6TH ROUTE: Rubbiano – Colle di Montegallo (14 km)

The route crosses the eastern slope of Mt. Zampa and descends to Tofe in the Aso River valley. It then climbs to Altino to continue at the foot of the long ridge from Mount Banditello (1,873 m) and Mount Torrone (2,117 m) to Mount Vettore (2,476 m).

We are in the “Slope of Magic,” the heart of which is Mount Sibilla on which is the cave from which, according to legend, the kingdom of the mythical Sibyl is accessed. The cave was reached, in the Middle Ages by scholars and knights errant, who came from all over Europe to unravel the mystery that still shrouds the fairy mountain. As if by magic, along the stretch of the “reapers’ path” leading to Colle di Montegallo, one encounters the oldest rural church in the Piceno region (9th century): Santa Maria in Pantano. The presence within it of frescoes depicting the Sibyls stands as evidence of the ancient and frequent custom of combining Christian and pagan rites. Chestnut groves are encountered along the way, the presence of which, in the Sibillini Mountains, is limited to a few areas, as it is constrained by the presence of marly-arenaceous soils. Chestnuts have in the past been one of the staple foods for the people of these mountains.

Length: 14 km
Elevation gain: 720 m
Downhill elevation gain: 470 m
Highest point: 1184 m
Lowest point: 732 m
Type of surface: mixed

Municipality of departure: Montefortino
Starting location: Montefortino
Municipality of arrival: Montegallo
Place of arrival: Montegallo

Recommended period: all year round

The Great Sibillini Ring is a hiking route of about 124 km that encompasses the entire mountain range found in the Umbria-Marche Apennines. Divided into 9 stages, it is fully signposted and allows you to get to know, in addition to the multiplicity of landscapes and natural beauty, part of the priceless historical and cultural heritage that this territory preserves.

The Great Sibillini Ring is among the most beautiful routes incentral Italy. Through the nine stages it is possible to circumnavigate the territory of the Sibillini Mountains National Park, visiting the history of its small villages and the wilderness of its mountains. The tour encompasses the Park in a clockwise direction, starting from the location of Visso and returning to it after passing through some characteristic places, such as the ancient route of the Kingdom of Naples, the Sanctuary of Macereto, the town of Fiastra and the lake of the same name, the Abbey of San Salvatore, the Argenta Valleys Museum, the Abbey of St. Vincent and Anastasius, Mount Carrier and more.

On the way you can enjoy the Apennine landscape and spot the wildlife that inhabits the Park. The excellent organization of the park authority, as well as the great availability of information regarding the routes, allows for dynamic organization of the tour, enabling you to change its length according to your availability of time and energy.