Italy has an artistic heritage with a few equal to the world, and hides many treasures to be discovered. In fact, each region hides often little known destinations, which do not enjoy worldwide but which are capable of leaving local and international tourists breathless. Today we will make you know a place that responds perfectly to what has been said, in the heart of the Bel Paese.
We find ourselves in Brandsin the center of the peninsula, a region which, despite being rich in history, art, nature and food and wine traditions, often remains outside the most beaten tourist circuits. Precisely for this reason the Marche are one Definitely recommended destination for anyone looking for a truly authentic and less crowded experiencewhere the beauty of the places will go hand in hand with slow rhythms and tranquility.
We therefore want to illustrate a Marche pearl, which will conquer you for its position, for the architectural style and for an incredible spiritual charm.
The Abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuses
We are talking about the imposing Abbey of San Vittore delle ChiusaIn the Municipality of Gengain the province of Ancona.
The church is located in an isolated position at the confluence of the Sentino river in the exine and at the throat and the caves of Frasassi. The building was declared a national monument in 1902.
History and architecture
What will immediately affect you will be the majesty and the position of the construction, literally Wrapped in the rock of the mountains. Everything creates a suggestive mystical atmosphere that refers to distant landscapes and eras.
The Romanesque abbey of San Vittore delle Chiuses was built by Lombard Towards the end of the tenth century at the beginning of the soil of Frasassi, within a “amphitheater” of mountains from which it is completely surrounded. It is said that the same name “of the closed” (Rave di Clusis) was attributed to it for this reason, because it appeared “Closed” between the mountainsas if they protected it by hiding it.
The current complex is a reconstruction of the 14th-XV century, while The church is dated XI century. The interior is not very enlightened and devoid of decorations, marked by all sixth arches, e The architectural style is easternwith Greek cross planimetry inscribed in a square from which the five apses and the facade tower protrude; At the top there is an octagonal bass tiburium. The architectural typology makes it one of the Most significant Romanesque monuments in the regiona stone’s throw from the well -known caves of Frasassi.
Curiosity
A decidedly curious detail that has attracted the attention of many scholars is the symbol of the infinity near the left door of the altar. The symbol appears overturned and immediately leaps to the eyes as soon as you cross the entrance of the abbey. Even today the meaning is not known, but it is believed to have been the Templars who leave this trace.
How to get there
To get to the church of San Vittore to the closed, exit the A14 in Ancona Nord and take the highway for Rome; At the exit for Genga, there are then the indications. The same goes for those who come from the hinterland: reach Gubbio both from the Tuscan side and from that of Perugia and then continue for Fabriano and along the highway to Ancona, leaving Genga again.
Info and contacts
The abbey is located in via San Vittore 5, Genga (AN) and it is possible to visit it
Every day from 9 to 19:00. For more information you can contact the following telephone numbers: 0732.90055 (parish priest) and 0732,9730.
What to do in the surroundings?
Many activities that the place has to offer: here you will find art, nature, sport and adventurethe choice to you. You can prefer one or the other, and focus on the appearance that more aggravates you, or mix the different experiences On a diversified, original and very, very personal journey.
Genga
Let’s start with Gengathe small village of the province of Ancona, awarded the Orange flag of the TCIlocated in the natural park of the red throat and Frasassi, it is a highly recommended destination, an ideal destination for any patrons eager for a journey away from mass tourism.
The historic center of Genga represents a true medieval castle Established around the year 1000, surrounded by ancient defensive walls that protect a village of rare beauty. Among the streets of the center you can admire buildings of great historical value such as the Palazzo dei Conti della Gengathe Church of San Clemente and the Palazzo rivers sermetteiwhich today houses a museum attesting to the millennial history of the place.
One of the attractions not to be missing is the Valadier Templean architectural pearl literally set in the mountain inside the cave of the Blessed Virgin. Built in 1828 by order of Pope Leo XIIthis temple with an octagonal plan can be reached through a path with 700 meters in altitude and houses an altar where a Madonna del Canova was once exposed, now preserved in the Palazzo Sirmattei.
Not far away is theHermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa, belonging to Benedictine nuns and resting on the mountain side. The word “refugeium sinierum” on the door reveals its original function as a refuge for fugitives and persecuted Christians. Every December, this area turns into a suggestive scenario for a Living nativity scene with almost 300 figures.
After a concentrate of artistic heritage, we sell to natural wondersthe Frasassi cavesperhaps the most famous attraction of Genga. Let’s talk about a system of underground karst cavesdiscovered in the 70s by the CAI speleologists, who has about 190 million years And which holds incredible natural sculptures, created by time and nature.
The Stalactites and Stalagmites formations Here present have taken on particular forms that recall, among others, “the camel”, “the Obelisk”, “The Orsa” and the famous “slices of lard”. The guided tours last about 60 minutes and are available every day with tickets for 18 euros for the whole and 15 euros for the reduced.
For adventure loversthe territory offers numerous experiences such as Frasassi Adventure with outdoor activities in the park, the possibility of Sleeping in tent on trees, E-bike tours in the Natural Park And Vespa tours in the Castles of Arcevia. Other attractions include the Pierosara Castle And various naturalistic itineraries that allow you to discover the rich animal and vegetable biodiversity of the area.
Happy holidays!
