Monsano

Near Jesi and Chiaravalle in central Le Marche, just minutes from Ancona, the quiet town of Monsano sits above the Esino River valley, a quiet hill town close to lots of great sights.

With about 3,000 residents, the town is small but charming with a pleasing mix of medieval and modern. The "castle town" was built as a typical medieval fortified hamlet with castle and polygonal towers, and gateways into the fortifications that could be closed at night and in times of peril. The town found itself involved in battles between Jesi and Ancona for control of the powerful Abbazia di Chiaravalle. That Abbey, called Abbazia di Santa Maria in Castagnola, with its rose window, cross-vaults, and cloister, as well as art and ambiance, are worth visiting (near Chiaravalle). Monsano itself has ancient roots dating back to the 10th century BC when the Piceni people inhabited the area, the taken over by the Greeks, who founded Jesi, and in 250 BC, the Romans. Sometimes called Musciano or Mosciano in local dialect, the town is perfectly positioned to see beautiful and historic Jesi, the city of Ancona, which is Le Marche's regional capital, the seaside city of Senigallia, the stunning Frasassi caverns, the stunning Conero coast, many hill towns, and Morro d'Alba wine country.

Within town, there are scenic overlooks, tree-shaded parks and benches, and the services for daily life. The chruch of Santissimo Sacramento was built next to the castle in the 14th century and redone in the 17th century in baroque style. The gothic church of San Pietro Apostolo was constructed in the 12th century and redone in the 18th century. Outside town is the pretty brick-built church Santa Maria degli Aroli -also known as de Lauriola, as it sits amidst laurel trees. It is picturesque and popular for weddings, worth a walk from town if you enjoy a stroll along the country scenery.

In town you 'll find a farmacy, butcher, bar/caffe, pizzeria and restaurant.