The Eremo dei Frati Banchi (Hermitage of the White Friars), is so called for the white robes of the monks. The Eremo was founded in the eleventh century by San Romualdo, the father of the Congregation of Monte Corona Camaldolese friars who remained at the Eremo until 1927. It is one of the most important religious settlements testifying to the origins of Christianity in the Marche region and Europe. The monastery is situated between Cupramontana and Poggio Cupro in a deep ravine full of tropical vegetation extremely rare throughout the region and therefore the area and its flora is protected.
Emperor Frederick II spent his childhood here!
A legend claims that Monte Roberto derives its name from Roberto il Guiscardo (1015-1085), while an historical document of 1079 reports that Roberto was probably a Longobard feudal layman, a "lord of the place”.
Monte Roberto became a real castle only in the course of the thirteenth century.
Visit the ancient Planina ,mentioned by Pliny the Elder, near St. Apollinare Abbey. Important ruins were visible up to the XVIII and XIX centuries: in 1881 a necropolis Piceno (VI century BC) was found in Noceto district and the remains which were then brought to light are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Ancona. Do not miss them!
In 1219 Monte Roberto was already part of the County of Jesi until its split in 1808.
Have a walk along G. Leopoardi Street, then the “Borgo”, the historical centre which developed in the XVII and XVIII centuries.
Downstream from Monte Roberto, you can visit Pianello Vallesina which had a remarkable increase in the last sixty years. It is partly divided with the municipality of Castelbellino and it initially grew around the church of Santa Maria del Trivio dating from the XVII century.
Do not forget to visit the church of St. Benedict built in 1921 – 1925.
Distance: km 21
Time advised: 4 hours (on foot); an hour (by car)
Difficulty: medium
From the archaeological area in Cupramontana, take the road which leads to Follonica, San Paolo until Staffolo.
Along the route, you can visit the ancient Roman aqueduct of Cupramontana (also called “Barlozzo” referring to the sect “Fraticelli”) and the medieval church of San Michele.
Not far from it , the vineyards of Follonica give birth to one of the best Verdicchio doc wines.
The ancient castle of Follonica is famous for its mysterious and legendary events.
At Contrada Battinebbia you can find the Vulcanelli di Fango (small volcanoes of mud) and a precious source rich in minerals, called “Acquasalata”, renowned for its miraculous and therapeutic properties.
Passing through San Paolo di Jesi, you can easily reach Staffolo where its Museo del vino (Wine museum) houses a wide collection of artifacts of winemaking tradition.
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Tel. +39 0731778710
Fax. +39 0731778750
Via Nazario Sauro, 1
60034 Cupramontana (AN)
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