In the heart of the province of Pesaro-Urbino, Isola del Piano is situated in an intermediate valley between the rivers Metauro and Foglia, and between the towns of Urbino and Fossombrone. On a flattened hillock 210 m above sea level, the village is so-called because of its geographical position (literally “Island in the Plain”). In fact it is situated on a plateau between two streams guarding the access to a small plain, while all round are hills topped by ancient walled villages, castles and farmhouses.

The village territory extends over the typical countryside of the Marches hills, characterised by centuries-old oaks, hedged wheat fields, vineyards, and pastures, dominated by the Cesane hills (647 m). In the village area there are some delightful buildings almost hidden in the countryside, such as the tiny 16th-century walled Castel Gagliardo, once owned by the Malatesta family, with splendid views ranging from the river Metauro to the Adriatic Sea, and the rebuilt 18th-century Church of Sant’Andrea (originally 11th century).

High up on the road to Urbino, the monastery of Montebello was constructed in 1377 at the behest of the Blessed Piero Gambacorta. Now the monastery is the centre of a protected flora environment and each year hosts a major organic farming conference (Bio Europa).
From the village you can reach the monastery of Montebello by walking up the Cesane hills towards Urbino, through centuries-old woods and impressive gullies and ravines. In this environment the features of nature and the work of man have blended to create a finely balanced countryside. And in this setting some of the most important earliest Italian experiments at organic farming took place.