. Lorenzo and MOUNTAIN DEWS Nicolò and the Church of St. Antonio Abate. Outside the ring walls are the Church of Madonna della Salute, the Church of St. Sofia, the Church of St. Lorenzo and the Church of St. Maria dell’Olmo, containing a Vincenzo Pagani’s Crucifixion.

WORTH TASTING Food and wine local specialities are virgin olive oil, traditional sausages and salamis like the famous “ciauscolo”, pecorino-cheese, hand made pasta recipes (tagliatelle and vincisgrassi), cakes (pizza with figs pastry), delicious peaches from the Aso Valley. Don’t miss tasting fried cream, perfectly matching with Ascoli’s stuffed olives.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a five-a-side football ground and a volleyball ground. Sport fishing opportunity at the Santarelli lakes.

April; Sagra dell’Asado (Asado Festival), beef barbecue first week end in August; Festa del Patrono San Lorenzo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Lorenzo) and Sagra della polenta con le vongole (Festival of Polenta with clam sauce) - August; “Grand’angolo Eptagonale” (“Heptagonal wide-angle”): photographic exhibition at the heptagonal tower - August; Festa del Braciere (Brazier Festival) with roasted chestnuts, sausages and brochettes barbecue, Novello wine - last Sunday in October; Festa della Madonna della Salute (Feast of the Madonna of the Health) - MidOctober.

WORTH DISCOVERING Moresco is sited on a hill overlooking the Aso Valley, about 12 km from the sea and not far away from the Sibillini Mountains. Just downhill the historic centre is a beautiful public garden.

It’s a suitable area for historical and naturalistic tours along the pedestrian route leading from the historic centre to the municipal boundary, along which it is possible to see a great number of small rural Churches and Pinturette (devotion shrines), typical of the Aso Valley.

DON’T MISS OUT Scampagnata alla Madonna dell’Olmo (outing at Madonna dell’Olmo) - last Sunday in

97

Province of Fermo

ORTEZZANO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ORTEZZANO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 815 Altitude 301 m ASL Surface 6,99 sq km Distance from Fermo 26 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.779181 www.provincia.ap.it/ortezzano com.ortezzano@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The village originated in the Roman time, as the great number of archaeological findings and a record in Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia as Urticinum evidence. In the Middles Ages it was one of the Farfa Abbey’s possessions in the Piceno area. Afterwards it passed under the rule of Fermo until the Unification of Italy.

WORTH VISITING The Church of St. Maria del Soccorso (15th -18th centuries), preserves a 16th century fresco, showing a Madonna Enthroned with Child and Saints of 1509, attributed to Vincenzo Pagani and an organ, built in 1747. The noble Greek-crossplan Church of Carmine, erected in 725, contains a Madonna del Carmine, created by Maratta’s School. The Church of St. Girolamo was built over new in the second half of the 18th century. Also to be seen are the remains of the impressive ring walls, dated from the 14th century, Porta del Sole, gothic town gate and the polygonal Tower, trace of a 14th century Rocca.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Ortezzano is the birth place of Giuseppe Carboni (18561925), famous Latinist, co-author of the Latin dictionary Campanini-Carboni”, which has been used by Italian students during many years. To

celebrate Carboni, the municipality, in collaboration with the University, organises a yearly Latin contest for secondaryschool students.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: sausages and salamis like the famous ciauscolo; lamb and mutton; roasted sucking pork; handmade pasta recipes (tagliatelle and “vincisgrassi”); peaches, apples and plums.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a five-a-side football ground, a tennis court, Boules (Italian Bocce) rinks and a soccer field.

WORTH DISCOVERING Ortezzano lies on a plain hilltop, overlooking the Aso Valley, about 20 km from the sea.

Enjoy the panoramic view from the “belvedere”, sweeping further away to the Adriatic Sea. In the village are three public garden areas with free time facilities. We also recommend naturalistic excursions, like walking or mountain-bike itineraries along the Aso River or at the mouth of Indaco Stream.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera orto-florovivaistica (vegetables and flowers trade market) - second Sunday in May; Festa di S. Maria del Soccorso, (Feast of St. Maria

del Soccorso) and Infiorata, picturesque event, attracting many people to appreciate the village streets, decorated with flowers - June; Sagra dell’agnello arrosto “co’ vattuto” (Roasted lamb Festival) - August; Il “Leccabaffi”, food and wine tasting - August; Festa del vino con rievocazione storica della pigiatura (Wine festival and historical revival representation of grapes treading) - second last week in September.

Province of Fermo

PONZANO DI FERMO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

PONZANO DI FERMO ASCOLI PICENO

In the 7th century Ponzano was under the rule of the Farfa Abbey: the monks moved there and built a Church, dedicated to St. Maria Mater Domini. In 1214 the Castle was under the authority of Fermo, but in the period between 1416 and 1443 was repeatedly plundered by the Malatesta family and by Alessandro Sforza. In 1570 Pope Pius V divided Ponzano from Fermo and set it up as a free Municipality.

portant and very popular fair, dedicated to St. Marco, takes place each year near the church.

In the hamlet Torchiaro is the Church of Ss. Simone and Giuda, built again in 1827 by the architect Alessandro Vassalli.

WORTH VISITING In the walled around historic centre it is possible to appreciate the Porta d’accesso (Town Gate) with an embattled keep of the 15th century and a threearchways arcade. The parish Church of St. Maria a “Pede Pontis”, rebuilt in 1792, contains numerous masterpieces, WHERE TO STAY like a 17th century Rosary HOTELS Madonna, an altorilievo showCAMPSITES ing a Madonna with Child, exHOLIDAY VILLAGES ample of Tuscan art of the 16th COUNTRY HOUSES century and an astylar Cross of APARTMENT RENTALS 1437. Outside the historic cenROOMS TO RENT tre stands the monumental FARM HOLIDAYS l Church of “Santa Maria Mater BED & BREAKFAST l Domini” (or Church of St. CARAVAN SITES Marco), originally erected in YOUTH HOSTELS the 7th century, but rebuilt beMOUNTAIN DEWS tween the 11th and 12th centuries, splendid example of Romanesque style, with Romanesque lowered tripartite facade and a stout bell tower (rebuilt in the 17th century), probably a defence element, typical of the Farfensi churches; an im-

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, two five-a-side football grounds and a volleyball ground.

Inhabitants 1678 Altitude 248 m ASL Surface 14,38 sq km Distance from Fermo 12 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.630108 www.provincia.ap.it/ ponzano_di_fermo com.ponzano@provincia.ap.it

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: tagliatelle with wild boar ragùsauce, pappardelle with hare ragù-sauce and beans with pork rinds.

cal revival representation and Palio delle Botti (Barrels palio) - last week in July; Festa della Madonna Divina Pastora (Feast of the Madonna divine Shepherdess) - first Sunday in August; Festa della Birra (Beer festival) - August; Festa del bambino (the Feast of the Child) - September; Castagnata, (Chestnut festival) in the hamlet Capparuccia - second Sunday in October; Castagnata, (Chestnut festival) in the hamlet Torchiaro - third Sunday in October.

