- Not open to visitors -
The Elce Valley is a narrow gorge, carved by the intermittent stream of the same name in the territory of the Municipality of Gagliole in the Potenza valley.
The Risorgiva di Sasso Pozzo, also known as "Risorgente di Gagliole", is one of the longest caves in the Province of Macerata. It has a development of about 600m with alternating ascending and descending sections and exploration is only possible for expert speleologists. Resurgence events occur two or three times a year, at the end of winter, and the leakage of water lasts for 24-36 hours.
The Hermitage Madonna delle Macchie is a clear example of hermit monasticism, an ancient complex of the 11th-12th centuries, with frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. It is a sanctuary that in the past has been the subject of community pilgrimages along the Rome-Loreto route (in fact it represents a stage of the Franciscan path). Formerly on the border between the State of Camerino and the communities of San Severino and Matelica, it constitutes a singular testimony of the sanctuary-territory relationship.
We advise you to read these articles to feel all the charm!
https://www.cronachemaceratesi.it/2009/11/21/le-meraviglie-naturali-della-valle-dellelce/12106/
https://www.raccontidellostomaco.it/la-valle-dellelce-e-le-sue-grotte/