Mondavio

One of the gems of the Marche region is the beautiful medieval fortified town of Mondavio. A dove features in the town’s coat of arms; indeed, the name of this *borgo* is derived from the Latin *Mons Avium*, meaning “mountain of the birds.”

Mondavio is situated on top of a hill 280 meters above sea level—a site where a Franciscan monastery is said to have once stood, built on land donated to Saint Francis himself by the Ricci family. The saint reportedly held a special place in his heart for this mountain, drawn by its beautiful natural surroundings and abundant birdlife.

The Porta San Francesco—the only remaining town gate—provides access to the historic center. Together with *La Rocca* (the fortress), the gates formed Mondavio’s primary line of defense. The fortress was constructed between 1482 and 1492 by Francesco di Giorgio Martini of Siena, the greatest military architect of the fifteenth century. Inside the fortress lies the *Museo di Rievocazione Storica* (Museum of Historical Re-enactment), offering a glimpse into life during the late Middle Ages. Life-sized medieval weaponry is displayed throughout the dry moat.

Another hidden gem in Mondavio is the small Teatro Apollo, featuring exquisite balconies and beautiful wall and ceiling frescoes. Space was naturally limited within the fortress walls, resulting in a wonderfully intimate town center where small houses line the narrow streets.

Naturally, Mondavio also boasts a church dedicated to Saint Francis, complete with a beautiful bell tower. According to tradition, Saint Francis himself commissioned the construction of the church. In the adjacent monastery, you will find the Museo Civico, which features, among other things, a beautiful wooden altar.

During the *Caccia al Cinghiale* (in mid-August), the monastery’s courtyard is transformed into a medieval open-air restaurant serving wild boar. At other times of the year, the Al Giardino restaurant—located in the small park behind the San Francesco church—is highly recommended; here, you can dine outdoors on a lovely small square overlooking the valley.