-ACCESSIBLE-
Near the hamlet of Braccano, surrounded by the mountains of the San Vicino massif, still stands the ancient abbey of Santa Maria de Rotis, in a deplorable state of neglect and reduced to a sheep shed. Little is known of its history since the numerous documents preserved in the archive were lost in a fire that took place in the 18th century. In 1195 there is first news of an abbot of Santa Maria de Rotis, but its foundation is certainly to be ascribed to the previous centuries, since at the time the monastery was already at its peak. At the beginning of the 14th century it was attacked by the Matelicesi and began its progressive decline which ended with the transfer in commendam in the 15th century and with the definitive assignment of the assets to the Chapter of the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria di Piazza in Matelica. Elements of the ancient structure are found only in part of the church building. It can only be reached on foot in about 30 minutes, leaving the car shortly after passing Braccano: it is perhaps one of the few places where the absolute lack of human settlements and the beautiful natural scenery give the impression that time has stopped. at the time of the first monastic settlements.
Source: https://www.fondoambiente.it/luoghi/abbazia-di-santa-maria-de-rotis-roti?ldc