In Italian
Weekend in the Sibillini mountains: places, itineraries and unique experiences not to be missed between Amandola and its neighbourhoods. From the Marnacchia Querceta to the Big Ring of the Sibillini, passing through stories, legends and really special encounters.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: places, itineraries and experiences.
“And what immense thoughts, what sweet dreams my sight breathed, of that distant sea, those blue mountains.”
(Giacomo Leopardi about the Sibillini Mountains)
An intense weekend in the Sibillini Mountains, the “Blue Mountains” (Monti Azzurri) by Giacomo Leopardi, in the magical and evocative places where the Sybil of the Apennines was thought to live.
Three days, and a series of experiences and special encounters discovering another surprising fragment of Le Marche, in the wonderful setting of the Marnacchia Querceta.
Have you ever met a photographer of the wind, followed the paths of wild herbs or listened to the legends related to the Sybil of the Apennines, maybe walking in its enchanted woods, losing yourself among Romanesque churches and art galleries with real treasures, and then taste “fregnacce” and truffles?!
Without forgetting the stories from the world of restaurateurs, farmers and artists who have found here, in the heart of the Sibillini, their safe haven.
A special itinerary for attentive and passionate travellers who want to discover the Marche in a more genuine and authentic way.
“Similarly, when in the Apennines he asked about his future, he received his answer.”
(Claudius the Gothic, 268 A.D., about his future at the oracle of the Sybil of the Apennines)
It is said that she – the Sybil of the Apennines – still dwells in the depths of a secret cave of Mount Sibilla, and that her enchanted call can still be heard at the sunset, when the sun gradually disappears behind the Sibillini Mountains, leaving them wrapped in a magical and impalpable aura for a few moments.
A fairy, a queen, a venus, a witch, a sorceress, a prophetess or an elderly and wise woman who offered the most daring travellers enigmatic visions of their future.
For some the Sybil Cumana in person who, tired of her continuous prophesying in the cave of Cuma, decided to retreat between the luxuriant nature and the peace of these mountains, occasionally dispensing her precious prophecies to a few daredevil knights.
“It is fame, that from Cuma, where the first Rooms the illustrious Prophetess obtained.
While he disturbs there, he oppresses them, your peace, your departure was convenient.
In the remote, inaccessible peaks of the Norsin Mount to rest came.
From the curious vulgo lurks there. And rare other secrets reveal.”
(Giovan Battista Lalli from Norcia)
There are many hypotheses, myths and narratives about her.
A legend spread first orally, among the stories of the locals and then, from about 1400, with literary works such as Andrea da Barberino’s Guerrin Meschino and Antoine De La Salle’s Il Paradiso della Regina Sibilla. Stories of knights, men of arms and noble lords who had left to search for her cave, a search from which many would never return.
A story that still today enchants and fascinates travellers who come here from all over the world, perhaps still enchanted by her call, to explore the historical, cultural and naturalistic wonders of this suggestive corner of Marche.
Sybil of the Apennines. By Adolfo De Carolis – Own work (my camera), Infinitispazi, Public Domain Wikipedia
Amandola and its surroundings, thanks also to the privileged access to the Sibillini Mountians National Park, and the evocative stories related to the Sybil of the Apennines, give travellers many choices in the organization of the time to spend here.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: places, itineraries and experiences
Among scenic wonders, relaxation, good food and experiences, definitely very unusual and particular.
The sportier ones can dedicate themselves to the planning of the stages of the route of the Big Ring of the Sibillini and then refresh themselves with the specialties of local cuisine, not to be missed the “fregnacce” with truffles, cheese and pepper and meat sauce of Rifugio Garulla.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the experiences not to be missed
Without forgetting, returning to Amandola, a stop at the beautiful Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Pace.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the experiences not to be missed
Nature lovers can make themed paths to discover the wild herbs and their multiple properties. From health to body care and cuisine, together with Maria Sonia Baldoni, the Sybil of the Herbs.
Lovers of sunsets and landscapes can meet Giorgio Tassi, the “photographer of the wind”, the wind of the Sibillini.
