Page 234 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

232 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

5 Eremo di Fonte Avellana
Pesaro, Le Marche; 61040
Nestled among remote hills, this
beautiful monastery (open 9:30am–
noon, 3–6pm daily) is home to a small
group of Camoldesi monks and offers
a perfect spot for contemplation. The
grounds are open and there is a bar, a
shop and picnic tables. There are hour­
ly guided tours (in simple Italian) for
a small donation. Of parti cular interest
is the Scriptorum, which is beautifully
Above Rugged and wild landscape illuminated with natural light. Below
near Sassoferrato 4 Cagli the monastery is a botan ical garden
Pesaro, Le Marche; 61043 devoted to plants of the region.
Cagli was one of the towns that sprang ª Return to SP106/SP52, then turn left
up along the Roman Via Flaminia. towards Sassoferrato. Follow signs for
The impressive Palazzo Pubblico in “Centro” and Cabernardi. Ascend via
the main square, Piazza Matteoti, Martiri della Libertà. At the rounda­
indicates Cagli’s importance in the bout, turn back, take Via Cardinal
late Middle Ages when it was a Albornoz and park near the Rocca.
WHERE TO STAY IN flourishing Comune. The square’s
SASSOFERRATO fountain adds a touch of Renaissance 6 Sassoferrato
Country House Federico I inexpensive style and there’s a popular bar, too. Ancona, Le Marche; 60041
This impressive hotel is on the edge of The Torrione, or round tower, at the This attractive little town is famous as
town with country views. All the end of town is now a modern sculp­ the place where Rome defeated the
rooms are brightly painted.
Largo San Cristoforo 1, 60041; 0732 ture museum. Cagli’s decline started Samnites and the Gauls in 295 BC. At
958 056; www.countryhousefederico.it as the Via Flaminia’s importance the Battle of Sentinum – which took
diminished and was completed when place just south of town – the Romans
Vicolo Santa Chiara inexpensive
This B&B offers two bright, clean self­ the railway line was destroyed in World won control of the whole of Central
contained apartments overlooking War II. The town is now a remote Italy. There are a few Roman artifacts
the main square. The entrance in and relaxed place with a few Roman at the Palazzo dei Priori (closed Mon).
a charming medieval lane reflects remains, some impressive Renaissance Above the town, the square 14th­
the atmosphere in this part of town. architecture, good restaurants and century Rocca Albornoz guards a
Vicolo Santa Chiara 1, 60041; 328 205
1370; www.vicolosantachiara.it bars – and virtually no tourists. small cluster of Renaissance buildings,
ª Take SP424 towards Pergola, squares and narrow streets. The park
then right on SP121 to Frontone. below the rocca has views of the
Below left Stream in a limestone ravine near Pass through Frontone on SP121; countryside and mountains beyond.
the Grotte di Frasassi Below centre The after the town centre, turn left on ª Take SP360 southwest, then on to
13th-century Palazzo del Podestà, Fabriano SP106, follow ing signs to Foce SP16. After about 4 km (2 miles) take
Below right The Eremo di Fonte Avellana, in Avellana. After 1 km (half a mile), the smaller left fork to Fabriano. Follow
the hills of Le Marche turn left for the monastery. signs to "Centro", and park on the street.

Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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