The area
Cupramontana, Capital of the Verdicchio
history:
Cupramontana, in the middleages untill 1861 called Massaccio, got its name from the goddess Cupra, goddess of fertility and love. On this territory was brought to live a civilisation of traditional life and cultivation of the soil. During the greek-gotic battle in the VI century, the old roman village Cupramontana was completely destroyed and forgotten for ages. It were first the benedict monks and afterwards between the VIII and XI century the camaldolesian monks, who reintroduced the cultivation of vineyards. The viniculture would increase over the years and already in the 16th century you could find vineyards growing together with fieldmaple (acer campestris), a technique until recently in use.
In the 18th century they even got an overproduction, so they started exportation to other regions.
From then on, the Verdicchio grape, which grew perfectly in the local hilly soil and microclimate, became the most used grape in the area.
Cupramontana, member of the national association "Città del Vino", is nowadays known as the capital city of the Verdicchio.
Highlights:
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Sagra dell’uva (festival of the grape)
Since 1928, they celebrate it every first weekend of October. Every year, thousands of people visit this festival which reminds of the harvest and the fertility of the soil. The whole town participates at this celebration of tradition, rural economy and craftswork, with folk-dances, allegorical carridges, music and local dishes
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Eremo dei Frati Bianchi (monastry of the white monks)
Since the year 1000, this place was inhabited by camaldolasion monks from Monte Corona. The rich and special vegetation (today a protected area) makes this little canyon worth visiting. The town library inherited the famous collection of 16th century monastry documents.
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Chiesa di S. Leonardo (San Leonardo church)
Build in 1760 on the place of an antique church (XI century). Inside you can admire several pieces of art.
Abbazia del Beato Angelo (monastry of the Beato Angelo)
(XII-XIII century)
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Museo internazionale dell'etichetta (international museum of wine-labels)
Lodged in Pallazzo Leoni (XVIII century) which was erected by the monk Apollonio Tucchi. Opened in 1987, the museum posesses a collection of about 100.000 labels from all over the world.
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Grotte di Frasassi (Frasassi caves)
Discovered in 1971 and opened to the public in 1974, they reveal a magnificent underworld. The route is exalting and the illumination accentuates the forms and colours of the concretions: inlaid stalactites, gigantic stalagmites, lakes enclosed among cristal arabesques and alabastre lances dangling from the majestic vaults. One of the most beautiful underground itineraries in the world.
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Parco Naturale Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi (Regional park of the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi)
Founded in 1997, this park (9167 hectares) forms the green heart of the area with his artistical and cultural treasures, hidden in the harmonious landscape.
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Parco Naturale Monte Conero (Regional park of the Monte Conero)
Its beaches, its bays, the mediterranean flora, only a 30 minutes drive from Cupramontana.
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Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (National park of the Monti Sibillini)
