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Prato Porfidia in Montefortino

Prato Porfidia in Montefortino

Type
Ruins or archaeological site
Municipality
Montefortino (FM)

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Prato Porfidia is a meadow in the upper Valle dell'Ambro, in the municipality of Montefortino (province of Fermo). The ruins of an old shepherds' village remain here. It lies at about 1,237 m, along trail 224, which climbs toward the springs of the Ambro. The masonry buildings are almost completely destroyed, but the remains of the stone shelters still tell of the hard life of mountain shepherds. It can be reached only on foot and is a stop on the Anello Sorgenti dell'Ambro loop.

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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

History of Prato Porfidia

Prato Porfidia was a shepherds' village. A little lower down, in an area called "Lu Pià", small stone houses stand along the mountain road that climbs the Valle dell'Ambro from Vetice. Local shepherds used them seasonally, to bring their livestock closer to the high pastures.

What to see at Prato Porfidia

The remains of many stone shelters, mostly collapsed, can be seen. Just before the meadow, along the trail, the ruins of other small stone huts appear. The meadow opens to the right of the trail and offers an unmarked viewpoint. Shortly after, the view widens over the whole valley. The nearby fountain may be dry.

How to visit Prato Porfidia

The site can be reached only on foot, on trail 224, with two main access points. The first starts from the Sanctuary of Madonna dell'Ambro in Montefortino, where the road from Amandola (SP 83) ends at a large parking lot. The second starts from Vetice: continue by car on the farm track toward the Campi di Vetice, parking without blocking the passage of tractors. Before the meadow the trail forks, and the left branch climbs to the Pizzo. Standard hiking gear is needed and, for those who use them, trekking poles. Before setting out, check the weather and trail conditions.

Where Prato Porfidia is located

Prato Porfidia is in the upper Valle dell'Ambro, in the territory of Montefortino, inside the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains. It lies along the trail that runs from Vetice, a hamlet of Montefortino, across the meadow and on toward the springs of the Ambro and Casale Rinaldi.

Around Prato Porfidia

Along the same route are the Santuario della Madonna dell'Ambro, the hamlet of Vetice and the springs of the Ambro. A few hundred meters below the trail, in the ravine before the Aia della Regina, is the Grotta de Lu Vallo', a little-known cave familiar mainly to the elderly residents of Vetice. For other similar places, see the page on archaeological sites in the Sibillini.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to Prato Porfidia?

No, the last stretch is on foot only. By car you can reach the Santuario della Madonna dell'Ambro, where there is a large parking lot, or Vetice. From Vetice continue on the farm track toward the Campi di Vetice, parking without blocking the tractors. Then climb on foot along trail 224.

What remains today of the shepherds' village of Prato Porfidia?

The masonry buildings are almost completely destroyed. However, the remains of many stone shelters survive and, just before the meadow, the ruins of a few small stone huts. They are modest traces, but enough to show how shepherds lived at high altitude.

Is there water along the trail to Prato Porfidia?

The fountain near the meadow may be dry. Another source, the Acqua Arva, is a water intake a few meters above trail 224, after the meadow. It is best to set out with a supply of water anyway.

Is Prato Porfidia part of a loop trail?

Yes, the Anello Sorgenti dell'Ambro passes through Prato Porfidia. The route circles the Valle dell'Ambro, from the sanctuary to the springs of the stream, and also crosses beech woods and viewpoints.

Nearby

What to see nearby

Where to stay

Straight-line distances.