Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 2: Venarotta to Ficocchia

The route of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 2

From the Convento di San Francesco the route follows a stretch of paved road, then a cart track that climbs briefly onto a scenic hill, past a farm. It then descends along the Fosso Cinante, which is crossed to enter the Val Fluvione. The valley is the most distinctive part of the day: it still holds several water mills, once important for the economy of the rural areas.

Among them is the Mulino Pignoloni. Its long waterwheel shaft is placed outside the structure, to harness the drop of the Cascata dell'Arena. After the stop at the mill, the walk continues toward Pedara di Roccafluvione, with a short visit to the sandstone Chiesa di Sant'Ippolito e Cassiano.

The route continues toward the ruins of the castle of Pizzorullo and then toward Ficocchia. There is a stop at a huge sandstone ledge overhanging the Fluvione valley, from which the Sibillini range is clearly visible. Those coming from the previous stage can see the page Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 1. The following day is described on the page Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani stage 3.

Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 2: technical data

• Start: Castello di Venarotta
• Finish: Ficocchia (municipality of Comunanza)
• Length: 13.3 km
• Walking time: 5 hours
• Difficulty: E (hiking grade, CAI scale)
• Highest point: 690 m
• Lowest point: about 303 m
• Elevation change: about 620 m of ascent and 380 m of descent
• Route type: one-way, not a loop
• Trail number: GABA2
• Managed by: Le Marche Experience

The Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani is an itinerary divided into seven stages. The overview page of the Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani therefore helps place this stage within the complete route.

Map of Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 2

The route is identified by the code GABA2 and runs from Venarotta to Ficocchia. The walk follows paths with painted and signpost waymarking. The map shows the route and the points of interest described below. For those sleeping in a tent, in Venarotta camping is possible in the space in front of the municipal sports field. In Ficocchia it is possible at the vacation rental house.

Points of interest on Grande Anello dei Borghi Ascolani Stage 2

Mulino Pignoloni and Cascata dell'Arena. The waterfall is a high drop created by the Fluvione stream between steep rocks. It can be viewed from the stone bridge next to the old mill. The mill is not open to the public and can only be seen from outside. Above the waterfall there is a small lake, formed by a dam built to regulate the course of the stream.

Chiesa di Sant'Ippolito e Cassiano (Pedara). It is built of sandstone, with segmental-arch windows. The bell tower is set against the facade, in the center of the front: a rare architectural solution. The outer portal is frescoed and the building is almost hidden among the trees.

Ruins of the castle of Pizzorullo. They stand on a solitary hill, surrounded by dense vegetation. They belonged to the castles that were part of the State of Ascoli. From the 13th century the castle is recorded as subject to the State of Ascoli.

Ficocchia. In the 15th century the village depended on the castle of Pizzorullo. Today it is almost uninhabited, and from the large sandstone ledge the Fluvione valley and the Sibillini are visible.

Castello di Venarotta and Convento di San Francesco. They are the starting point of the stage. The Convento di San Francesco is in the hamlet of Casamaruccia in Venarotta and is one of the first friaries founded by the Franciscan order in the Piceno area.