Page 255 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

DRIVE 25: The Heart of Le Marche 253

Cistercian Architecture
The Cistercians were a monastic
order that evolved in France in the
12th century. They believed that
people of faith should live simple
lives of hard work and prayer, and
saw decoration as a diversion from
spiritual matters. As a result, they
built large, plain and elegant
buildings. The Cistercians were
great conservationists who built in
remote locations, and after the
drastic deforestation of the 10th
and 11th centuries, developed
systems of managed agronomy.

0 Sarnano
Macerata, Le Marche; 62028
Built almost entirely from brick, Above left Montefortino, set among towering
Sarnano still retains its medieval q Montefortino peaks Above Brick-built Sarnano, a good
streetscape and ambience. From Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche; 63044 base for exploring the Sibillini Mountains
Piazza Alta, at the top of the town, Dating back to the Roman era,
the view of the terracotta roof tiles this town gave its name to a type
and the valley spread out below is of helmet worn by the Roman
enchanting. The square, eerily quiet legions. Porta Santa Lucia is the
for Italy, is sometimes called “the main entrance to the narrow streets
silent square” as there are no bars or of the town. Palazzo Leopardi (Jul–
restaurants. The town’s main public Aug: open daily; winter: Sat pm & Sun) is
buildings, the Palazzo del Popolo, a small museum known as the Little
the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo dei Louvre of the Sibillini. It contains
Podestà and the Chiesa di Santa Maria a fine collection of Renaissance
Assunta (open daily) all date from the art, including works by Perugino,
late 13th century. The tiny ski resort Carracci and others.
of Sassotetto (www.sarnanoneve.it) is ª Return to SP83, heading south to
a 20-minute drive away, offering Montemonaco. Turn right at the sign EAT AND DRINK
Alpine and cross-country skiing. for the town and park in Piazza Roma.
ª Continue south on SP78 through URBISAGLIA
Amándola, turning right on SP83 to w Montemonaco Locanda Le Logge inexpensive
Montefortino. Park just outside town. Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche; 63048 This restaurant is highly regarded
by the locals and offers a fixed-price
At 1,080 m (3,540 ft), Montemonaco gourmet menu of Marchegiana
Below View from San Ginesio, in the foothills has clear, sharp air, fantastic views specialities. Booking advised.
of the Monte Sibillini and even a few medieval corners to Corso Gianelli 34, 62010; 0733 506788;
explore. To the east, the view extends www.locandalelogge.it
across a large swathe of Le Marche to SAN GINESIO
the Adriatic. Walk uphill along Via Terra Nostra inexpensive
Italia, and past the small 13th-century Home-made pasta and desserts make
Palazzo Comunale. Continue to the this cosy central eatery a good choice for
Chiesa di San Benedetto (open daily), local specialities such as wild boar and
which holds a relic of the right arm porcini. The menu also offers
Argentinian dishes.
of the saint encased in silver and a Piazza Gentili 3, 62026; 0733 656 957;
polychrome wooden crucifix from www.terranostrasanginesio.it
the late 15th century. Walk along the MONTEMONACO
path to the Parco Monteguarnieri,
with breathtaking mountain views. Bottega della Cuccagna inexpensive
This place offers a mouthwatering
ª Retrace route on SP83 and follow selection of cheeses, salamis, wines
signs to Ascoli Piceno, turning right on and other local delicacies. Just buy
SP74, left on SP86, then right on SP237 a picnic lunch to eat outside. The
to the Via Salaria SS4. Exit to Ascoli adventurous might want to stay at
Piceno and follow signs to “Centro”. their refuge on the mountainside.
Via San Lorenzo, 63048; 0338 469
Turn right at Via Adriatica and sharp 5073; www.bottegadellacuccagna.it;
left at Via Porta Torricella for car park. closed Wed
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€45; expensive, over €45

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