Pantaneto Hillfort (Monte Cavallo)

History of the Pantaneto Hillfort

The term castelliere refers to a small fortified protohistoric settlement, from the Bronze Age and the Iron Age (a hillfort). It usually stood in a high position that was easy to defend, making use of the site's natural defenses and strengthening them with man-made works. In the Marche region these sites are also known as gradìne.

What to see at the Pantaneto Hillfort

The site is classified among ruins and archaeological sites. The best vantage point is the trail that reaches the area, from which the site is most visible.

How to visit the Pantaneto Hillfort

The most natural way to approach it is on foot. Pantaneto is the end point of stage N06 of the Sentiero Italia, which starts from Visso. The route is 14.5 km long, takes about 5 hours and is graded as a hiking trail (E).

For those who prefer a loop, two hikes start from Pantaneto:

• the Monte Cavallo loop, a full-day hike;
• another route, which takes in the Col di Mezzo pass and Colle dei Fienili.

Before setting out, check the weather and the condition of the trail.

Where the Pantaneto Hillfort is located

The hillfort is in the territory of Monte Cavallo, in the Marche region. The municipality is made up of scattered hamlets, with its main center at Piè del Sasso, and lies on the edge of the Sibillini National Park, in the Sibillini Mountains.

By car, follow provincial road 209 from Muccia and go past Pieve Torina. At the junction near the Church of Santa Maria di Caspriano in Pieve Torina, keep right onto the Caspriano-Monte Cavallo provincial road. Drive through the village of Monte Cavallo and continue uphill following the signs for Pantaneto.

Around the Pantaneto Hillfort in Monte Cavallo

In Pantaneto are the Fonte di Pantaneto (a spring) and the Church of San Lorenzo in Monte Cavallo, also called the Cemetery church. A 2.9 km section of the La Porta della Sibilla cycle route also starts here, climbing up to the Forca.

In the medieval-looking historic center of Monte Cavallo, the bell tower of the parish church and the remains of the tower stand out. A short distance away is the Santuario di Macereto. For other hilltop settlements in the area, see the page on archaeological sites of the Sibillini.