Castelli del Verdicchio

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Point of interest

One of the oldest festivals of wine or grapes in Italy (from September 23, 1928), has

been held for decades on the first Sunday of the month of October, and the preceding

Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It celebrates not only the grape harvest but also the fertility

of the land, particularly important in this area rich in vineyards planted with Verdicchio vines.

of Dell’Uva derives from a rich and ancient heritage, encompassing traditions, culture,

economy and agriculture of the area, and has become a party for the inhabitants and also

draws thousands of people to Cupramontana for the days of the festival. The characteristic

elements of country folk are evident with a warm welcome: the traditional dances, including

the "Saltarello" (a local dance) performed by local folk groups, songs that were sung in the

fields during harvest time accompanied on various instruments including accordions and

concertinas. Il Palio Del Verdicchio is an annual competition held on the Saturday afternoon

where teams must tread grapes with their feet, just as was done in past centuries. The

teams represent the various production areas surrounding the town. The highlight of the

festival, held on the Sunday afternoon, is the Parade of Floats. Each parish (or quarter) of

the town and the surrounding areas have their own decorated wagon which follows a subject

of wine-making and the traditions of winemaking. Each year the theme varies, as affected by

the current environment, politics, social or historical events – the outcome is creative and

entertaining. The Food Stands, called “capanne” in Cuprense dialect, are designed for the

distribution of food and wine and give an opportunity to taste typical local cuisine. The Sagra

Dell’Uva in Cupramontana successfully combines music, entertainment, wine and food in an

authentic surrounding, and therefore is universally popular.

Municipality

Cupramontana

Cupramontana was founded probably in the fourth to fifth centuries B.C. and took its name from a temple that stood there dedicated to the goddess Cupra. The town was mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy in the Augustan age, as one of the ancient cities of Piceno, and therefore was an important town in Roman times.

Devastated during the Greek-Gothic war, the town was abandoned and its ruins were later used for the construction of firstly fortifications, and later a castle, which was built close to the ancient town but higher on the hill and which was then given the name of Massaccio. From the seventh century Massaccio was part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto. From the thirteenth century, Massaccio was merged into the county of Jesi becoming until its dissolution in 1808, the most important centre of the county. In the fifteenth century Massaccio was one of the strongholds of the heretical sect of the "Fraticelli"; in 1444 it was occupied by troops of Francesco Sforza and in 1517 it was looted by the militia of the Duke Francesco Maria della Rovere.

Then there followed a long period of peace, during which the town experienced strong population growth combined with cultural development. In 1747 the site of the ancient Roman town of Cupramontana was rediscovered, close to Massaccio. The discovery was made after the correct reading of an inscription on a tablet which had been discovered in 1718 in the archaeological zone. The tablet, referring to 'Cupra Montana' by its ancient name, is today visible on the council buildings.

In 1798 the French troops who had invaded the Papal States plundered the town after the people had displayed stubborn but futile resistance. By decree of Vittorio Emanuele II in 1861, Massaccio regained its ancient name of Cupramontana.

Itinerary

The natural Trabocco Park

One of the most stunning natural and environmental gems in Ancona!

Located between Poggio San Marcello and Montecarotto where the stream Fossato meets its tributary forming a Y.

This natural paradise houses an ancient oil mill, wonderful waterfalls, a bush with a great variety of trees and lianas which inspire visitors with spirit of adventure.

CIS and the province of Ancona have financed the project to restore the Park whose works began in September 2004 and ended in August 2006.

Montecarotto is planning the arrangement of the road to allow a more comfortable access to the Park.

Trabocco will be easiy reached through two roads: the first one from Montecarotto and the second one from Poggio San Marcello. The old oil mill must be restored, too!

But the next natural engineering works together with a massive plantation will allow Trabocco to become a safer and charming park ! …… Not only for the locals!