Braccano

 
Braccano, located 454 meters above sea level, in an environment of extraordinary beauty. The village, wet from the stream with the same name that comes down from the Abbey of Roti, may have medieval origins and is very particular for its urban traits, rather intact. Since 2001 it has become "Country of Murals". At the center of the village is the Parish Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in 1684, and in its present form, around the mid-eighteenth century in late-baroque style. The Parish priest Don Enrico Pocognoni (victim of a Nazi massacre in 1944 which took place there) was buried inside the monument, restored after World War II.

In the building are located an elegant baptismal font, valuable wooden works and a Madonna with Child of the late thirteenth century.
Not far from the village are also the remains of the old Hermitage of San Giacomo and San Claudio Acquaviva, on the way to small town called Vespa.

However, Braccano is not only Murals, but also a starting point for wonderful hiking trails in the midst of woods and evocative landscapes. One of the most interesting routes is on the way to the Abbey of Roti. Shortly after the "baita" (lodge) you can park your car and walk: left into the "Gola di Jana" (Gorge of Jana), right to the Abbey of Roti. The ruins of the Abbey, once called Santa Maria de Rotis, are in a natural basin located along the ancient road that led to Cingoli. The building dates back to the ninth and tenth centuries A.D. However, according to some theories, in that place a pagan temple of pre-Roman origin was already there, from whose solar cult probably derives the name of the Abbey. Its particular beauty was initially noticed by the first hermit monks who settled in the area; later, the Benedictines found the important Abbey of Santa Maria de Rotis on the temple ruins.

It seems that the structure was also home and refuge for the famous and mysterious Order of the Templars, several "Maltese crosses" are above the doors. Today the main remains of the building are: the Church, with frescoed ceilings inside, the cloister and the housing of the monastery area. The area is of great natural interest, related to Apennine rare plants and animal species.
 
 
 

The Attractions of Matelica

 
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