Discover Piobbico: Castello, Rivers and Trails

Piobbico brings together two rivers at the heart of its settlement, along with a succession of castles, churches, trails and festivals. The Biscubio and the Candigliano meet here; at the same time, the town’s history stretches from the aristocratic residence of Castello Brancaleoni to traditional crafts and farming customs. Piobbico can thus be discovered through its culture, landscape and local traditions.

Culture between Castello and Churches

The Museo Civico Brancaleoni was founded in 1983 and established in the 13th-century Castello Brancaleoni. At the foot of the Castello stands the Chiesa di San Pietro, which dates back at least to the 14th century. Castello Brancaleoni is an important aristocratic residence in the Marche and stands as a symbol of the power of the Brancaleoni family, which ruled the area for centuries, as well as of art, history and Piobbico’s shared identity.

In the vicinity of Piobbico, the Eremo di Morimondo was founded in the 11th century by Cistercians who followed the Rule of Saint Peter Damian. A path with an approximately half-hour climb leads to the ruins, where a Gothic arch has survived visibly intact. Also nearby, Castello dei Pecorari features partially preserved medieval architectural elements, visible sections of wall and towers. From there, views extend across the Candigliano Valley and the town of Piobbico.

On a peak of the Monte Nerone massif, high above the town, stood the structures of the Brancaleoni’s original residence, known as Castello di Mondellacasa.

Rivers, Gorges and a Sanctuary

The deep, narrow gorges of the Candigliano nearby are shaped by fast-flowing water that forms channels and rock walls. Along the watercourses there are also small streams, waterfalls and tranquil pools in which the surrounding forests are reflected.

Southeast of the town, the Santuario di Santa Maria in Val d’Abisso stands on a hill nearby. From there, views extend over a wild area of Monte Nerone and the Balza Forata rock formation.

Trails and Living Traditions

The Itinerario dei Brancaleoni begins at Palazzo Brancaleoni in Piobbico and leads downhill towards Borghetto and the bridge over the Candigliano. Several viewpoints along this itinerary overlook Borghetto, Castello Brancaleoni and the Candigliano. The viewpoints thus encompass both the town and its river landscape.

On 8 September, Piobbico holds the traditional Processione delle Rocche: girls in traditional farm clothing carry decorated spindles as an offering to the Virgin at the Santuario di Santa Maria in Val d’Abisso. The annual Sagra del Polentone alla Carbonara celebrates a typical dish of the farming tradition made with polenta, meat and local spices. In addition, Piobbico’s traditional craft history includes the production of woollen carpets.

Discover More Destinations

Other destinations to include in your travel plans are Canavaccio, Sassofeltrio, Petriano, San Michele, Gallo, Massa, Urbania and Monteguiduccio.

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