Pianello Vallesina: Churches, Landscapes and Cycling Route in the Esino Valley

Pianello Vallesina combines historical traces with an open landscape in the Esino Valley. Churches, an abbey, a former dance hall and paths through fields, vineyards and olive groves give the area different facets. Pianello Vallesina is particularly suitable as a destination if you do not want to view culture and landscape separately, but rather discover both within a quieter Italian townscape.

Landscape Between Municipalities and Hills

Pianello Vallesina extends across the municipal territories of Castelbellino and Monte Roberto. The town lies in the Esino Valley, where cultivated fields, vineyards and olive groves alternate with gentle hills. The landscape also includes wide open spaces and viewpoints with panoramic views. This combination defines the character of the surroundings: the view remains open, while agriculturally shaped areas and gently undulating terrain determine the scenery.

Churches and Historical Traces

The original name of Pianello Vallesina was Pianello del Trevio or Pianello del Trebbio. It was derived from a church of the same name that was built in the mid-17th century. The present-day Church of San Benedetto was built between 1921 and 1924 according to a design by the architect Alfonso Coppetti. The Parish of San Benedetto Abate is located at Via San Giorgio 30, 60030 Pianello Vallesina (AN).

The former church of Pianello Vallesina is also part of the local history. It stood on the boundary between the two municipalities and housed a painting of the Madonna della Misericordia. Villa Salvati is a historic residence in Pianello Vallesina. The hamlet of Pianello is also home to Sant’Apollinare Abbey, which is probably considered the oldest abbey in the Vallesina area. It was restored in 1968 and 1973, regaining its authentic Romanesque-Gothic form in the process.

From Carpe Diem to the Festa della Trebbiatura

The Carpe Diem hall opened in Pianello Vallesina in 1948 as a dance hall and cinema. The municipality of Monte Roberto later acquired the former building and converted it into the Centro Sociale Polivalente. The Festa della Trebbiatura offers another way to access the local past: it includes demonstrations of traditional threshing with historic machinery as well as re-enactments of old farming techniques in the fields.

On Foot, by Bike and on Wheels

The country roads and paths in Pianello Vallesina are suitable for walking and cycling. On the cycle path of the Itinerario ciclistico dei Tre Castelli, an easy, flat section runs from Pianello via Ponte Pio to Jesi. For people who want to learn to skate, the Pattinodromo di Pianello Vallesina is one of the specialised facilities of the Skating Club Jesi. Pianello Vallesina also has a roller-skating rink among its sports facilities.

The public gardens on Via San Pietro contain a municipal kiosk with toilets and an adjoining outdoor area. In addition, Pianello Vallesina has bocce courts operated by the local Circolo Bocciofilo. Historical sites, open landscapes and various opportunities for physical activity thus come together within a compact thematic area.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

For further orientation: San Vittore, Monterado, Falconara Marittima, San Marcello, Torrette, Montesicuro, Moie, Chiaravalle.

For the broader travel overview: Ancona.