| Description: |
The National Archaeological Museum of Ancona houses several remains coming from the area of Muccia, which bear precious witness to a widespread human presence in the area over long periods. According to tradition, the name of the town refers to Muzio Scevola, the roman commander who deliberately had his hand burnt for not having been able to kill the Etruscan King Porsenna. In the Middle Ages it was placed under the “Signoria” of the Da Varano from Camerino; the construction of the main castle providing protection to the mills used by the local people dates back to this period. All the area was repeatedly ravaged and the Castello di Giove was destroyed, along with that of Prefoglio at Massaprofoglio, which is currently being restored. Nevertheless, the urban area still maintains its medieval structure, with its narrow streets winding up the hillside, its medieval stone houses and their peculiar ‘doors of the dead man’.
The surrounding area is rich in historical and artistic evidences and is set in the natural beauty of an unspoilt hinterland covered with thick woods. Besides a sports centre with swimming-pool and a tennis court, the visitor is offered an abundance of other outdoor activities, especially long-distance hiking and mountain biking.
Text by Fabio Santilli
Translation by Gianfranco Martorano |