Beregna Tower

History of Beregna Tower

The tower was built in 1381-1382 by Giovanni di Berardo da Varano, known as “Spaccaferro”. It was the highest point of the Intagliata, the line of fortifications that defended the State of Camerino and ran down toward Torre del Parco, Castelraimondo, Lanciano and Pioraco.

The junction was also the most exposed stretch of the border: in 1259 Manfred's army, led by Percivalle Doria, came through here and destroyed Guelph Camerino, and later the troops of Francesco Sforza passed by. Already abandoned by the end of the 17th century, the tower collapsed in 1979.

What to see at Beregna Tower

The ruins of the tower remain on the broad plateau of the pass. In the Middle Ages, next to the junction, there was a hospice for pilgrims and travelers and a very busy customs post, a sign of how much traffic passed through. Between the 14th century and the second half of the 16th century, pilgrims bound for Loreto and Rome traveled this road.

How to visit Beregna Tower

The pass can be reached on foot along routes that follow the Via Lauretana, now a section of the Cammino dei Cappuccini. From Serrapetrona a trail climbs toward Monte Letegge, with wide views, and reaches the pass; from the junction you can then descend to the Rifugio Manfrica. Since these are open-air ruins, there are no opening hours.

Where Beregna Tower is near Camerino

The Beregna Tower pass is in the territory of Camerino, on the ridge separating the Potenza valley from the Chienti valley, along the route linking Camerino to San Severino Marche via the hamlets of Crispiero and Colleluce.

Around Beregna Tower

The Rifugio Manfrica, built by the State Forestry Agency in 1972, stands in an area with over 1,000 hectares of state forest. From here you enter the Valle dei Grilli, home to the hermitage of Sant'Eustachio in Domora, an 11th-century monastic building known for offering hospitality.

On the Crispiero plateau the old watchtowers of Fanula and Guardia can be seen, part of the same defensive system.