A journey into the wild and emotional heart of the Marche Apennines, between the age-old peace of Fonte Avellana and history-rich villages such as Cagli, Piobbico, and Apecchio. An authentic experience combining unspoiled nature, majestic noble palaces, local traditions, and hidden art treasures scattered along ancient valleys.
CAGLI GUIDED TOUR
Cagli, the gateway to the most authentic Apennines at the foot of Mount Petrano, is a fascinating art town nestled along the ancient Via Flaminia. Its history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as the important Vicus Cales. The historic center preserves architectural masterpieces of extraordinary value, starting with the imposing Torrione Martinesco—designed by the renowned Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini—and the ingenious Soccorso Coperto, a secret underground walkway connecting the fortress to the stronghold. Walking through the elegant streets of the village, we reach the Church of Saint Francis, which houses valuable works of art including the Tiranni Chapel frescoed by Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s father. Cagli also boasts a top-tier Baroque heritage, featuring the refined and evocative canvases of Gaetano Lapis, a celebrated 18th-century painter born in Cagli.
FONTE AVELLANA AND MOUNT CATRIA
Fonte Avellana is a special place steeped in history since ancient times. Today, we find here the Hermitage, founded around the year 1000, which we will visit to discover how these stone walls are imbued with centuries of spirituality and memory. We continue with a pleasant walk leading to the Hermitage Cave of Saint Peter Damian. Along the way, we will observe how the vegetation changes as we gain altitude and explore humanity’s deep, millennium-old relationship with these environments. We will delve into a territory with a geological history spanning over 200 million years, home to nesting golden eagles and roaming wolves, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflons, and many other animals.