WORTH DISCOVERING Ponzano is a medieval village perched on a hilltop, about 15 km from the sea and not far away from the Sibillini Mountains. In the village is a municipal public garden.

The territory offers walking and mountain-bike itineraries across the charming hills and the surrounding country side.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa e Fiera del Patrono San Marco (Feast and Fair of the Patron Saint, St. Marco) - 25th April; Festa del Sacro Cuore (Feast of the Holy Heart) in the hamlet Capparuccia - second Sunday in June; “Da Castello a Comune libero”, (“From castle to free Municipality”) histori-

99

Province of Fermo

RAPAGNANO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

RAPAGNANO FERMO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1974 Altitude 316 m ASL Surface 11,49 sq km Distance from Fermo 13 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.510404

By the year 1000 the Castle of Rapagnano was under the rule of the Bishop of Fermo; in 1229 it became a property of Montegiorgio, but Fermo took it back in 1244. The later history of Rapagnano is part of Fermo’s history.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre you can see the remains of the ring www.provincia.ap.it/rapagnano walls, with its particular ovoidal lay out, and three com.rapagnano@provincia.ap.it keeps; at the northern site is the Porta da Bora, on the southern side is the Porta della Pesa, gateway to the main square. On the square is the Town Hall (18th century), designed by the architect Virginio Bracci, housing different documents and a Library of great value. In the town centre is the parish Church of WHERE TO STAY St. Giovanni Battista, erected HOTELS l in the period between 1808 CAMPSITES and 1822 on the area, that was HOLIDAY VILLAGES once occupied by two earlier COUNTRY HOUSES churches. The present church APARTMENT RENTALS has got a slender facade with ROOMS TO RENT l soaring bell tower. Worth FARM HOLIDAYS l mentioning are also the BED & BREAKFAST Church of St. Rosalia (1754), CARAVAN SITES the Church of St. Antonio (17th YOUTH HOSTELS century), the Painting gallery MOUNTAIN DEWS and the Parish Museum. Outside the village you can find three rural churches: the Church of St. Colomba, rebuilt in the 18th century, ruins of the Church of St. Tiburzio (1507) and the Church of the Beate Vergine Maria.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER In 1880 archaeological excavations were carried out in the hamlet San Triburzio: findings of the early Roman and Roman time, including shields, spears, bronze helmets with embossed decorations are now displayed in the Archaelogical Museum in Ancona. Rapagnano is Pope John XVIII’s birth place (1004-9).

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are virgin olive oil, traditional sausages and salamis, d.o.c. wines Rosso Piceno and Falerio, honey, hand made pasta recipes (tagliatelle and “vincisgrassi”) and the delicious Ascoli’s stuffed olives.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a tennis court, a five-a-side football ground, two municipal indoor sports centres and a sport field, including a cycle path.

WORTH DISCOVERING Rapagnano is sited on a hill on the left side of the Tenna Valley, about 20 km from the sea.

In the village is a public garden and in the hamlet San Triburzio is a park with a play ground for children. The hilly country side of the Tenna Valley is a suitable area for different walking tours of great naturalistic and historical interest.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa del Patrono San Giovanni Battista (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Giovanni Battista) - second Sunday in May; Festa della birra (Beer Festival) in Piane - June; Sagra dell’Oca arrosto (Roasted goose Festival) - July; Festa del grano (Wheat Festival) - end of July/beginnings of August; Castagne e vino novello (Chestnuts and Novello wine) in Piane - November.

Province of Fermo

SMERILLO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

SMERILLO ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 394 Altitude 806 m ASL Surface 11,31 sq km Distance from Fermo 41 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.79124 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379 www.provincia.ap.it/smerillo com.smerillo@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The original name Castrum Smerilli is possibly derived from certain Smerilla, a woman living in the surrounding country side. According to other opinions, the village might be named after the “smeriglio”, (merlin) very typical small aggressive hawk. A merlin, flying over five hills, is actually represented in the town coat of arms.

The village originated in the 9th century, as recorded in the chronicles relating the disputes between the Empire and the Papacy; a later mention is recorded in relation to the disputes between Camerino and Fermo, that definitely took over Smerillo in 1300.

The noble family Boce da Smerillo were the lords of the town. It is the birth family of Buongiovanni, called “the Condottiere”. In 1409 the Count of Carrara conquered the castle, that became a Church territory later on. Along the road leading to the village, as well as in other spots across it, it is possible to see traces of the medieval ring walls. The village played an important role also in Roman time, as the big amount of Emperial coins, found out in the area, evidences. Smerillo was a confederate Municipium during the Tiburtine wars.

WORTH VISITING Among the main works of art worth mentioning are the re-

mains of the original medieval ring walls with Keep, the Romanesque Church of St. Caterina (14th century), containing important frescoes, the interesting Fossil Museum, as well as the very unusual Gallery of Contemporary and Children Art. SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Of particular interest is the Fessa, a peculiar and charming cleft, full of very valuable fossils. Thanks to its breathtaking panoramic position, Smerillo is also known as “Roof of the Marche”.

tural activity, that has always characterized the area.

DON’T MISS OUT “Lo vatte” (farmyard festival in the hamlet Ceresola) - end of July; Festa popolare di San Martino (Folk Festival of St. Martino) - first ten days in August; “Sogno di una notte di mezza estate” (“Midsummer night dream”) outdoor movie review - second week in August; Festa di San Nicola (Feast of St. Nicola in the hamlet Ceresola) - second Sunday in September; Castagnata in piazza (Chestnut festival on the piazza) - third Sunday in October.

WORTH TASTING Traditional recipes resting with the widest choice of mushrooms, truffles and chestnuts will satisfy even the most delicate palates.

SOMETHING TO DO The territory offers excellent opportunities to engage in relaxed walks amid pristine unspoiled nature.

WORTH DISCOVERING Nature lovers may appreciate the protected floristic oasis, laid out in the Smerillo’s wood.

In the hamlet San Martino al Faggio stands the historic Small Church of St. Martino with its stout Romanesque tower and important paintings inside. An old water mill evidences the flourishing agricul-

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Province of Fermo

S. VITTORIA IN MATENANO PESARO

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S VITTORIA IN M. ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1466 Altitude 625 m ASL Surface 25,97 sq km Distance from Fermo 33 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.780111 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379 www.provincia.ap.it/ santa_vittoria_in_matenano com.svittoria@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Around the year 680 some friars, on advice of the bishop of Marciano, moved in the Monastery of S. Ippolito, sited between Mount Matenano and Mount Falcone. When Abbot Wandelbert arrived at the monastery in 790, the monastery became a reference centre for the spiritual life and the safety of the local people.

