A few kilometers from the historic center of Fano, on the first hills that run towards the hinterland, the Hermitage of Monte Giove rises in an oasis of peace and silence. Built on the highest summit of the hill of the same name, 223 meters above sea level, the sensation of serenity and beauty that one breathes here is reinforced by its unique position and the breathtaking 360° panorama which, from the coastal strip, goes up to the Valle del Metauro as far as the Apennine chain dominated by Monte Catria. Although there is no certain information, it is said that this place was dedicated to the cult of the god Jupiter.
Discovering the Hermitage of Monte Giove
The Hermitage of Monte Giove can be reached by going up a short avenue at the end of which, through a door, you enter the bright path that leads to the eighteenth-century church. Once inside the silence will kidnap us and will accompany us throughout the visit.
The history of the Hermitage begins in 1608 when, on the land donated in 1523 by the Fanese nobleman Galeazzo Gabrielli, the construction of the complex begins by the Congregation of the Camaldolese Hermits of Monte Corona. Thus the monastic-hermitic life takes off in this place, according to the rhythm of prayer, work, study, silence and solitude, which has marked life in the monastery ever since. The structure of the Hermitage has always reflected the principles of the rule of the order: each monk has a cell with a space necessary for prayer, study, rest and a small garden.
Today three monks belonging to the Camaldolese Congregation of the Order of San Benedetto live here who, with passion, deal with the management and maintenance of the structure, dedicating themselves in particular to the care of hospitality and the ancient pharmacy.
The Church of San Salvatore
At the end of the main access avenue is the Church of San Salvatore, built starting from 1741 to a design by the architect Giovan Francesco Buonamici. The current church was built on a pre-existing one erected in 1631 which was in a different location. In that period the Hermitage of Monte Giove experienced a period of great splendour, so much so that on 23 May 1657 Queen Maria Cristina Alessandra of Sweden visited the place, stopping all day and having lunch with the monks.
The eighteenth-century church is a slender and bright octagonal space, among the works of note is the Transfiguration by the Pesaro painter Gian Andrea Lazzarini above the choir. Continuing on, on the right side of the church is the Capitolato hall, the place where the monks gather to read a chapter of the Rule of Saint Benedict every day and where there is the niche in which the crib is set up every year. Going down you reach the crypt, the place where the monks who have lived in the hermitage are buried. It is no coincidence that the crypt is close to the chapter house in this way the soul of the deceased monks participates in the function. Finally, the last room is the Sacristy, where it is still possible to find the original eighteenth-century furnishings, among all the most curious are the hidden drawers: very long chests of drawers designed to store the monks' clothes and to be hidden in the wooden furniture eighteenth century.
The library
Study is a fundamental activity in monastic life and the library of the Hermitage of Monte Giove is really important. It is a room used as a newspaper library, a large consultation and study room and, adjacent to this, a room with nineteenth-century wooden furnishings which houses the ancient part of the book collection with about 1000 printed volumes from the 16th to the 19th century.
During the Second World War the Hermitage welcomed, in addition to the displaced persons, also the precious Malatesta Codes and the most precious books kept in the Federiciana Library of Fano.
These are the library opening hours:
Saturday 9.00-12.00 by appointment
The Pharmacy
Another highlight of the structure is the pharmacy. The study of herbs, their cultivation and, at the same time, the preparation of medicines have always been among the main activities of the Camaldolese monasteries. In the small but well-stocked pharmacy of the Hermitage it is possible to buy creams and natural cosmetics, medicinal herbs, oils, foodstuffs and books on faith and spirituality.
Pharmacy opening hours:
From Thursday to Sunday
Thursday – Saturday: 10.00 – 11.45 | 15.00 – 18.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 12.20 | 15.00 – 18.00
Information and contacts
Hermitage entrance times:
7.30-12.20 / 15.00-19.00
Monday closed.
+39 0721 864090
info@eremomontegiove.it
Municipal road of Monte Giove 90,
61032 Fano (PU)
Website of the Hermitage of Monte Giove
