Monteciccardo: Art, Church History and Walking Routes

Monteciccardo can be discovered through two distinct aspects: contemporary art and church history on the one hand, and circular routes connected with the historic town centre and surrounding landscapes on the other. This means you can consider culture and outdoor activity as separate but compatible interests during your stay. The routes also warrant a closer look at their profiles: they differ in length and duration, as well as elevation gain, difficulty rating and the trail conditions described.

Art and Church History

Il Conventino is a contemporary art centre in the Servite monastery in Monteciccardo. The Church of San Sebastiano Martire is another cultural landmark. It was already a parish church in 1445. The church houses an altarpiece by Bartolomeo Gentile da Urbino, dated 1508. This links a specific work and a named artist with the town’s church history.

The present-day parish church was completely rebuilt during the episcopate of Monsignor Bonaventura Porta and consecrated on 8 September 1951. The current building should be distinguished chronologically from two earlier points of reference: its parish status in 1445 and the altarpiece of 1508. In this way, the history of the parish, the artwork and the church building consecrated in 1951 can be understood as distinct aspects of the town’s history.

Two Circular Routes with Different Profiles

For outdoor activity, there are two circular routes with distinctly different profiles. “Dentro e fuori le mura” is dedicated to Monteciccardo, its historic town centre and wide-ranging panoramas. The route offers 360-degree views of the landscapes around the town and its walls. It is 4.5 km long, takes about two hours and has an elevation gain of ±120 m. It is rated as tourist difficulty for hiking and cycling.

The “Anello di Monteciccardo” is a hiking trail that passes through two important valleys in the area. It is 10 km long, takes about three and a half hours, has an elevation gain of ±400 m and is rated E difficulty as a hiking trail. Compared with “Dentro e fuori le mura,” this route is considerably longer; its elevation figure is also greater. Its profile also includes steep sections and a ford that cannot always be crossed without wading. When comparing the two routes, therefore, consider the terrain as well as the distance and time: steep stretches and the possibility of having to wade across the ford are practical considerations when choosing the Anello. For planning your day, this means that the stated duration of the Anello is about an hour and a half longer than that of the “Dentro e fuori le mura” circular route.

Visits at the Olive Mill

The Frantoio Oleario Andrea Marcolini olive mill offers visits to its vineyard and olive grove in Villa Betti di Monteciccardo. Such visits are generally available by reservation, so plan this activity with that qualification in mind. This adds a visit to a vineyard and olive grove to the walking routes and historical attractions.

Discover more destinations: Montegaudio, Fossombrone, Sassofeltrio, Mondolfo, Lunano, Smirra, Calcinelli, Mombaroccio.

For the regional travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.