Our cycling adventure begins in the charming Old Town of Apiro, heading towards the captivating slopes of Mount San Vicino. Here, the hills are in perfect harmony, and the road offers a pleasant mix of climbs and descents. Our ride takes us towards the Abbey of Sant'Urbano, leading us through picturesque villages nestled on the slopes of Mount San Vicino. At this point, the scenery becomes truly extraordinary: the grandeur of the mountain merges with the gentle Marche hills.

We pass through Poggio San Vicino, and a scenic mountain road guides us to Palazzo, from where we take the route that will lead us to the Abbey. Before returning to climb towards Apiro, we make a short detour to visit the Abbey of Sant'Urbano. It's a real enchantment, both from the outside and inside. I warmly invite you to explore it not only to admire its beauty but also to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of peace and serenity that envelops you as you approach the Church.

In Romanesque style, the Abbey dates back to 1086, although there are accounts of its existence even before the millennium. Inside, you'll find finely sculpted capitals and frescoes from the 15th century. The vaults and niches that separate the small main altar exude an aura of peace and harmony. On May 25th each year, during the celebration of the patron saint, Sant'Urbano, in the early morning hours, the sun's rays, entering through a hole above the arches, precisely strike a circle located to the right of the entrance, carved into the wall. It's a phenomenon not to be missed during your visit!

The return journey, of course, involves an ascent, but the magnificent view of the hills will accompany us along the way as we pedal back to the picturesque Old Town of Apiro.