Marche Breaks

The quiet hamlet of Francavilla d’Ete was handed over, disputed and offered as a present; this was the destiny of this village over its millenary existence.

This hamlet, located on the high buttress dominating the fertile valleys of the river Ete Morto and the stream Fusa, has been appreciated since the age of Romans and Piceni. One of its characteristics is its geographic position, a strategic position between the important centres called Urbs Salvia and Firmum.

It was the attraction of a religious and peaceful Parish Church, founded by monks who loved this landscape, which led to the development of Francavilla d’Ete, a beautiful hamlet that developed during the middle Ages.

The hamlet was sold in 1385 to the bank owner Ricciardo Cancellieri de Pistoria, it was attacked by Carlo Malatesta (in 1413), and was badly hit. The impressing walls that used to defend Francavilla d’Ete were almost completely destroyed.

The ancient stones that survived centuries and masters, can still be admired by visitors, offering three intact huge towers that have always watched over the quiet lives of Francavilla’s inhabitants.

When crossing the ancient entrance door to the walls of Francavilla d’Ete visitors should bear in mind that they are entering a place, which was hit but proudly managed to rise again from its ruins.  The hamlet still preserves the church San Rocco that faces the picturesque piazza Marconi, and boasts two remarkable 16th-century frescoes rightly attributed to Vincenzo Pagani and his school. Equally valuable is the church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, which is close to the Parco della Rimembranza and was designed in late 19th century by famous architect Giuseppe Sacconi.

The inhabitants of Francavilla d’Ete are really hospitable and always willing to narrate their small and great stories to those wanting to listen to them. The inhabitants shall always accompany their stories with simple gestures and the invitation to taste savoury dishes.