Montevecchio between History and Rolling Hills

Montevecchio lies at the summit of a steep hill on the left bank of the Cesano. Its striking location gives the town a distinctive landscape character and combines views of the rolling countryside with an unusually dense succession of historical traces. For you, Montevecchio is therefore a destination where history can be recognized not only in individual buildings, but also in walls, alleyways and preserved details.

Family History and Medieval Traces

The history of Montevecchio is closely linked to the old family of the Counts of Montevecchio, who derived their family name from the town. In the 14th century, Ermanno II dei Gabrielli di Gubbio received the castle of Montevecchio as a fief. The Middle Ages can also be felt in the alleyways: bricked-up round arches made of brick and reused stones in the walls of some residential buildings have been preserved as traces of the 13th and 14th centuries.

Churches, Chapels and Special Details

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 circumference of San Martino remains, hidden in the undergrowth. Montevecchio is also home to the parish church of San Giuseppe, which houses the Montevecchio family chapel. Its beautiful portal dates from the 17th century.

The Chapel of the Counts of Montevecchio in San Giuseppe dates from the 16th century and is richly decorated with stucco and 17th-century frescoes. A copy of the Shroud of Turin was formerly used to depict the Crucifixion of Jesus and was kept in San Giuseppe. The organ in San Giuseppe is one of the oldest and historically most significant organs in the Marche.

Historical Buildings in Today's Townscape

Not all historical buildings serve the same function today. The former town hall of Montevecchio has a tower. The historic Church of Sant'Apollinare in the town center is now used as a garage; its roof has been renewed.

Rolling Hills and How to Get There

Parts of Montevecchio Hill descend steeply. From the Monterolo Pass, Montevecchio can be reached after approximately 7 kilometers through the hilly landscape around Pergola. Getting there is therefore closely connected with the character of the landscape: the destination is not located on flat terrain, but on a distinctive elevation with steep sections. This topography is just as important for understanding the town's setting as its churches and traces of walls.

Viticulture at an Elevation of 485 Meters

At an elevation of 485 meters, Montevecchio is home to vines of the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Aleatico and Riesling varieties.

Another Historical Testimony in the Surrounding Area

In the Valle di Fosso di Fontebuona, about half a kilometer east of Montevecchio, lie the ruins of the Church of Madonna dei Canapini. Traces of a fresco have been preserved on one wall of the ruins.

More Places for Trip Planning

If you would like to combine Montevecchio with additional destinations on your trip to Italy, you can also find Gradara, Fenile, Gallo, Monte Cerignone, Monte Porzio, Borgo Pace, Belforte All'isauro and Serra Sant'abbondio here as well.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.