Abbot Pietro, escaping from the Farfense Abbey in Sabina, besieged by the Saracens, took refuge there a few time later. In 934 Abbot Raffredo arranged to transfer in the village the mortal vestments of St. Vittoria, martyred in Rome in the 3rd century, whom the village is named after.

Thanks to following population increase and territorial extension the village became a lively medieval settlement, which the Farfensi monks consolidated their authority on. In 1357 it became the chief town of the Farfense presidium, that included at the time the most part of the modern provinces of Macerata and Ascoli Piceno.

The monks also contributed to boost important productive activities like agriculture, building and handicrafts (copper and wood).

WORTH VISITING Santa Vittoria in Matenano is a village of great historical, artistic and literary interest, that can boast many monumental works, such us the 14th century

embattled Tower of Abbot Odoriso, the Church of St. Agostino with 18th century aristocratic interior and 15th century cloister, the impressive Palazzo Monti and Palazzo Melis, the bridge Conti della Torre, the historic Teatro del Leone, built at beginnings of the 19th century. In the highest part of the village is the parish Church of St. Vittoria, big building, dating from the late 18th century, with crypt containing the 15th century urn with Santa Vittoria’s relic. Go further uphill and you will reach the Cappellone, ruins of a Farfense buildings, still preserving Giacomo da Campli’s valuable frescoes (1471).

In the village are also a Municipal Library, historical archives and a Municipal Museum.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The terrirory is sprinkled with cloisters, churches and convents, evidencing the spirituality, that has always characterized the area.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are vincisgrassi, tagliatelle, polenta, pig meat, lamb, olive oil, white and red wine, as well as vincotto (literally cooked wine).

SOMETHING TO DO Sport fans may appreciate the wide choice of hiking, mountain-bike and horse trekking itineraries. Amazing panoram-

ic views of the Sibillini Mountains on one side and the Adriatic Coast on the other will make it easier and even more pleasant!

WORTH DISCOVERING Over the village is a thick wood. The Park of St. Francesco and the public gardens are ideal places to relax. The Sepe, as well as Palazzo della Torre and the Town Hall are also worth the effort to get a little bit off the centre.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Patrona Santa Vittoria (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Vittoria) - 20th June; Concerti di musica classica e polifonica (Classical and Polyphonic concerts) - July/August; Rappresentazioni teatrali (Theatre representations) - July/August; Sfilata delle canestrelle (Parade of the canestrelle) - 15th August.

PROVINCE OF ASCOLI PICENO

Province of Ascoli Piceno

APPIGNANO DEL TRONTO PESARO

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APPIGNANO DEL T. ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1952 Altitude 194 m ASL Surface 22,98 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 16 km

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Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.86131 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.251747

The earliest mention regarding “Castrum Appungnani” dates back to medieval times. In the 11th century the Castrum was given to the Bishop of Ascoli Piceno and passed later to the Farfensi monks, who fortified it with defensive walls and promoted its religious and economic development. In 1291 the Castle became a free Municipality, governed by its own Statutes.

WORTH VISITING The parish Church of St. Giovanni Battista, of the early 14th century, preserves the remains com.appignano@provincia.ap.it of frescoes from different periods, a terracotta Pietà of the 14th century and a Simone De Magistris’ painting of 1589, representing the Pentecost.

The Church of St. Michele Arcangelo, built in the 15th centuWHERE TO STAY ry, was restored several times HOTELS l in the later centuries. It preCAMPSITES serves a Vincenzo Pagani’s HOLIDAY VILLAGES painting, representing the AsCOUNTRY HOUSES sumption and a reliquary of the APARTMENT RENTALS Holy Cross, a goldsmith work ROOMS TO RENT attributed to Pietro Vannini.

FARM HOLIDAYS l The Church of St. Maria del BED & BREAKFAST Piano Santo, of the 17th centuCARAVAN SITES ry, preserves a fine baroque alYOUTH HOSTELS tar and frescoes of the 14th cenMOUNTAIN DEWS tury. www.provincia.ap.it/ Appignano_del_Tronto

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The town of Appignano stands out for its handicraft manufacturing of pillow laces and for the production of fireworks of

high quality and reliability.

WORTH TASTING Among its local products we recommend: virgin olive oil; the d.o.c. Wine Rosso Piceno Superiore; stuffed pasta (timballo and cannelloni); cakes (the Frustingo, the Easter ringshaped cake and the pizza with cheese); delicious Ascoli’s pitted big green olives, stuffed with meat, eggs and parmesan, breaded and fried in virgin olive oil.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a municipal gymnasium, a tennis court and a multi-purpose sports ground.

WORTH DISCOVERING The village is situated on a hill on the slopes of the Mount Ascensione; the territory, run across by the Chifente stream, is of a great naturalistic interest as it is characterized by the coexistence of rocks and ravines with beautiful green hills. The territory of the Tronto Mountain Community (Comunità Montana del Tronto) offers historical and naturalistic itineraries, at the discovery of churches, medieval villages and of an unspoiled nature.

DON’T MISS OUT Processione del Cristo morto (Procession of the dead Christ) - Good Friday; Festa di San Vincenzo (Feast of St. Vincen-

zo) - Sunday after Easter; Fiera del cappello (Hat festival) second Sunday in June; Festa di San Giovanni Battista (Feast of St. Giovanni Battista) - June; Processione delle Canestrelle (Procession of the Canestrelle) - 15th August; Funerale dell’anno vecchio (Funeral of the dead year) - 31st December.

Province of Ascoli Piceno

ARQUATA DEL TRONTO PESARO

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ASCOLI PICENO

ARQUATA DEL T.

Inhabitants 1361 Altitude 777 m ASL Surface 92,32 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 32 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.809122 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.251747 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.provincia.ap.it/ Arquata_del_Tronto com.arquata@provincia.ap.it www.sibillini.net WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Already Statio of the Via Salaria in Roman times with the name of “Supircanum”, in 1225 Arquata (from arx, fortress) voluntarily submitted to Ascoli Piceno, getting a wide autonomy in exchange. In 1429 it passed under the rule of Norcia till the 18th century. During the Napoleonic invasion, in 1809, it was annexed to Umbria. After Napoleon, with the restoration of the pontifical government, it came back to the delegation of Ascoli Piceno.

WORTH VISITING Very interesting is the medieval Fortress, built in the 13th century in a dominant position and rebuilt between the 14th and 15th centuries by Giovanna II from Naples. The Church of SS. Annunziata preserves a wooden crucifix of the 13th century. The Church of the Madonna della Neve, in the hamlet Faete , contains some frescoes by Pietro Alemanno. In the Church of St. Francesco, in the hamlet Borgo, you can find a copy of the Turin Shroud, made in the 17th century, three paintings of the 17th Century, a polychrome wooden statue of the 16th century representing St. Antonio da Padova, a fresco of a Madonna with Child and Saints. The Church of St. Agata, in the hamlet Spelonga, preserves important frescoes, a fine polychrome terracotta and a flag, stolen to the Turks during the Battle of Lepanto (1571). The Church of the

Madonna del Sole, in the hamlet Capodacqua, is a valuable octagonal structure of the 16th century, full of symbolic meanings.

