Cupramontana and the castles of Verdicchio wine

The hill town of Cupramontana occupies a strategic position right at the heart of the Marche region, midway between the Ancona coastline and the mountains on the border with Umbria. To get there, take the state road along the Vallesina in the hinterland of Ancona. For those coming from further inland, head towards the coast and you’ll find it just a few kilometres from historic Fabriano.

At 505 m above sea level and with a panoramic view over the entire area from the pre-Apennine mountains to the Adriatic Sea, Cupramontana welcomes visitors in all its imposing glory.

The most iconic place in Cupramontana, the Palazzo Comunale, or town hall, is at the end of Piazza Cavour. Go up the hill that leads to the main square, a much-loved ritual among Cupramontana residents, and you will appreciate the imposing size of the town hall building.

As you leave the Palazzo Comunale you are still within the original perimeter of the town, which boasts the presence of the church of San Leonardo, the church of San Lorenzo and the monastery complex of Santa Caterina, whose caves are now home to the MIG – Musei in Grotta (museums in the cave).

The MIG museum complex is the beating heart of Cupramontana. It is where the story of Cupramontana is told and where visitors can discover what makes this town unique. This exhibition space presents a combination of the town’s historical traditions and new, modern, intriguing ideas, taking visitors on a journey that begins back in the 11th century.

The MIG – Musei in Grotta is housed in the basement of the ancient Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria e Maddalena, which was already part of the town walls from around the year 1000. The imposing appearance of the monastery complex conceals rooms that preserve their 18th-century aspect, with barrel and cross vaulted brick ceilings.

The various vaulted rooms house the tourist office, the International Label Museum, the Grape Festival room, the wine cellar and the “La Strada del Gusto” association.

Before entering, see the “Horto De I Semplici” vegetable garden where essential plants were traditionally grown. The garden contains a collection of local medicinal plants, classified according to their properties.