Montalto delle Marche
Welcome to Montalto delle Marche!
Let's travel together to discover Montalto delle Marche, an Italian municipality in the province of Ascoli Piceno in the Marche region, known for its hilly location. Located just a 20-minute drive from both the sea and the mountains, Montalto delle Marche covers an area of 34 km² at an altitude of 513m above sea level. In this guide, we will accompany you to discover the physical geography, history, monuments and places of interest, and culture of the town.
Physical geography
Montalto delle Marche is located in the hilly area that extends from the Adriatic coast to the Sibillini Mountains. The municipal territory covers an area of 34 km² and is spread over a central settlement consisting of Montalto as the main town and three hamlets: Porchia, Patrignone, and a significant urban area in the c.da Lago (in the Valdaso area). The hamlets of Porchia and Patrignone are medieval villages with parts of city walls and towers still existing. Montalto delle Marche, on the other hand, is characterized by a medieval village divided into three main areas: Cassero, Peracchia, and Piazza Umberto I.
History
Montalto delle Marche has a very ancient history, having been frequented by various communities since prehistoric times. The Civic Museum preserves numerous artifacts dating back to the Neolithic and the Appennine culture, the Piceni, the Roman civilization, and beyond. In the 14th century, local communities organized into the free municipalities of Montalto, Patrignone, and Porchia. In 1418, Montalto autonomously elected the Podestà and in the 15th century became a land of consultation, where the meetings of the Abbey of Farfa were held, within the Papal States.
In 1586, at the behest of Pope Sixtus V (originally from Montalto), the city became the seat of the homonymous Presidium, which included 13 municipalities (State of Montalto). A mint was also established. In 1798, during the Italian Campaign, Montalto revolted against the Napoleonic army, and Bishop Mons. Castiglioni, future Pope Pius VIII, was arrested by order of Napoleon Bonaparte and deported to Mantua. With the restoration in 1816, Montalto became the capital of the district and included the governments of Amandola, Offida, Ripatransone, and, from 1832, that of San Benedetto del Tronto. The Montalto Presidium was definitively abolished in 1861 with the end of the Papal States and the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy.
Monuments and places of interest
Montalto delle Marche is a historical and artistic heritage to be absolutely discovered. The Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the former Church of Sant'Agostino, the Sistino Vescovile Museum, the Sacconi Palace, the Paradisi Palace and San Pietro Church, the Montalto delle Marche archaeological museum, the Pasqualini Palace, the Governor's Palace of the State of Montalto (now the Municipality), the Civic Gallery, the Church of Santa Maria in Viminatu (in Patrignone), the Church of Santa Lucia (in Porchia), the Oratory of the Madonna di Reggio (Beata Vergine della Ghiara), the Church of Madonna Tonna, the Church of the Annunciation, and the Museum of Prisons are just some of the wonders to discover.
Society
The demographic evolution of the Municipality of Montalto delle Marche shows a variation of around 18% compared to the year 2000. In fact, at the end of 2000, the inhabitants were about 2,052, while at the end of 2019, the resident population was 1,673.
Culture
Montalto delle Marche is a place of great culture and tradition. The Historical Archives of the Municipality of Montalto delle Marche, former municipalities of Patrignone and Porchia, preserve precious ancient documents, over 350 parchments, the Castrum Vetustior of 1320, and the manuscripts of Pope Sixtus V.
Conclusions
Montalto delle Marche is a municipality with a thousand faces, with a historical and artistic heritage of great importance, a place where culture and tradition unite with the scenic beauty and variety of the natural environment. Discovering Montalto delle Marche means immersing yourself in a territory rich in history, art, beauty, and emotion. Come visit it!
