The Truffle Valleys

" A land to live in, to discover, to savour with the eys, and if the eys want their share then the nose claims no less, so that from among the ancient smell of walls and narrow streets the lands in the Truffle Valleys produce unique scents and intriguing sensations: the smell of truffles found in this area. This fact is unique in the whole of Italy, and is due to the characteristic ecosystem of this area, whose natural woods of conifers and broad-leaved trees anable this "culinary diamond" (which, like the diamond itself, is born in the heart of the earth) to be present at all times on the most refined and demanding tables."

These Valleys, where nothing is as widely known as the truffle, are waiting to be discovered. This territory, with some of central Italy’s most evocative landscapes, is in the heart of the ancient Montefeltro Duchy and extends into the picturesque valleys of the rivers Balbano, Biscubio, Bosso, and Candigliano. Here the visitor will find not only beautiful, natural environs, but also historic cities of great cultural interest, from Urbino to Gubbio, and abbeys and ancient hermitages immersed in an atmosphere of primordial tranquillity.
One interesting stop is Cantiano, at the foot of the powerful massif of Mount Catria, see its medieval streets and houses or visit the "Bosco di Tecchie", a naturalistic oasis of undoubted scientific interest. For equestrian sports lovers, we suggest the Chiaserna Stables where horses are available for outings.
Another city worth visiting is Cagli, with its Tower designed by Martino – a medieval and sketches attributed to Canova are preserved. Cagli is also host to 18 churches rich in frescoes and important paintings. The Church of S.Domenico, circa 1200, conserves a fresco commissioned to Giovanni Santi, in which the artist’s young son. Raffaello, is depicted as one of the angels.
In Piobbico, visit the palaeontology museum and the impressive Brancaleone Castle, recently restored to its original beauty; the castle is built around courtyards and long elegant stairways, with more than one hundred rooms decorated with huge fireplaces and sculpted stone doorways.
Finally, visit Apecchio, with its characteristic mediaeval hump-back bridge and its interesting fossil museum. This cheerful village is host to an important Truffle Fair held every year during the first 10 days of October.
Speaking of Truffles and returning to the old Flaminian Way, we note Acqualagna, considered the capital of the prized "Tuber magnatum pico". The National White Truffle Fair, a noted gastronomic event, is held here annually in the month of November.

These valleys, where limpid streams run, are a harmonious blend of history, art, culture, nature and gastronomy. The visitor is attracted by the peaceful atmosphere and the green age-old oaks where truffles grow spontaneously; this fragrant tuber enriches the genuine local cuisine and its many species can be enjoyed in every season of the year.
The lovely land awakes the desire for a pleasant vacation in ancient and welcoming cottages which have been restored to their original beauty with stonework, wood beams and warm terracotta pavements. Precious period furniture complete the picture creating inviting atmosphere for a relaxing quality vacation.

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