The castrum of Vallecupola retains its typical medieval structure and was founded in ancient times as a grange (agricultural farm) belonging to the Benedictine Abbey of San Salvatore Maggiore, before being transformed into a village during the period of fortification (10th-12th centuries).
From its origins, it was chosen as a sacred place by the abbey itself, as the parent grancia was dedicated to the Cross, linking it to the Benedictine cult of the Holy Savior.
The extraordinary presence of a frescoed Holy Face in the church located in the main square, now dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows (previously to the Holy Cross), is therefore no coincidence.
In the historic center, which winds through characteristic stairways and narrow streets, you can also admire the imposing medieval square tower erected on the highest point of the rocky peak at an altitude of 1000 meters and, clearly visible at the entrance to the village, the historic Palazzo Iacobuzzi, owned by Jacobo Iacobuzzi, the last abbot of San Salvatore. From the large “domed” valley, you can admire Mount Navegna and Cervia and a bucolic landscape with shepherds and flocks grazing.
You will be welcomed by an unspoiled environment characterized by beech, oak, and chestnut woods and, in the undergrowth, shrubs such as butcher’s broom, wild blackberries, primroses, cyclamen, and orchids. The fauna includes eagles, squirrels, foxes, roe deer, badgers, martens, hedgehogs, and birds such as buzzards, woodpeckers, owls, and birds of prey, as well as amphibians and invertebrates in the streams (including the Apennine toad).
Traditional festivals and typical cuisine (famous for its pecorino cheese, bread, pizza, and biscuits from Vallecupola) complete the experience, making it unique.
For scholars and tourists, the Angelo Di Mario House Museum Library can answer questions and satisfy curiosity.
The Angelo Di Mario House Museum Library is a tourist information point, but it also offers visitors a rich collection of local and regional texts and works on Etruscology (including the holographic archive of Angelo Di Mario, sculptor, poet, and scholar of ancient languages). The library displays some of Angelo Di Mario’s sculptures and organizes cultural events, as well as tours of the village.
For info, call 3473628200 or email bibliotecadimario@libero.it
In 2024 (on the initiative of Rosella Bianchi, municipal councilor of Rocca Sinibalda, and with the support of the Angelo Di Mario Library), this new trail was inaugurated. Already used by locals and hikers, it is dedicated to Marian worship.
The trail, which winds along a mountain path, includes a visit to the village and all sites of interest (including those related to local production and crafts).
From the library, you reach Fonte Crocetta, and the trail climbs through the woods to the 17th-century sanctuary located at an altitude of 1,100 meters.
Every year, on the second Sunday in August, you can witness the evocative devotional pilgrimage.
On the path of the holy face between Longone and Vallecupola
The itinerary starts from the Angelo Di Mario Library with the aim of promoting the Holy Face of Vallecupola, considered one of the most similar to the original one in Lucca, which is causing great amazement among scholars. The first section winds between the two main castles of the Abbey, Longone and Vallecupola. For Longone, it was decided to promote the cult of Saints Cosmas and Damian and the church dedicated to them. This is an opportunity to visit both villages and the art installations created by Gianni Turina and Enrico Di Sisto.
The two villages can also be reached by car: from Longone Sabino to Vallecupola, follow the signs for Vallecupola and continue to the hamlet. It can also be reached by mountain bike (MTB) or trekking bike, preferably on dirt roads and driveways.
