Named after Anc(n)arius, this group of small houses lies at the head of the Castoriana Valley and forms the hamlet of Ancarano. Around the 13th and 14th centuries the mountain settlements in this area, the castles and fortresses were gradually abandoned and more open settlements became more popular, situated along the roads (relay towns).

The oldest of these are Capo del Colle (lying immediately below the imposing remains of Castelfranco) and Pie della Rocca (overshadowed by the ruins of an ancient abandoned fortress) located on the previously described ancient road from Norcia to Visso.

They soon came to form a “system” with two other villages, Pie del Colle and S. Angelo, as shown by the roads and position of the church of the Madonna Bianca, which was isolated but still linked to the rest of the settlement