The Church of St. Silvestro, located in the hamlet Colle on a high cliff, contains frescoes, dated 1511. In the Church of San Pietro, in the hamlet Borgo, you can find a painting of the 16th century attributed to Cola dell’Amatrice. The parish Church of the Holy Crucifix, in the hamlet Pretare, preserves a carved and painted crucifix of the 17th century. Worth seeing also the Museum of Arte Immanente “Villa Papi”, founded in 1990 by the artist Diego Papi.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: truffles, porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, pecorino cheese, potatoes, beans and cakes (mostaccioli).

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, four tennis courts, a multipurpose gymnasium and a skating rink.

You can enjoy winter sports in the famous ski resort of Forca Canapine (1541m); in Forca di Presta (1560m) you can enjoy free flights with hang-gliders and paragliders.

WORTH DISCOVERING Arquata is the only Italian town between two parks: the Sibillini Mountains National Park and the National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga. It is the

starting point for different excursions, including walking, horse trekking and mountainbike itineraries.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera del Perdono (Fair of the forgiveness) in the hamlet Borgo - 2nd August; Festa del Patrono San Rocco (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Rocco) - 16th August; Rievocazione storica “Alla Corte della Regina Giovanna” (Historical revival representation at the court of Queen Giovanna) - 1st August; Rievocazione della Battaglia di Lepanto (Historical revival representation of the Battle of Lepanto) in the hamlet Spelonga - August, every three years; La discesa delle fate (The discent of the Fairies) in the hamlet Pretare - August, every three years; Sagra dei Marroni e dei prodotti tipici (Festival of marrons and typical products) - last Sunday in October.

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Province of Ascoli Piceno

CARASSAI PESARO

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CARASSAI ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1235 Altitude 365 m ASL Surface 22,33 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 44 km

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Town hall: Phone: +39 0734.919002 www.provincia.ap.it/Carassai com.carassai@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The origins of Carassai are very remote, as the big amount of traces of the Neolithic period, found on its territory, evidences.

In the Middle Ages the country was called Castrum Guardiae and was under the rule of Brunforte; in 1252 it passed under the control of Matthew d’Acquaviva, returning later to the family Brunforte, who gave it to Fermo in 1321. Accused of insubordination against the Popedom, it was firstly destroyed between 1324 and 1325 and in 1356 it underwent a second destruction by order of the Cardinal Albornoz.

WORTH VISITING In the village you can see the remains of fortified city walls, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, with polygonal and squared keeps. The Old Castle was built between the 6th and 9th century; the New Castle was built in the 13th century. The Church of St. Maria del Buon Gesù, rebuilt in the 18th century, preserves a wooden sculpture of Abruzzi art, several frescoes of the 16th century, a canvas with a Crucifixion by Andrea Boscolo, a painting of Vincenzo Pagani and an other painting of the 17th century, attributed to the Pomarancio’s School. The Church of St. Lorenzo Martyr was rebuilt in the 18th century. Moreover, 3 km away from the town centre is the medieval castle of Rocca di Montevarmine of the 10th century, containing the Church of St. Pietro, which is located near the

Church of St. Michele. Worth visiting is also the Abbey of St. Angelo in Farfense Piano (11th century), located on the right bank of the Aso River, and the Municipal Archaeological Museum.

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, traditional sausages, including the famous “ciauscolo”, d.o.c. Wines Rosso Piceno and Falerio; different desserts like Easter ring-shaped cakes, pizza with cheese, wine must ciambellas (ring-shaped cakes) and currant buns.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a five-aside football field, a tennis court, a basketball ground, a motocross field and a skating rink.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The village is located on the hill ridge between the Aso River and the Menocchia River, about 15km away from the sea: from everywhere you can enjoy an amazing panorama, sweeping away from the coast to the Apennines. There are also two parks with recreational facilities: the municipal park and the playground for children. You can enjoy historical and cultural excursions, on foot or by mountain bike, at the discovery of monuments and churches of the territory, and also excursions along the

paths of the lush Aso Valley or along the hilly paths, that lead to Rocca di Montevarmine.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera di Sant’Angelo in Piano (Fair of St. Angelo in Piano) Sunday after the 8th of May; Festa del Patrono San Barnaba (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Barnaba) - 11th June; Premio Josephin “Arte e Informazione” (Josephin Award “Art and Information”) - first half of July; Festa dei ragazzi (Guys festival) - July; Festa della Sangria (Sangria Festival) - period between July-August, Sagra delle tagliatelle con la papera (Festival of tagliatelle with duck-sauce) - third weekend in July; Sagra degli Gnocchi (Gnocchi festival) - first Sunday in August; Sagra della Salsiccia alla Brace (Grilled sausages festival) - 15th August; Festa del Voto in onore della Madonna del Buon Gesù (Day of the Voto to the Madonna del Buon Gesù) last Sunday in August.

Province of Ascoli Piceno

COSSIGNANO PESARO

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COSSIGNANO ASCOLI PICENO

In 1309 Cossignano became part of the possessions of the Abbey of Farfa in the Picene.

The village became autonomous in the 14th century, but it has been a disputed territory between Fermo and Ascoli Piceno for a long time, because of its strategic position.

dating from the year 1000 with a supporting structure, made of earth and straw.

Worth visiting is the Villa Trocchi (end of 700), considered one of the most beautiful villas in the province, with a garden and surrounded by a park of century-old pines.

WORTH VISITING In the historic centre you can www.comune.cossignano.ap.it see the town walls with its Keeps, the “Grottoni”, the Porta Levante, (eastern town gate) comune.cossignano@libero.it also known as St. George’Gate and the Porta da Sole.On the square you can find the Civic Tower (15th century) and the Church of Assunta (18th century), which preserves some paintings by Nicola Monti, including the Assumption and St. George, as well as a Madonna with Child and a St. Domenico, WHERE TO STAY attributed to Maratta’s School.

HOTELS l In the historic centre you can CAMPSITES visit the Municipal Library, the HOLIDAY VILLAGES municipal Museum AntiquariCOUNTRY HOUSES um “Nicola Pansoni” and the APARTMENT RENTALS Municipal Historical Archives.

ROOMS TO RENT On the town walls you can see FARM HOLIDAYS l the Church of Annunziata BED & BREAKFAST l (12th -13th centuries), which CARAVAN SITES preserves frescoes from differYOUTH HOSTELS ent periods, including a St. LuMOUNTAIN DEWS cia by Crivelleschi’s School, an altar-piece representing the saints Antonio Abate, Antonio da Padova and Giobbe by Vincenzo Pagani and a Deposition, attributed to Cola dell’Amatrice. Outside the town walls is the “Casa di terra”, a building

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: the “Taccù” (first course consisting of a mixture of flour and water), handmade tagliatelle and “maccheroncini”, stuffed olives and fried cremini, beans with pig rinds, stockfish with celery and potatoes, Frustingo, Christmas cake, made with figs, walnuts and raisins.

