San Vito in Monte

San Vito in Monte is an ancient castle, probably rebuilt around 1315 and now transformed into a dwelling. It rises not far from the “devil’s den”, a cave along the Fersinone, where traces of the Bronze Age have been found. Property of the Orvieto bishops, it was fortified by them because it was a strategic point of the line of defence against Perugia. Destroyed in 1240, rebuilt and disputed by the fighting Monaldeschi factions, it was finally destroyed in 1505 by Sforzino Baglioni. As a Municipality it lost its autonomy in 1929 when it was aggregated to San Venanzo. Must-see, inside the parish church, the fine terracotta works, the terracotta statue of the Madonna with child from the 1500s, a canvas from the early 17th century and a pipe organ from the 18th century. The town is famous for the ferruginous waters of the Acquaforte spring. From the castle walls of San Vito in Monte you have the feeling of being in one of those Border Place that control vast geographical areas. A suggestive panorama opens up to 360° and the view can range over the territories of five regions: from the Alfino plateau to the Amiata, from Monte Nerone to the Sibillini and from the Gran Sasso to the Vulsini, passing through the Terminillo massif.