Ocre
is an amazingly/terrifyingly situated ruined village at the top
of a severe looking craggy mountain (unbelievable views). The
town was built atop an ancient Roman acropolis (Aveia) and you
can well imagine that no one wanted to invade this castle
or village because it’s so difficult to reach! Once there
however, you’re greeted (lucky you) with an entire village in
beautiful ruins. Exploration is thoroughly necessary. The views
over the valley are wonderful. The Abbazia di S. Spirito
(13th century) is worth a look - wonderful. Down the road toward
Fossa is the Convento di Sant’Angelo d’Ocre built
in the 13th century. A Benedictine Order founded the spectacularly
situated abbey. Inside there are frescoes, statues and paintings.
The Romanesque cloister is worth a visit too.
Leonessa
is a medieval town at the foot of Mount Tilia. There’s much history
here. As a matter of fact the town was a wedding gift from Charles
V to his daughter when she married a Farnese in the 16th century.
The main square in town is the Piazza del Municipio
with its 16th century Fontana/fountain in the
center. The ancient buildings surrounding the square are lovely.
The 15th century Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo
is on the town’s main street (Corso Leonessa) as are the Chiesa
di San Francesco and the Chiesa di San Giuseppe
(both 18th century churches).