Inhabitants 1025 Altitude 400 m ASL Surface 15,05 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 30 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0735.98130

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a tennis court, a five-a-side football field and a multipurpose gymnasium.

WORTH DISCOVERING Cossignano rises on a hill between the rivers Menocchia and Tesino, about 15km away from the sea. Adjacent to the historic centre is a green public area. For those, who love walking and cycling in nature, there’s the municipal circuit called “Castello di Marte”: it starts from Carassai, continues across the picturesque rural area of Cossignano and joins the circuit of Montalto delle Marche.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa di Sant’Antonio and Sagra dello stoccafisso (Feast of St. Antonio and Stockfish Festival) - 17th January; Festa e fiera del Patrono San Giorgio (Feast and Fair of the Patron Saint, St. Giorgio) - 25th April; Rievocazione storica medioevale“Al Castello di Ser Balduzio”(Historical medieval revival representation “At the castle of Sir Balduzio”) - first Saturday in August, Sagra del pesce fritto (Fried fish Festival)- August; Sagra del prosciutto (Ham Festival) - August; Sagra della salsiccia (Sausage Festival) - August; Sagra di Ferragosto (Ferragosto Festival), tasting of typical local products - 15th August.

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Province of Ascoli Piceno

FORCE PESARO

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FORCE ASCOLI PICENO

The origins of Force date from the 5th century before Christ, when, peoples of the area settled there to protect themselves from attacks during the barbarian invasions. After year 1000 Force became a possession of the Abbey of Farfa, but since the 13th century it began to assert its independence and fighting to become a free Municipality. In 1804 it obtained the status of Town, thanks to Pope Pius VII.

activity introduced in the 16th century by the Farfensi monks.

The origin of its name is due to its nature of place of transition (“fork”) between the valleys of Tronto, Tesino and Aso.

WORTH VISITING The Collegiate Church of St. www.provincia.ap.it/Force Paolo, built on the ruins of an earlier Farfense Church (12th century), preserves the Roman com.force@provincia.ap.it apse and Simone De Magistris’ artworks. The Church of St. Francesco (19th century) was rebuilt on a previous Romanesque church, designed by Giuseppe Sacconi. The suburWHERE TO STAY ban Church of Santa Maria HOTELS l delle Grazie is built in RoCAMPSITES manesque style. The Church of HOLIDAY VILLAGES St. Stefano, in the hamlet MonCOUNTRY HOUSES tecchio, as well as the Church of APARTMENT RENTALS St. Taddeo are also recommendROOMS TO RENT ed. Worth seeing is also the 18th FARM HOLIDAYS l century Town Hall, dominated BED & BREAKFAST l by the Civic Tower, the Palace CARAVAN SITES del Priorato and Villa VerrucYOUTH HOSTELS chio of the 20th century, built in MOUNTAIN DEWS an eclectic oriental style.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, a motocross field and a multipurpose sports field.

Inhabitants 1508 Altitude 690 m ASL Surface 34,19sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 24 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.373132 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The town of Force is also known as the “Land of Calderai” for its copper handicraft manufacturing, an ancient

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are pecorino cheese, polenta, lamb, wild boar, truffles, porcini mushrooms and vincotto (literally cooked wine).

WORTH DISCOVERING Force is a pleasant town, situated on the crest Aso-Tesino, that falls into the Sibillini Mountain Community (Comunità Montana dei Sibillini), a territory rich in history and culture and with an outstanding natural landscape. Within the village you can find the Municipal Park Villino Verrucchio. The town is suitable for pleasant historicalcultural and panoramic walks across the picturesque old town.

DON’T MISS OUT Concerto dell’Epifania (Epiphany Concert) - 6th January; Fiera di San Salvatore (Fair of St. Salvatore) - Monday after Easter, Sagra delle fave e del formaggio (Broad Beans and cheese Festival) - first Sunday in May, Festa di San Vincenzo

Ferreri and Sagra del timballo e del pesce fritto (Feast of St. Vincenzo Ferreri and Festival of timballo and fried fish) in the hamlet Montemoro - May; Festa Beata Assunta Pallotta e Sagra della “Cacciannanze (Feast of Blessed Assunta Pallotta and “Cacciannanze” Festival) - second Sunday in July; Mostra del rame e del ferro battuto (Exhibtion of copper and wrought iron) - July and August; Festa del SS. Crocifisso and Sagra della pasta al tartufo e dei funghi porcini (Feast of the Holy Crucifix and Festival of pasta with mushrooms and truffle) - second Sunday in August; Antichi sapori per le vie del borgo (Old flavours through the streets of the village) - third Sunday in August; Festa dell’Immacolata (Feast of the Immacolata) - 8th December; Rassegna internazionale Corali polifoniche (International polyphonic review) - second Sunday in December.

Province of Ascoli Piceno

MASSIGNANO PESARO

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MASSIGNANO

ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 1604 Altitude 255 m ASL Surface 16,35 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 50 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0735.72112 +39 0735.72312 www.comune.massignano.ap.it com.massignano@ regione.marche.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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Massignano (Massa Aniane) was a suburb of the ancient Roman town of Cupra. In the 13th century the town was subjected to Fermo, but its geographical position made it constantly longed for by Ascoli Piceno.

In 1532 it was conquered by Ascoli and, from that time till the 18th century, it was under the Papal States.

cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, handmade pasta (maccheroncini), d.o.c. wines Rosso Piceno and Falerio. Worth tasting are its delicious stuffed olives.

WORTH VISITING At the entrance of the village you can find the neoclassical Church of Misericordia, built in the 19th century. In the medieval Old Town, you can see the Civic Tower (1572), serving as bell tower already for the old Church of the Monastery, the Town Hall, once Augustinian Monastery, and the Church of St. Giacomo Maggiore (18th century). Next to the Church there’s the Parish Museum of Sacred Art, which preserves different art works, including a painting of a Praying Madonna with Child of the 15th century

by Vittore Crivelli.

In the historic centre you can also find lots of ancient noble palaces. In the hamlet Villa Santi is the Abbey of SS. Felice and Adaucto, rebuilt in the 17th century and keeping the Romanesque apse of the 10th century.

WORTH DISCOVERING You can enjoy historical and natural excursions, like mountain bike, horse trekking and walking itineraries, at the discovery of the fascinating area of Menocchia Valley.

WORTH TASTING Among its local products we have to remember: meat, traditional sausages, pecorino

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: tennis court, a soccer field, a swimming pool and a sports field.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Madonna delle Grazie and Fiera della Primavera (Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie and Spring Fair) Tuesday after Easter; Festa di San Felice a Villa Santi (Feast of St. Felice at Villa Santi) second Sunday after Easter; Festa della Ginestra (Broom Festival) - late May, early June; Festa Medievale (Medieval Festival) - July; Sagra delle Frittelle (Fritters Festival) 14th August; Festa della Madonna del Soccorso (Feast of the Madonna del Soccorso) second Sunday in September.

