Montedinove: Historic Architecture and Panoramic Views

A walk through Montedinove’s historic center reveals its architecture and varied urban details. Views of the coast and mountains, along with the local culture, also give your trip a distinctive focus.

Historic Buildings in the Townscape

The historic center is home to the public washhouses and fountains of the Polesio aqueduct. Other features include the 14th-century coat of arms of the tailors’ guild and a distinctive 15th-century loggia. The Porta della Vittoria is a surviving 12th-century gateway. These details reveal the town’s architectural history through a variety of forms and dates.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria de Cellis has been documented since the 12th century. Benedictine monks from Farfa built it together with an adjoining monastery. Its portal is visible in Piazza Novana, although it has been bricked up; it is dated to 1368. The church houses a wooden crucifix from the 13th or 14th century.

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo also brings together different building phases: the right side of the original small church dates from the 10th or 11th century and is fully integrated into later alterations. The Santuario di San Tommaso Becket, by contrast, is a focus of pilgrimage tradition. Relics of the martyr are kept there. Since its foundation between 1620 and 1646, the sanctuary has welcomed pilgrims from the Fermano, the Ascolano and part of Abruzzo; more recently, pilgrims have also come from Romagna.

Another glimpse into the past awaits at the Museo archeologico Tombe Picene. It focuses on 20 restored Picene tombs from the 6th or 7th century BC, along with their grave goods. The museum is housed in the monastery complex of the former 17th-century church of the Poor Clares. The collection thus brings together evidence from antiquity and a much more recent historic building complex.

Panoramic Views and Lu Spiazze

From Montedinove, the panoramic view stretches from the Adriatic coast and Monte Conero to the Monti Sibillini and Gran Sasso d’Italia. The coast and mountains form the two ends of the vista: the Adriatic coast and Monte Conero lie in one direction, and the Sibillini and Gran Sasso in the other.

“Lu Spiazze” is a space free of residential buildings, as the locals call it, with impressive views of the Monti Sibillini. You can reach it via the steep Via del Suffragio, which is partly made up of steps. Take the slope and stair sections into account when planning your route.

Mela Rosa and Local Events

Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini apples are grown in Montedinove and are recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. They are also at the heart of Sibillini in rosa. The Festa del Piantar Maggio takes place in the central square on May 1: a tree is planted as a wish for a good, plentiful harvest. Sibillini in rosa, in honor of the Mela Rosa, takes place in late October or early November. The program includes farmers’ markets, tasting workshops, talks, music and folk songs.

The two festivals have different focuses: the May Day tree-planting ritual centers on the wish for a good harvest, while the autumn event celebrates the Mela Rosa with markets, workshops and folk culture. If you want to plan your trip around either festival, check the current dates and programs in advance.

Discover more destinations: Marsia, Montalto delle Marche, Piane Vecchie, Rotella, Lisciano, Ascoli Piceno, Monsampolo Del Tronto, Colli Del Tronto

Back to the main travel overview: Ascoli Piceno.