Holiday apartment in Piobbico: Culture, Gorges and Trails

Piobbico combines a river landscape with castles, churches, craftsmanship and regional traditions. In the centre of the settlement, the Biscubio and the Candigliano rivers meet.

Culture around Castello Brancaleoni

Castello Brancaleoni is an important aristocratic residence in the Marche. It symbolises the power of the Brancaleoni family, which ruled the area for centuries, as well as art, history and Piobbico’s communal identity. The Museo Civico Brancaleoni was founded and established in the 13th-century Castello Brancaleoni in 1983. At the foot of the castle stands the Chiesa di San Pietro, which dates back at least to the 14th century.

On a summit of the Monte Nerone massif, high above Piobbico, stood the structures of the Brancaleoni family’s original residence, known as Castello di Mondellacasa. Piobbico also has a traditional craft heritage centred on the production of woollen rugs.

Hiking trails, gorges and viewpoints

The Itinerario dei Brancaleoni begins at Palazzo Brancaleoni in Piobbico and leads downhill towards Borghetto and the bridge over the Candigliano. The route also passes several viewpoints overlooking Borghetto, Castello Brancaleoni and the Candigliano. In the surrounding area, Castello dei Pecorari features partially preserved medieval building elements, visible sections of wall and towers, and offers views over the Candigliano valley and Piobbico.

Near Piobbico, the Eremo di Morimondo was founded in the 11th century by Cistercians who followed the Rule of Saint Pier Damiani. The ruins can be reached via a path involving an approximately half-hour ascent; a Gothic arch remains visibly preserved at the site.

Nature and spiritual sites

Southeast of Piobbico, the Santuario di Santa Maria in Val d’Abisso is located on a hill nearby. From there, views extend over a wild area of Monte Nerone and the Balza Forata rock formation. The deep, narrow gorges of the Candigliano are shaped by fast-flowing water that forms channels and rock walls. Along the watercourses, there are also small streams, waterfalls and tranquil pools in which the surrounding forests are reflected.

Traditions and regional cuisine

The traditional Processione delle Rocche takes place in Piobbico on 8 September. Girls in peasant costume carry decorated spindles as an offering to the Virgin at the Santuario di Santa Maria in Val d’Abisso. The annual Sagra del Polentone alla Carbonara also offers an immersion in the local food culture. It celebrates a typical dish of peasant tradition made with polenta, meat and local spices.

Discover more places in the surrounding area

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Piobbico, you can find more places here: Mercatale, Montesoffio, Trebbiantico, Smirra, Fossombrone, Cantiano, Tavullia and Città Di Castello.

For the broader travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.