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Province of Ascoli Piceno

MONTEDINOVE PESARO

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MONTEDINOVE ASCOLI PICENO

Inhabitants 560 Altitude 561 m ASL Surface 11,9 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 30 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.829410 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379 www.comune.montedinove.ap.it info@comune.montedinove.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The origins of the town date from the end of the 6th century when people of Ascoli took refuge to escape from Longobard invasions. In 1039 the village was given by Longino di Azione, Longobard feudal Lord, to the Abbey of Farfa; its monks fortified the village and turned it into one of the most beautiful castles in the area. In 1585 it became part of the Papal States, until the Unification of Italy in 1861.

WORTH VISITING The Church of Santa Maria de Cellis, dating from the 11th century, contains a wooden crucifix of the 14th century and a fresco of 1512, representing the Madonna of Mercy by Vincenzo Pagani. The 17th century Sanctuary of St. Thomas Becket preserves a Madonna between SS. Tommaso and Francesco and a wooden statue of St. Tommaso. The Church of St. Lorenzo Martyr (1792) is a work of Pietro Maggi. Worth visiting is also the Town Hall, the remains of the high ring walls and the Porta della Vittoria (historic town gate).

WORTH TASTING Local specialities are: virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, traditional salami; d.o.c. wines Rosso Piceno and Falerio, handmade pasta (timballi e tagliatelle), mushrooms, white and black truffle, lamb meat and mutton, cakes (frustingo),

pizza with cheese, pizza with figs.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a tennis court, a sports ground and Boules (Italian bocce) rinks.

WORTH DISCOVERING Montedinove is located on the ridge between the Aso Valley and the Tesino Valley; from the hill you can enjoy a wide panoramic view, sweeping away from the Sibillini Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Within the town, in the hamlet San Tommaso, there is a municipal playground. The territory is included in the Sibillini Mountain Community (ComunitĂ Montana dei Sibillini), habitat of a significant natural and landscape interest, which offers the possibility of different walking or mountain-bike excursions, at the discovery of different artistic natural and cultural treasures of the area.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa e fiera di San Tommaso (Feast and Fair of St. Tommaso) - first Sunday in June; Festa del patrono San Lorenzo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Lorenzo) - August; Montedinove Sapori (Montedinove flavours), food-and-wine walks through the streets of the town - August.

Province of Ascoli Piceno

MONTEGALLO PESARO

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ASCOLI PICENO

MONTEGALLO

Inhabitants 619 Altitude 878 m ASL Surface 48,59 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 33 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.806122 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.251747 Monti Sibillini National Park: Phone: +39 0737.972711 www.provincia.ap.it/Montegallo com.montegallo@provincia.ap.it www.sibillini.net

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The place is mentioned in the Egidiane Constitutions of 1357, as Mons Sanctae Mariae in Gallo. In 1378 it’s remembered as land of St. Maria in Lapide. Only in 1580 it was called Montegallo.

In ancient times Pelasgi, Marsi and Sabini lived there. It came under the Farfense rule in the 8th century. According to some historians, it was Marco Gallo, an envoy of Carlo Magno, who founded the Castle of St. Maria in Lapide, which is still immersed in the bush vegetation between Balzo and Fonditore.

During the 15th century the walls of this castrum gave origin to Balzo, that is now the seat of the administrative municipality. In 1250 it obtained the citizenship of Ascoli, in exchange of keeping a citizen of Ascoli Piceno as lord of the castle and of an annual tribute to the Palio, in the anniversary of St. Emidio. Today, the municipality has 27 hamlets which depends on Balzo, seat of the Municipal government, hosted in the 17th century Town Hall Palace.

l l l l WORTH VISITING l As evidence of its noble past you

can see a Shrine by the Church of St. Maria in Lapide, an old Farl fense Church, nestled in the bushes between Balzo and Fonditore, the Church of St. Maria in Pantano, better known as the Church of Sibille for the Bonfini’s frescoes of the 17th century, dedicated to these mysterious female figures, the Churches of St.

Bernardino and St. Angelo, with a portal of the 16th century. Worth visiting is also the temple dedicated to Madonna in the hamlet Collicello, the Museum of Rural Civilization in the hamlet Uscerno and the Monastery of St. Francesco in the hamlet Corsara.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The C.E.A. (Centre for Environmental Education) is very active; its seat is located in Palazzetto Branconio (17th century) and manages the territory, including the Taliani pinewood and a naturalist path.

WORTH TASTING Worth remembering is the production of honey in the hamlet Acetito, excellent dishes based on local mushrooms, lamb and wild boar meat.

SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a soccer field, an outdoor pool and a children’s playground in the pine forest equipped with recreational facilities.

WORTH DISCOVERING The territory, characterized by numerous sources of mineral water, is rich in a particular and unusual flora: hornbeam, fir, maple, oak, chestnut, pine, daffodils, tulips, edelweiss and gentian.

Worth visiting is the House of Blessed Marco in Fonditore. The place is ideal for naturalistic

trips: 30km of paths on horseback, by mountain bike and on foot. In particular, there are interesting paths in direction of Santa Maria in Pantano to the top of the Mount Vettore, or to the Mount Sibilla, the Pit of Colleluce (source Fluvione), the sandstone cliff in Corbara, the valley of Pantano, the Mill of Uscerno and the famous Trail of reapers (Sentiero dei mietitori).

DON’T MISS OUT Festa patronale di S. Bernardino (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Bernardino) - 20th May; Fiera in frazione Balzo (Fair In the hamlet Balzo) - 12th August; Fiera del miele (Honey fair) in the hamlet Abetito - September; Raduno dei cavalli (Horse meeting) in the hamlet Colle - August/September; patronal festivals in the different hamlets in summer; Sagra della Castagna (Chestnut festival) in the hamlet Uscerno October.

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Province of Ascoli Piceno

MONTEMONACO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

MONTEMONACO ASCOLI PICENO

Sited close to the Sibillini Mountains, Montemonaco owes its name to its origin: in the Middle Ages a Benedictine monk found refuge on this hill. In the 9th century a Benedictine fortification was founded. At the end of the 13th century the rural settlements at the foot of the Sibillini Mounts Town hall: decided to join in an free municPhone: +39 0736.856141 ipality and chose Montemonaco, the mountain of the Monk, as Mountain Community capital, due to its strategic posiPhone: +39 0736.844526 tion, peaking at the centre of the +39 0736.844379 area, thus easy to defend. To protect their freedom, the inhabiMonti Sibillini National Park: tants of Montemonaco built the Phone: +39 0737.972711 castle walls, interspersed by robust towers. In vain Francesco www.provincia.ap.it/Montemonaco Sforza and Niccolò Piccinino tried to subdue the village and com.montemonaco@provincia.ap.it some neighbouring towns, including Arquata del Tronto, www.sibillini.net Montefortino, Montegallo and Norcia.

