Altino (Montemonaco)
At a glance
- Municipality
- Montemonaco
- Province
- Ascoli Piceno
- Region
- Le Marche
Altino is a small hamlet of Montemonaco, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, in Le Marche. It is the highest settlement in the municipality: it lies just above 1,000 m, at the boundary between the chestnut woods and the beech belt, below Monte Altino (also called Cima Prata). The meadows around the village are sunny and used as pasture in summer. From here there is a view over the valley below.
There are few residents. The village was damaged by the 2016 earthquake. Altino remains above all a starting point for walking: many trails lead from here into the woods and toward the mountains that rise to Vettore.
On the map
Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.
What to see in Altino
The main sight is the church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, reopened for worship with a mass in April 2026, after the years of closure that followed the earthquake. The church is still missing its bell. During the earthquake it was put in safekeeping, along with others, in the Museo di Arte Sacra in Montemonaco, and residents hope it will soon return to its place.
The rest of the village consists of a few buildings, with much damage still to be repaired. The view over the valley, the meadows and the chestnut and beech woods are what visitors appreciate most. For other places to visit in the main village and the hamlets, see the page things to do in Montemonaco.
Nature and trails near Altino
Numerous trails lead from the village to the nearby woods and the mountains above, up to Vettore and Lago di Pilato. There are also old municipal roads linking Altino to the hamlets of Rocca and Vallegrascia and to the church of Santa Maria in Pantano.
A classic hike leads to Santa Maria in Pantano, a church badly damaged by the 2016 earthquake, along a section of the Grande Anello dei Sibillini trail.
- Length: about 9 km round trip.
- Altitude: from 1,045 to 1,160 m, with about 200 m of ascent and 75 of descent.
- Time: just over an hour and a half of walking to reach the church.
- Route: the trail passes the Fonte Santa and then climbs into a clearing, up to a grassy plain surrounded by pine woods. Here stands the church, at 1,159 m, in the municipality of Montegallo: the 2016 earthquake badly damaged it and in 2025 the repair work was approved.
- History of the site: the name "in Pantano" comes from an abundant spring. The site marks one of the ancient trans-Apennine passes of the Piceno area, a destination for travelers, pilgrims, shepherds and merchants.
The route is suitable all year round, and with snow you can use snowshoes. Still, check the weather and trail conditions before setting out. Along the road up to Altino you also pass Lago di Gerosa, its shores lined with conifers. For more ideas, hikes and guides, see the page activities and guides in Montemonaco.
Where to stay in Altino
In Altino the options are limited. Before planning a stay, it is best to check availability directly with the properties. Other places to stay in Montemonaco are on the page where to stay in Montemonaco.
Where to eat in Altino
Altino has a bar-restaurant. In summer the menu includes wild boar with Sibillini peaches. For other places to eat in the municipality, see the page Montemonaco restaurants.
Local food in Altino
Two products linked to local cooking are wild boar and the mela rosa (pink apple). The wild boar comes from Montemonaco's selective hunting area. The mela rosa has long been grown by the family that runs the village restaurant. In summer, wild boar is also served with peaches.
Weather and how to get to Altino
Altino is a few kilometers as the crow flies from the center of Montemonaco, which is at 988 m. The main village is reached by car from Ascoli Piceno and, farther away, from the coast at San Benedetto del Tronto. Along the road to Altino you pass Lago di Gerosa.
The trail to Santa Maria in Pantano is recommended all year round, with snowshoes in case of snow. For a mountain outing, check the forecast and ask about road and trail conditions before setting out.