Panoramic viewpoint

One of the most panoramic spots in Mondolfo is the so-called Belvedere (viewpoint), at the intersection between Via Torre and the decumanus, along the patrol paths of the inner ring of walls.

The sweeping view over the Adriatic Sea spans the coastline south of Marotta, from the mouth of the Cesano River, towards Mount Conero and Ancona. The view explains why the walled town was built precisely here (sea transport along the coast was also monitored); in fact, on clear days, even the coast of Croatia—on the other side of the sea—can be glimpsed from here, according to many. Another enchanting village is Montsario—now Largo Neviera, from the room once used for gathering snow (neviera is the Italian word for ‘ice-house’)—located just beneath the walls. Consisting of small houses once inhabited by the walled town’s lowest classes (on the spot of the ancient waste dump—mondezzaio in Italian, hence the popular name ‘Montsario’), it is crossed by the typical cobblestone roads made of stones gathered from the nearby streams and sorted by women and children. The ideal spot for a view towards the south and the Cesano River valley is the so-called Balcone sui Monti (‘Balcony on the Mountains’), situated near Porta Nuova gateway. From here it is possible to admire the highest Apennine peaks of central-southern Marches.