Poggio Cupro
A trip to Poggio Cupro: the only inhabited center of the Cupramontana district
Located in the province of Ancona, just 3.41 km from the capital, Poggio Cupro is a small inhabited center that represents the only district of the municipality of Cupramontana. The area is of ancient origin and it seems to have been built by refugees from the Roman city of Cupra I, destroyed in the early Middle Ages.
The history of Poggio Cupro
In the thirteenth century, around the pre-existing Camaldolese priory of S. Salvatore, the monastic castle was built which was dependent on that of S. Giacomo delle Mandriole. For six and a half centuries, Poggio Cupro was an autonomous community of the county of Jesi, but in 1812 Napoleon I suppressed it and added it to Maiolati.
Subsequently, Pope Leo XII decided to withdraw it from the jurisdiction of Maiolati and merge it with Massaccio. In the Castle of Poggio Cupro, there was a still visible oil mill with a wheel. At civic number 777, there was the municipal school.
Traditions and folklore
Despite being a very small village, Poggio Cupro hosts several festivals that attract many tourists. The most famous is the Medieval Festival, where you can watch flag-wavers, drums, and a historical parade. It is an event that takes place inside the village and includes a dinner with typical dishes of the time and a tavern for spectators.
Another very important festival is the "Scampagnata Poggiana", which takes place during the first weekend of August every year. The event, now a tradition since 1985, includes three days of music, dancing, and typical cuisine.
The more adventurous tourists can participate in the wooden cart race, which takes place on one of the first Sundays of September and ends at SS 76.
Economy: viticulture and exhibitions
Poggio Cupro is mainly based on viticulture and olive oil. The area is famous for its exhibitions of wines and oil, which take place especially in the summer. Some farmhouses offer tastings of local wine, while the Valetti Moreno wine shop organizes guided tours of the winery and tastings. Poggio Cupro has several B&Bs and a campsite to accommodate tourists from outside the area.
Sport
In this district, there is also a motocross track, where enthusiasts of this sport can have fun doing acrobatics with their bikes. The motocross track is always a popular attraction for young people.
In conclusion, Poggio Cupro represents a small village with ancient history, but is able to offer many attractions for tourists who visit it, including traditional festivals, wine exhibitions, and extreme sports. If you are looking for an unusual destination to visit in Italy, Poggio Cupro could be the right choice for you.
