Monte Urano
Monte Urano: History and Monuments
Monte Urano, located in the province of Fermo in Marche, is a town with a long history dating back to Roman times. However, the first official document referencing the current settlement dates back to the 11th century AD.
History
Initially, the city was part of the Duchy of Fermo, but gained its communal autonomy between 1055 and 1226, only to later voluntarily return to its former owners. It suffered a disastrous raid by the inhabitants of Sant'Elpidio a Mare, but was rebuilt by Francesco Sforza in 1445.
Subsequently, the city followed the fortunes of all the territories in the Fermo area of influence: it passed under the control of the Papal State in the 16th century and remained under its control until the unification of Italy, with the exception of the Napoleonic period.
The toponym Monte Urano appears to be a compound of the term "Monte" and a predial formation from the Latin personal name URIA, with the adjectival suffix ANUS. Other theories suggest that the name may be a reference to Turan, the Venus of the Etruscans, or to the Latin TAURUS, "bull".
In the city center, there are the medieval castle and some religious monuments, such as the Romanesque church of Santa Maria Apparente from the fifteenth century and the church of San Michele Arcangelo, designed by architects Carducci and Sacconi. Inside the latter, there is an eighteenth-century wooden crucifix, a silver processional cross from the sixteenth century, and a Madonna of the Rosary painted by Luigi Fontana.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Church of San Michele Arcangelo
The church of San Michele Arcangelo, built based on the indications of architect Giovanni Battista Carducci and later Giuseppe Sacconi, is a neoclassical work with a Latin cross plan and a height of 55 meters. The facade is imposing and has 16 Corinthian columns in white Carrara marble. The interior has three aisles and is characterized by the richness of decorative features and works of art contained within, including statues, frescoes and sculptures.
Church of San Giovanni Battista
The church of San Giovanni Battista is a neoclassical building with a single nave. The glass windows are made in a lunette shape, while the windows of the portal are made of alabaster. The tomb of the Bonafede Counts is located next to the right door.
Conclusions
Monte Urano is a town that contains historical and artistic treasures of great value. Among its monuments and places of interest, stand out the church of San Michele Arcangelo, with its imposing facade and decorative features, the church of San Giovanni Battista, and the medieval castle. If you are passing through the province of Fermo, do not miss the opportunity to visit Monte Urano and discover its ancient treasures.
