A journey through the history, flavours and places of Monte Giberto, a charming medieval village in the beautiful Marca Fermana.
Sometimes getting lost is the only way to truly find yourself. Traveling through the heart of Le Marche, among silent hills fragrant with flowers, I took a secondary road.
This is how my true journey began: an unexpected adventure through eleven hidden villages of Le Marche, where history and beauty intertwine at every corner.
In each episode, I will take you to a unique village, revealing the secrets of its ancient streets, amidst breathtaking landscapes and timeless stories.
Come with me: this is Hidden Gems – The Charming Villages of Le Marche.
Today we'll get to Monte Giberto, a fascinating medieval village in the Marca Fermana.
Listen to Hidden Gems - The Charming Villages of Le Marche: Monte Giberto
Chapter 1: Welcome to Monte Giberto, a fascinating medieval hamlet
On a panoramic hill surrounded by green hills, I see Monte Giberto, a small medieval village in the heart of the Marche region.
I am in the province of Fermo, in the so-called Marca Fermana, an area with unique views far from the hectic pace of the city, where rolling hills meet the sea and mountains.
Today, I will discover the places, traditions and beautiful territory surrounding this picturesque village.
It is early morning. The air is crisp, and what strikes me at first sight of Monte Giberto are the ancient walls, the stone houses, and this gentle landscape enveloped in an atmosphere of peace.
Chapter 2: The history of the hamlet
I leave my car just outside the walls and enter the ancient village of Monte Giberto.
In front of me, I see a network of narrow streets, and I find myself in the Middle Ages.
I follow the main street, which gets narrower and crosses many small alleys. All around me, I see noble palaces, old houses and colourful flowers along the alleys.
The ancient history of this village is in the air, and as I walk, I cannot help but admire the beauty of the historic buildings and nature.
The origin of Monte Giberto is ancient and dates back to the Piceni, a population who inhabited central Italy before the Romans.
The village developed in medieval times when Arnaldus Montis Giberti owned the hill on which the ancient town of Monte Giberto stood.
At that time, there were 2 castles in this territory, which, over the years, lost their autonomy and were absorbed by the newer castle of Monte Giberto.
Monte Giberto's history has always been linked to the city of Fermo, which ruled this village for centuries.
Chapter 3 : A morning exploring the hamlet
Along the main street, I notice a small church. It is the church of St. Anthony of Padua, the smallest in the historic centre.
With a simple exterior facade, this church has a valuable painting inside depicting the Virgin and St. Anthony.
Walking up and down the alleys, I observe the remains of the ancient medieval walls with their two towers, and every little detail of these centuries-old buildings draws my attention.
I find the old oven, a symbol of Monte Giberto's history and traditions. In the past, with this oven, the baker, Liso, baked bread for all the families in the hamlet.
Today, the old oven is sometimes used for traditional festivals.
A few steps from the village's main square, I encounter the church of St. John the Baptist.
Entering this 18th-century church, I stopped to admire the splendid fresco cycle decorating the apse and the statues of the prophets. This elegant church also houses a precious organ from 1876.
Chapter 4: Fine art and beautiful views
Here I am in Piazza della Vittoria, the heart of the medieval village.
Two crucial historic buildings are located in this square: the church of San Nicolò and the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale).
The church of San Nicolò is the largest in the historic centre and contains essential works of art.
Walking to the high altar, I admire several valuable paintings, statues, and a valuable organ made by the famous organ builder Gaetano Callido.
Next to the church, the Town Hall houses the Sala delle Volte on the ground floor.
This beautiful hall with its typical vaulted ceiling was once used as the community's oil mill. Today, it is used for cultural events and houses the precious Siro Ciarrocchi Collection of Devotional Medals.
Siro Ciarrocchi, an inhabitant of Monte Giberto, donated a unique collection of devotional medals to the municipality, which includes 10,000 medals depicting sacred subjects, people and historical events.
Leaving the square, I turn the corner, and in front of me, I see a door that opens onto a beautiful balcony.
I can't believe my eyes: in front of me, a fantastic view of the hills of the Marca Fermana, all the way to the sea!
I can only admire this extraordinary landscape and take infinite photographs!
Chapter 5: A tasty lunch with the typical products of Monte Giberto
I look at my watch, and it's lunchtime! Among the alleys of Monte Giberto, I observe stores with typical local products, primarily Jervicella wheat, produced in the Monte Giberto countryside.
An exquisite aroma leads me to a restaurant.
I am curious and also a little hungry. What are the typical dishes of Monte Giberto?
On the menu, I read many names of tempting dishes: frascarelli, polenta with many different sauces, lu pizzottu... but I choose the famous vincisgrassi, the tasty lasagna from the Marche region.
Of course, everything is accompanied by a good glass of local wine!
Chapter 6: Discovering the Places of Monte Giberto
After an excellent lunch, I continue my walk to discover the sights of Monte Giberto.
A short walk from the city walls takes me to the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace), a place of great devotion for the people of Monte Giberto.
The church contains several paintings and frescoes, a valuable organ from 1830, and the precious statue of Our Lady of Grace.
Inside the church, a door takes to a terrace with a splendid view of the territory surrounding Monte Giberto.
The view from here is stunning!
Our Lady of Grace is celebrated on September 8. For this important occasion, the village fills with many believers who participate in the procession with the image of the Virgin.
It is a grand celebration that ends with spectacular fireworks.
Time goes by quickly, and before the sun goes down, I want to enjoy the beauty of this bucolic landscape.
Walking along the walls, I reach the Pinetina, and I walk in the greenery of this beautiful park until I get to another enchanting viewpoint.
Once again, I stop. I admire the green hills of the Marca Fermana and breathe in the peace of this place at sunset.
Final: The end of my day in Monte Giberto
My day in Monte Giberto ends with a splendid view of the hills of the Marche in the magical atmosphere of the lighted village.
Monte Giberto is a corner of peace to be discovered slowly.
Walking through its alleys, I found its history and traditions, the treasures hidden in its ancient buildings, and its unique views.
Art, history, tasty flavours and splendid views make Monte Giberto unforgettable.
It’s time for me to hit the road again. I’m wondering where the roads will leads me. To another village, another story, another hidden gem of Le Marche.
