Mount San Vicino (from the Latin vicilinus, “vigilant”) is a mountain in the Marche Apennines divided between the provinces of Ancona and Macerata. It belongs to the outermost ridge of the Marche Apennine chain and stands out not only because it is the highest peak, but also because it is visible from nearly every surrounding area, rising above all nearby hills with a distinctive profile(a local dialect proverb says: “Pitì bellu se vede da Castellu, Pitì bruttu se vede dappertuttu”, meaning “When it's pretty you see it from the castle, when it's ugly you see it from everywhere.”). This makes it clearly the first reference point for the entire territory.
It still is today, just as it was in the past. The historical, architectural, cultural, and religious testimonies in the area offer concrete proof of this. Notably, Mount San Vicino is also linked to Saint Romuald, the Benedictine monk and founder of the Camaldolese order, who passed away in this area in 1027. He was buried in the monastery of Val di Castro, venerated as a new Saint Benedict, and became a pilgrimage destination. For centuries, his remains rested in the abbey of Val di Castro beneath Mount San Vicino (now preserved in the cathedral of Fabriano).
The entire area of Mount San Vicino (now a Nature Reserve) was also the site of significant battles during the Italian Resistance in World War II, where several partisans formations participated in the memorable battle of Roti - Valdiola - Chigiano of 25 March of 1944, facing Nazi- fascists forces. Each year we make commemorative excursions to remember those events and honor those who gave their lives in those woods and on those trails.
The landscape diversity, concentrated in a relatively small area, makes Mount San Vicino an ideal destination for all kinds of outdoor activities. From the stunning trails leading to the Canfaito Beech Forest, to the mysterious remains of the Rocca degli Ottoni, from the Jana Gorges to the medieval village of Elcito, where hikers and cycle tourists will find plenty to explore. The wooded areas alternate with cultivated land, pastures and small villages gives the area a truly unique character.
What to do in the Mount San Vicino Nature Reserve
Marche Active Tourism organizes, throughout the year, activities of active and sustainable tourism for all tastes. We will take you inside the Natural Rserve of Mount San Vicino with excursions, trekking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, holiday camps and much more. Our specialized guides and instructors are ready to meet all your needs. Marche Active Tourism also offers customized activities for groups, schools, and associations.