Inhabitants 659 Altitude 1080 m ASL Surface 67,71 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 40 km

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WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

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The historic centre is a slice of medieval life: the remains of the ancient Rocca (13th century) and the three remaining towers are work of Lombard master masons; the Church of St. Giovanni Battista dates back to the 14th century. It preserves a piece of the Virgin of Soccorso by Giulio Vergari (1521). The Church of St. Biagio (15th century) and the church of St. Benedetto (6th century) are rich in works of art: in the last one you can appreciate a portal, dated 1546, and inside a fresco attributed to the school of Crivelli, a Crucifix, carved in

polychrome wood, and a precious reliquary of the goldsmith Cristoforo from Norcia. The Town Hall, built in 1549 on Cardinal Farnese’s commission, is the basement of the 14th century Civic Tower.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER Hiking excursions will take you to Mount Sibilla or Mount Vettore: don’t miss visiting the mysterious Fairies’Cave or the small lake of Pilate, a place, that inspired ancient legends; characteristic is its glasses shape and it is famous for the presence of Chirocephalus Marchesonii, a small crustacean, found in 1954 by Professor Marchesoni, which makes waters red during summer times.

WORTH TASTING Among its local products we have to remember: sausages, the mutton of Montemonaco, trout, cheese, porcini mushrooms, truffles, chestnuts, different dishes based on polenta, rabbit, poultry and wild boar, local cakes, the wines of the hills of Ascoli and the traditional vincotto (literally cooked wine).

SOMETHING TO DO As second highest town in the Marche it is a healthy place for holiday and a great starting point for excursions on the Sibillini Mountains. It is also ideal for fishing, horse riding, mountain biking and for skiing excursions in winter.

WORTH DISCOVERING There are numerous floristic protected areas. Extensive wideleaved tree forests cover the mountain slopes. On the Mount Banditello you can find beech forests with centuries-old trees.

The edelweiss and the eagle are still to see on the peaks of the Mount Sibilla and the Mount Vettore. The Monti Guarnieri Park, which overlooks the village, is a green area with secular trees.

Worth visiting are the different hamlets of the territory: Tofe, Rocca, Foce, Rascio, Vallegrascia with the Church of St. Lorenzo, Isola di S. Biagio with the suggestive Gerosa Lake and the ancient Church of S. Giorgio and Altino, the highest settlement of the eastern side of Sibillini. The territory is included in the Sibillini Mountains National park.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Befana (Befana’s festival - Befana is a old lady character of the Italian folklore) - 6th January; Festa di San Sebastiano (Feast of St. Sebastiano) - 20th January, Festa del Patrono S. Benedetto da Norcia (Feast of the Patron Saint St. Benedetto da Norcia) with donkey parade - August; Sagra mercato delle castagne (Chestnut Trade-Festival) with sale of local products, accompanied with hot mulled wine - last Sunday in October); Presepe vivente (Staging of the nativity) - late December/early January.

Province of Ascoli Piceno

PALMIANO PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

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ASCOLI PICENO

PALMIANO

Inhabitants 208 Altitude 540 m ASL Surface 12,57 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 17 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.362142 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.251747 www.provincia.ap.it/Palmiano com.palmiano@provincia.ap.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

The origins of its name are uncertain: the most likely hypothesis is that the name refers to the geographic conditions, as the surrounding hills have the shape of the palm of a hand (Palmi Manus). We don’t know anything precise about its origins, because the municipal archive was destroyed in 1799 because of a fire. However, the different architectural evidences, typical of the Benedictine Order, suggests that the village was likely founded by these monks.

WORTH VISITING For the charming streets of the centre you can still feel the past: several arches, portals and stone architraves are still to see.

Interesting is the structure of the parish Church of St. Maria delle Grazie; built over an existing tower. It contains many l frescoes and an altar dedicated to St. Michele Arcangelo.

WORTH TASTING The main local products are: mushrooms and valuable truffles. Excellent grilled meat, tasty sausages and pecorino cheese SOMETHING TO DO The following sport facilities are available: a multipurpose sports ground and indoor boules (Bocce) rinks.

WORTH DISCOVERING The landscape is of a unique

and intense beauty: wood overlooking the cultivated fields and wonderful natural chromatic effects, especially in Autumn. The village rises on a hill overlooking a deep valley between the valleys of Fluvione and Chiaro, in a stunningly beautiful natural environment, suitable for walking and mountain biking.

Worth mentioning is the ancient fortress of Castel San Pietro, once called Belvedere Castle, belonging to the system of Ascoli. It still preserves parts of the ancient ring walls. The parish church contains interesting figured capitals; nearby is the Church of the Madonna di Valle Fornaci (16th century).

Worth visiting in Pedara is the squared Tower, that retains traits of the influence of the Benedictine culture. An apsidiole, immersed in the vegetation of the Mount Vettore, is what remains of an ancient church, where the Brotherhood of the Holy Sacrament was founded in 1632.

DON’T MISS OUT Festa della Santa Croce (Feast of the Holy Cross) - second Sunday in May; Sagra degli “Spitilli, (Festival of Spitilli”, skewers of mutton) - last Sunday in July; Festa in onore della Madonna (Feast in honour of the Madonna) in the hamlet Castel San Pietro - 15th August; Sagra della Patata (Potato Festival) - first Sunday in Septem-

ber; Festa del Patrono San Michele Arcangelo (Feast of the Patron Saint, St. Michele Arcangelo) - last Sunday in September.

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Province of Ascoli Piceno

ROTELLA PESARO

URBINO ANCONA

MACERATA

FERMO

ROTELLA ASCOLI PICENO

Rotella lies at the foot of the Mount Ascensione, known as Monte Nero in ancient times, due to its thick woods and chestnut groves. There are three hypothesis about the origins of its name: the round shape of the ground, the name of the Roman consul Rutilio, or the kneecap “rotula”, term used for an ancient shield. Two rivers flow across the town, the Tesino River and the Oste stream. The origin of this small town dates 1204, founded by the Benedictine monks. It is mentioned as one of the Farfensi possessions of St. Vittoria in Matenano. In 1357 the Cardinal Albornoz in the Egidiane Constitutions considered it among the towns, that have always belonged to the Farfense Abbey. Following the reforms, implemented in response to the Council of Trento, it was assigned to the diocese of l Ripatransone in 1571.