Admiring his work, his artworks and sharing with him thoughts, feelings and impressions of the days spent here.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the experiences not to be missed
While art lovers can dedicate themselves to the discovery of Amandola and its surroundings.
From the Church of San Francesco to the Teatro della Fenice (The Phoenix), as far as the Landscape Museum, with its Art Gallery, the historical archives and the wonderful Tunicato Crucifix of the XI-XII century. Without forgetting the Abbey of SS. Ruffino and Vitale, Lake San Ruffino, the Sanctuary of Blessed Antonio and the Church of San Bernardino.
Places, itineraries and visits that restore body and spirit.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the experiences not to be missed
Natan, Catharina, Anan and Leila, are an Israeli-German family, and now also a little Italian luckily for us, who built something special in the heart of the Marche.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: Nightcloud, a special story from the world to the Marche
Their story was not always easy.
Nathan’s parents and grandparents have known the atrocities of extermination, and he then came from Poland and lived between California and Israel, where he spent more than 20 years in a Kibutz learning the art of paper in his free time. And then chose Italy as a new home with Catharina, more than 20 years ago, building around them a world of connections, sharing and precious relationships.
Today they are both “paper artists”, they create and sell real handicrafts. From elaborate and unique sheets to paintings, jewels and particular objects. Despite the earthquake of 2016, in which they lost their home, they have not given up, and continue to carry on with dedication and love their passions.
If you want to live a really special experience, go visit them, they will be happy to welcome you, tell you their story and show you the work they do.
To learn more about their art and the Nightcloud project, handmade paper as craft & art, click here.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: Nightcloud, a special story from the world to the Marche
The Marnacchia Querceta is the ideal starting point to explore this area of the Sibillini Mountains.
And the perfect place to come back every night to rest and unwind at the end of the long and intense days spent around.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the Marnacchia Querceta
A story, that of the small village located around the hill where stood the small church of Santa Maria di Marnacchia (unfortunately lost with the earthquake of October 2016), which has its roots in a remote past.
Originally a feudal property with castle turned into an estate over the centuries. And finally, in Country House, after a careful conservative restoration of all the structures present. A restoration cared in detail by Giovanna Galbiati, wonderful hostess and muse inspiring (yet another Sybil…) of this enchanted place.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the Marnacchia Querceta
It is thanks to her that I was able to discover and live the experiences mentioned. And it is to her, her Querceta and her precious tips, that I invite you to refer for your stay and for the exploration of the area.
Further information about the hotel and reservations here.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the Marnacchia Querceta
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: the Marnacchia Querceta
The Marnacchia Querceta is now an elegant Country House with a discreet charm.
You can choose to stay in the farmhouse, the main house with 4 suites, a library, two living rooms and a large and cozy dining room with adjoining kitchen. Here every morning a rich breakfast is served based on local products – “km20”. Or in the Ginestra, a detached house with all the comforts. In addition to enjoying a large park with terrace on the Sibillini Mountains and a swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
An idyllic and regenerating secret refuge at the foot of the Sybil of the Apennines.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: Marnacchia Querceta
And in the special experiences you cannot miss some suggestions on where to eat, places that I tested personally, run by people who have made their passions a work, loved and full of interactions and connections.
An old farmhouse of 1600, a wonderful garden with vegetable garden surrounded by an apple orchard of Rosa dei Sibillini, and in the background the frame of the Sibillini Mountains. A genuine and abundant cuisine, based on local products, fresh herbs and organic vegetables. Mirela, owner and cooker, will take you on a real experiential journey in the flavors of the Sibillini, with some tasty references to her homeland, Romania.
A centenary story written by 5 generations, starting from its opening as an inn in 1891.
A high-level cuisine that offers traditional dishes of the Marche. Among these scottona, truffles, cappelletti and the unmissable spaghetti alla Zenà, with spinach, fresh cream and gambit browned ham.
Weekend in the Sibillini Mountains: some useful information on where to eat really well
For further information on the discovery of the Sibillini Mountains and the surrounding areas, please look up Racconti di Marche. Among the most competent and influential sites regarding experiences to be lived, places to explore and routes to be carried out in the Marche.
Article written in collaboration with the Marnacchia Querceta for #ripartidaisibillinispecial.
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