Medieval walls and gates of the Sibillini

Medieval walls and gates of the Sibillini: the map

The sites fall into three groups. Camerino, in the province of Macerata, has the Malatesta, Caterina Cybo and Boncompagni gates. Montemonaco, in the province of Ascoli Piceno and inside the Sibillini National Park in the Sibillini Mountains, has the towers of its castle walls and the village gates. Amandola has Porta San Giacomo, which opens onto the main square.

The three places are independent of each other. Those who want to see them all can devote a short walk through the historic center to each one.

Medieval walls and gates of the Sibillini not to miss

Camerino. Porta Caterina Cybo was originally called Porta Cisterna. The name came from the district that grew up around the cistern at the foot of the Ducal Palace in Camerino. The present name was given later, in honor of the Duchess of Camerino. It keeps its wooden doors and, in the walls below the gate, traces of an old drawbridge remain. It stands on the northeast side of town, in a raised position at the top of a steep climb. Beyond the gate the street climbs to the square overlooked by the Archbishop's Palace, the Cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale.

Porta Boncompagni stands at the end of the Madonna delle Carceri road. Of its original military function only the guardhouse remains, while the outer facade dates from the 17th-18th century. It is dedicated to the nephew of Gregory XIII, castellan of Camerino.

Porta Malatesta was formerly called the gate of San Giacomo. It is built of brick, limestone and sandstone and is decorated with two rusticated half-columns. The name recalls Giovanna Malatesta. The material it is made of makes it vulnerable to weathering.

Montemonaco. The castle walls surround the village and enclose large green spaces. Between the towers, the arrow slits used to hold back the advancing enemy are still visible. Only three gates broke the ring: Porta San Giorgio, Porta San Biagio and Porta San Lorenzo. Of Porta San Lorenzo, remains incorporated into the walls survive. Near Porta San Biagio stand the churches of San Biagio and San Benedetto Abate. The church of San Biagio incorporated part of the walls and a tower, which later became its bell tower.

For the most significant stretches, the mura castellane e torrioni (castle walls and towers) of Montemonaco are recommended. From the public gardens there are views of the remains of the walls and of the massifs of Monte Vettore and Monte Sibilla.

Amandola. Porta San Giacomo is topped by Ghibelline merlons with machicolations, corbels and two 15th-century coats of arms. Passing through it leads to Piazza Risorgimento in Amandola. The old center also preserves the Torrione del Podestà, a remnant of the 14th-century fortress, and the historic La Fenice theater.

Medieval walls and gates of the Sibillini: tips for visiting

In Camerino and Montemonaco the 2016-2017 earthquake left its mark. In Montemonaco the tremors caused cracks, detachments and collapses in both the walls and the towers. In 2024 a repair project was approved. In Camerino, design work for the restoration and repair of Porta Boncompagni and Porta Caterina Cybo began in November 2024. Before visiting, it is worth checking with the Comune (town hall) or the tourist office. For the overall picture, see the page on the 2016 earthquake and the reconstruction in the Sibillini Mountains.

In Montemonaco the route is simple: from Piazza Roma, cross the public gardens, reach Porta San Biagio and continue to the panoramic park beyond the gate. In Camerino the gates are spread around the perimeter of the town: it is best to get around on foot, allowing for the climbs. As with any outdoor visit, it is useful to check the weather before setting out.