Inhabitants 973 Altitude 395 Surface 27,2 sq km Distance from Ascoli Piceno 24 km

i Town hall: Phone: +39 0736.374122 Mountain Community Phone: +39 0736.844526 +39 0736.844379 www.provincia.ap.it/Rotella com.rotella@libero.it

WHERE TO STAY HOTELS CAMPSITES HOLIDAY VILLAGES COUNTRY HOUSES APARTMENT RENTALS ROOMS TO RENT FARM HOLIDAYS BED & BREAKFAST CARAVAN SITES YOUTH HOSTELS MOUNTAIN DEWS

WORTH VISITING In the charming historic centre you can visit the Civic Clock Tower (15th century), historic bell tower of the Church of S. Maria, that collapsed in 1755, the Baroque Church of SS. Maria and Lorenzo (18th century); inside are a polychrome terracotta Pietà, made in the 15th century and a marble bust of the Eternal Father; the big Church of St. Viviana, known as Madonna dell’Icona (18th century) for a polychrome plaster of the 16th century representing

the Virgin with Child; the Church houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art. Worth visiting are also Poggio Canosa, ancient medieval village, with the harmonious parish church of S. Lucia, which preserves four precious paintings by Pietro Alemanno and where you can visit a Naturalistic Museum; Castel di Croce, typical medieval town, with its impressive tower, in a strategic and panoramic position, and the beautiful Church of St. Severino; Capradosso, famous for the Oratory of Verdiente with frescoes of 14th century, the Sanctuary of Montemisio with an old oak tree and the characteristic Church of San Rocco.

SOMETHING MORE TO DISCOVER The magical Mount Ascensione, covered with woods, inspired lots of legends. Worth visiting is also the new part of the town, with buildings, that show a lively economy with important food and leather production.

WORTH DISCOVERING There are floristic protected areas: together with the Mount Ascensione, the territory includes other protected floristic areas, like chestnuts groves a, Bosco di Rovetino, with oaks, hornbeam, maple, manna ashes, mushrooms and many paths. Worth seeing is the natural phenomenon of “Vulcanelli” of mud, that

occurs in the countryside of Rotella during the months of September and October.

DON’T MISS OUT Fiera del 1 maggio (Fair of the 1st of May) - 1st May; Sagre gastronomiche e serate danzanti (Folk dancing and gastronomic festivals) - July and August; Festa della Beata M. A. Pallotta (Feast of the Blessed M.A. Pallotta) commemorating the miracle of the fountain that pours wine - August; Festa e Fiera di S. Lorenzo (Feast and Fair of St. Lorenzo) - 10th August; Festa Madonna della Consolazione (Feast of the Madonna della consolazione) at the Sanctuary of Montemisio - 15th August; Processione delle Canestrelle (Procession of the Canestrelle) second Sunday in August; Festa di Santa Viviana (Feast of St. Viviana) - last Sunday in August; Sagra della castagna (Chestnut Festival) of the Mount Ascensione - October.

San Benedetto del Tronto (AP) Conero Riviera (AN) Macerata - Arena Sferisterio Monti Sibillini National Park (Mt. Palazzo Borghese) Villa Potenza (MC) - Remains of the ancient Helvia Ricina

Ascoli Piceno - The “Quintana�

Marche Hinterland Genga (AN) - Frasassi Caves Ancona - Cathedral of San Ciriaco Jesi (AN) - Pergolesi Theater

Loreto (AN) - Piazza della Madonna Urbino (PU) - Church of San Bernardino Ascoli Piceno - Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo Fermo - The Dome Pesaro - Rossini Opera Festival

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180 km of coast, beautiful beaches, 26 centres situated by the Adriatic Sea where you can spend relaxing holydays, Ancona harbours and 9 tourism ports, 500 squares, more than 1000 important monuments, a hundred art cities, thousand of churches and 200 of them of Romanesque Style, 183 sanctuaries, 34 archeological sites, 73 historic theatres. Greatest density, in Italy, of museums and picture galleries: 400 out of 239 centres, 315 libraries that keep more than 4 million books. Numerous protected areas: 2 national parks (Monti Sibillini, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga), 4 regional parks (Monte Conero, Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Monte San Bartolo, Gola della Rossa and Frasassi), 5 natural reserves (Abbadia di Fiastra, Gola del Furlo, Montagna di Torricchio, Ripa Bianca and Sentina), more than 100 areas of flowers, 15 state forests.

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“If we wanted to indicate the most typical landscape, we would indicate the Marche…Italy, with its landscapes, is the essence of the world; the Marche of Italy.”

G. Piovene, Viaggio in Italia, 1957

SMERILLO

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Ferrovie dello Stato

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AUTOSTRADA A14 LINEE FERROVIARIE Milano, Bologna, Ancona, Lecce, Roma, Falconara M., Ancona

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Initiative cofinanced by European Regional Development Fund – ERDF and the National cofinancing under the framework of the Objective 2 SPD 2000-2006 Marche Region

MONTEFALCONE M APPENNINO A FORCE

AMANDOLA

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MONTEDINOVE

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COORDINATION Department of Internationalization and Promotion Tourism and Food Promotion Unit Sandro Abelardi COLLABORATIONS Laura Capozucca Bianca Maria Giombetti Stefano Gregori SVIM - Sviluppo Marche S.p.A. PHOTO Marche Region Archive FREE DISTRIBUTION © Edition 2009

REGIONE MARCHE GIUNTA REGIONALE

Tourism Department Department of Internationalization and Promotion Tourism and Food Promotion Unit 60125 ANCONA – Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 Phone: +390718062462 – Fax +390718062507 www.turismo.marche.it www.le-marche.com www.die-marche.com www.italy-marche.info promozione.turistica@regione.marche.it Freephone (only in Italy): 800 222 111

PROVINCE OF PESARO-URBINO pagg. 8 - 34 PROVINCE OF ANCONA pagg. 38 - 47 PROVINCE OF MACERATA pagg. 50 - 77 PROVINCE OF FERMO pagg. 80 - 102 PROVINCE OF ASCOLI PICENO pagg. 106 - 116

Fiorenzuola di Focara, Pesaro.

Pietro Paolo Agabiti, Madonna with Child and Saints (detail), Jesi, Pinacoteca Civica

ANCIENT VILLAGES

SUMMARY

COORDINATION Department of Internationalization and Promotion Tourism and Food Promotion Unit Sandro Abelardi COLLABORATIONS Laura Capozucca Bianca Maria Giombetti Stefano Gregori SVIM - Sviluppo Marche S.p.A. PHOTO Marche Region Archive PRINTED BY Tecnostampa Ostra Vetere (AN)

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60125 ANCONA - Via Gentile da Fabriano, 9 www.turismo.marche.it www.le-marche.com www.die-marche.com www.italy-marche.info turismo.promozione@regione.marche.it Free number 800-222111 (only from Italy)

PROVINCE OF FERMO pagg. 80 - 102 PROVINCE OF ASCOLI PICENO pagg. 106 - 116

FREE DISTRIBUTION Š Edition 2009

Fiorenzuola di Focara, Pesaro.

Pietro Paolo Agabiti, Madonna with Child and Saints (detail), Jesi, Pinacoteca Civica