Monastery of Montebello, Via Montebello 1 (privately owned property)

At the end of the 1970s, in the hills around Isola del Piano, one of Italy's first organic farming concerns was founded, the Alce Nero Co-operative.  The headquarters of the Alce Nero are in the ex-Monastery of Montebello, which was first built by the Blessed Pietro Gambacorta, founder of the Order of the Girolamini Fathers.  The monastery is also home to the museum established by the Co-operative's founders, which, with artefacts and illustrations aims to explain the history of the area clearly and simply, starting with the earliest evidence of human presence (8th century B.C.) until the present day. 

The first section of the museum contains artefacts (mostly ceramics) and maps illustrating the earliest stages of human settlement in the area around the Cesane (between Fossombrone, Urbino and Isola del Piano). 

The second section contains tools from the farming culture that has been a characteristic of the area for centuries (wooden ploughs, carts, various items used in daily life and work) and tools used by the craftsmen who supported these activities (smiths, potters, cobblers, and stonemasons).

The monastery also contains a conference room for meetings or cultural events. 

There are also rooms for hospitality purposes and a short distance away, an Inn with organic restaurant and further accommodation.

Visits must be booked in advance

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• Information leaflet;
• Educational visits;
• Conference rooms;
• Accommodation.

Tel. +39 0721 720221 - e-mail: alcenero@alcenerocooperativa.it.

On the trail of craftsmen and farmers in the Metauro area

S. Giorgio  - Orciano- Barchi- S.Ippolito - Montefelcino - Isola del  Piano - Castelgagliardo.