Monsano
Monsano: a small village in the Marche region
Monsano is a village located in the lower Esino valley, in the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. With its 3305 inhabitants, it is a quiet place where time seems to have stood still. Its territory extends over an area of 14 km² and is characterized by olive groves and oak and laurel forests.
Territory
The village is located on a hill 191 meters above sea level, which gives it a breathtaking view of the valley. Monsano is also distinguished by the presence of a large industrial area downstream, which makes the village an important reference point for the local economy.
History
Monsano has an ancient history that dates back as far as the 10th century BC when the Piceni, an Italic population about whom little is known, settled here. Later, the Greeks arrived and founded the city of Jesi, and the Romans made the area a demarcation between Regio VI Umbria and Regio V Picenum.
The Middle Ages and the castle
In the Middle Ages, Monsano was part of the jurisdiction of the Abbey of Valfucina and was under the protection of the Castle of Monte San Vito. In 1283, the Holy See established that Monsano should be under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Jesi, which fortified it with the erection of walls and transformed it into a stronghold for the defense of the royal city.
The Monsano Castle has a rectangular plan of about 200 meters by 90 with corner towers, three pentagonal and one cubic, and was equipped with battlements and a drawbridge on the only gate. Relations with the city of Jesi were often strained, and the people of Monsano did not hesitate to support the enemy. In 1461, during the struggles between the Malatesta and Pope Pius II, the people of Jesi decided to demolish the civic walls.
There is no trace left of the original walls and battlements. The moat was filled in 1590 due to unsanitary conditions.
Modern history and emblems
In 1864, the name of Monsano was officially imposed by Royal Decree, and the first "Rampant Lion," from Jesi, appears on the emblem since 1283, when Monsano became part of the Respublica Æsina. Later, the emblem was crowned and flanked by laurel and oak branches, symbolizing the presence, in ancient times, of oak and laurel forests.
Conclusions
Monsano is a small village in the Marche region that captures attention for its ancient history and the castle that can still be admired today. The village is located in a privileged position and offers a breathtaking view of the valley. A magical and suggestive place, where history and nature meet and create a unique atmosphere in the world.
