MONTE SANTA MARIA TIBERINA
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Il centro storico |
Monte Santa Maria Tiberina
Its origins hark back to time immemorial, as is testified by the nearby deposits of bronze objects found a century ago in Trestina and Fabbrecce, and certainly it was an Etruscan trading station situated on the right of the Tiber, to barter with the neighbouring Umbrians. The village, perched in a charming position with an incredible view of the entire valley, still presents an intact mediaeval layout.
From the XIth century onwards it was a fief of the Margraves del Monte, descendants of the Margraves del Colle who carne to Italy in the wake of the Franks and conquered most of the Upper Tiber Valley raising forts and castles in various strategic locations.
After destruction of the Castle in 1198 in a clash with Pope Innocent III, the Margraves rebuilt it immediately, linking their history closely with that of Monte S. Maria Tiberina. They astutely contrived to secure privileges and concessions, and to remain independent and firmly in power, often holding important public offices in nearby towns.
It would appear that, due to such licence, Monte S. Maria Tiberina during that period was free to declare war and to strike coins, and that it provided one of the only three existing duelling places in Europe where fights to the death could be waged.
The Margravate continued under the descendants of various branches of the family until 1815, when Duke Ferdinand of Tuscany seized it, putting an end to the millenary sway of the Bourbon del Monte family.
In 1859 it became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
To be seen:
the ancient parish church dating back to around year 1000 with a fine stone font, the remains of two sarcophagi and the Bourbon chapel with a superb wrought-iron gate.
The Margravial palaces, the Castle of Lippiano, the Abbey and Tower of Marzana, the Camping site.
Waiting to be discovered:
the box for anonymous letters in the Bourbon castle, Monte Favalto; the site near the Church of S. Agostino where the mediaeval duels took place;
the Miocene outcrops with fossils of that period.
Not to be missed:
the Ascension Day procession (according to ancient tradition, the Mayor presents the silver keys of the town to the Madonna, borne in solemn procession); the mid-August festivities, with various gastronomic dainties; the market fair at Lippiano on the last day of August.
What to buy:
wild mushrooms and truffles when in season, cheeses, charcuterie and wine.
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