Montevecchio – Churches and Medieval Traces

Montevecchio combines historic town structures with a distinctive hilltop setting. Architectural and artistic traces date from the 13th and 14th centuries through the following centuries; at the same time, the steep hill above the Cesano shapes the town. If you are looking for a hotel in Montevecchio, you can choose your destination based on two specific interests: medieval architecture and church art, or landscapes and winegrowing.

Setting in the Hill Country

Montevecchio sits on the summit of a steep hill on the left bank of the Cesano. Parts of the hill slope steeply down. The river and elevated position give the town a distinct landscape setting, while its historic buildings tell of different phases of construction. This combination makes the town an appealing destination both for those interested in cultural history and for travelers who want to explore the hilly landscape.

From Monterolo Pass, it is about seven kilometers through the hilly countryside of Pergola to Montevecchio. Check the route before setting out; the distance is an estimate, not an exact route description.

Medieval Traces in the Townscape

The Church of San Martino was built between the 13th and 14th centuries on the now-lost walls of the town. Part of the apse's outer curve remains, hidden in the bushes. This building reveals the town's long history, as do smaller traces in its lanes.

There, bricked-up round arches made of bricks and reused stones are preserved in the walls of some houses. The materials and forms point to the 13th and 14th centuries. Not all historical traces stand as separate buildings: here, they are embedded in the walls of individual houses. The former town hall of Montevecchio also has a tower.

The Counts of Montevecchio

The town's history is closely connected to the old family of the Counts of Montevecchio. They derived their family name from Montevecchio. Ermanno II dei Gabrielli di Gubbio is also important to the town's medieval history: he received Montevecchio Castle as a fief in the 14th century. The town's name and the castle are concrete starting points for exploring the connection between the family and Montevecchio.

Churches and Furnishings

The parish church of San Giuseppe in Montevecchio houses the Montevecchio family chapel. The chapel of the Counts of Montevecchio dates from the 16th century and is richly decorated with 17th-century stucco and frescoes. The two dates distinguish the chapel's construction from its later decoration, giving it its own history of development. The portal of the Church of San Giuseppe also dates from the 17th century.

The organ in San Giuseppe is among the oldest and most historically significant organs in the Marche region. Another historical connection is a copy of the Shroud of Turin: it was once used to depict the Crucifixion of Jesus and was kept in San Giuseppe.

Ruin and Winegrowing

About half a kilometer east of Montevecchio, in the Valle di Fosso di Fontebuona, lies the ruin of the Church of Madonna dei Canapini. Traces of a fresco remain on one wall of the ruin. The location and approximate distance place this historic site in the surrounding area; the surviving traces of the fresco add to the history of churches in and around Montevecchio.

Winegrowing is also part of the local character. In Montevecchio, vines of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Aleatico and Riesling varieties are cultivated at an altitude of 485 meters. This offers a tangible element of the rural surroundings alongside churches, walls and historic buildings, which you can consider when deciding whether this is the right destination for you.

Discover more destinations: Saltara, Serra Sant'abbondio, Monteguiduccio, Isola di Fano, Marotta, Belforte All'isauro, Città Di Castello, Acqualagna.

For the broader travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.