Porta Nord in Smerillo

History of Porta Nord in Smerillo

In the Middle Ages Smerillo was a castle equal in standing to Fermo. The first construction of the Castrum Smerilli is said to date from some time between the 9th and 11th centuries. The first circuit of walls was built only in 1300, along the slopes of the hill. Enlarged over the centuries and fitted with one or more corner towers, the walls converged on a gate in the northern part of the village. No fortifications were needed to the west, because the steep bank offered natural protection.

In 1409 the troops of the Kingdom of Naples invaded the castle and destroyed part of it. The old towers of the walls were later turned into homes, while Porta Nord remained standing.

What to see at Porta Nord

Porta Nord is an opening in the walls. It stands at the end of Via dei Caduti and is the last element of the old circuit of walls that encloses the village. Other ruins of the walls and the keep remain nearby.

From the village the view takes in the Gran Sasso, the Sibillini Mountains, Monte Conero and the sea. It also reaches Monte Catria and the peaks of Castel Manardo, the Priora, the Sibilla and the Vettore.

How to visit Porta Nord

The gate is reached on foot, strolling through the village. After passing through it, the Fessa trail continues. Beyond the gate, the old road descends to the left, and shortly after the dense vegetation begins.

The loop, which comes out of the Fessa and climbs back to the village from the opposite side, takes about three quarters of an hour and has an elevation gain of 70 meters. Inside the cleft only one person at a time can pass. The route crosses a protected botanical area where beech and chestnut trees grow. Check the weather before setting out.

Where Porta Nord is located

Porta Nord is in the northern part of the historic center of Smerillo, at the end of Via dei Caduti.

By car, leave the A14 highway at Porto San Giorgio, follow the SP 238 toward Santa Vittoria in Matenano and then continue to Montefalcone and Smerillo. By train, it is possible to reach Porto San Giorgio station and continue by bus.

Around Porta Nord

In the village there are the Museo delle Scienze Naturali (natural sciences), with its fossil collection, and the Pinacoteca d'Arte Contemporanea, which holds works by mostly Marche-based artists. Other sights include the frescoes of the Romanesque church of Santa Caterina and the parish church of the Santi Pietro e Paolo in Smerillo. The festival "Le Parole della Montagna" usually takes place in July. Other castles in the area are on the page castles and fortresses of the Sibillini.