Page 254 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

252 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

Above The cloisters at the Cistercian Abbadia
di Fiastra Above centre The pleasant wooded 7 Abbadia di Fiastra 8 Urbisaglia
nature reserve of the abbey Far right Elegant Macerata, Le Marche; 62029 Macerata, Le Marche; 62010
façade of the Collegiata della SS Annunziata, A Cistercian abbey, Fiastra has an The scattered remains of Urbs Salvia
San Ginesio extreme simplicity and a distinct lack (Jun–Sep: open daily; Oct–May: weekends
of adornment that seems to add to only) indicate that this ancient town
its calming and spiritual atmosphere. occupied a significant position in
WHERE TO STAY The original population of monks the Roman Empire. The road runs
URBISAGLIA came here from Milan in the 12th right past the Archaeological Park
Locanda Le Logge inexpensive century and used the nearby Roman and its well-preserved town walls,
Very chic, small B&B with three nice ruins for much of their building amphitheatre, sanctuary complex
rooms and a restaurant – book ahead. material. The beautiful and impressive and fresco-covered cryptoportico
Corso Gianelli 34, 62010; 0733 506788; Romanesque church, monastery and (underground passageway).
www.locandalelogge.it exquisite cloister now form a lively Urbisaglia, on the hillside above,
AROUND SAN GINESIO cultural centre in a large, thickly emerged in the Middle Ages. The
Il Casolare inexpensive wooded nature reserve (www. town has a typical medieval layout
Views of the Monti Sibillini and food abbadiafiastra.net). This park is known and its impressive, squat-bastioned
fresh from its own farm make this an as “La Selva” and is ideal for walking 16th-century Rocca stands in
authentic and enjoyable experience. and activities such as bird-watching. architectural contrast with the
Contrada Vallimestra 44, San Ginesio ª Take SP78 south from the abbey, more delicate Baroque Chiesa di
62026 (on SP45 west of town); 0733 656
688; www.agriturismocasolare.it ignore a signed right turn to Urbisaglia. San Lorenzo just next door.
The ruins of Urbs Salvia appear on the ª Return to SP78 south, turning right
MONTEMONACO left of car park. To get to Urbisaglia, uphill to San Ginesio as signed. There
Hotel Monti Azzurri inexpensive return to the signed turn off, turn left is plenty of parking available in town.
Based in the centre of town, this hotel and follow the road uphill to the town.
makes a good base for touring and has 9 San Ginesio
comfortable rooms and home cooking.
Via Roma 18, 63048; 0736 856 127; Below The small hill town of Montefortino, Macerata, Le Marche; 62026
www.hotelmontiazzurri.com dating back to Roman times At 700 m (2,300 ft) above sea level,
San Ginesio nestles into the foothills
of the Monti Sibillini. Entrance
to the town is through the Porta
Picena. To the right is the loggia
of the Ospedale dei Pelligrini,
established in 1295. To the left is a
large church, Santa Maria in Vepretis
(closed), and the small park nearby
has a sensational view towards the
south. In the town’s central square,
Piazza A Gentili, the Collegiata
della SS Anunziata (open daily) has
a lovely ornate terracotta façade.
The public gardens also have
wonderful views to the mountains.
ª Return to SP78 and carry on to
Sarnano. Park near main square.
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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