Ortezzano
Ortezzano: A Historic and Picturesque Town
If you're visiting the Marche region, you absolutely must include Ortezzano in your list of destinations. This picturesque town, home to 731 inhabitants, is located in the province of Fermo, situated on a small plateau overlooking the Daso Valley. Ortezzano borders Monte Rinaldo, Montottone, Monte Vidon Combatte, Carassi, and Montalto delle Marche.
Its rich and fascinating history dates back to Roman times, as evidenced by the remains in the areas of Cisterna, Prato, and S. Massimo, the site of a monastic settlement. Today, the best-preserved part of the town is a beautiful example of medieval architecture, with medieval houses, stretches of walls, and the Gothic Porta da Sole.
The Name of Ortezzano
The name Ortezzano comes from the fusion of the word "Hortentius" with the adjectival suffix "-anum". The most accredited hypothesis is that the name is a predial toponym, deriving from the anthroponym of a Roman gentilic. Ancient documents written about the area attest to the name Ortatiano, which was modified over time to form Ortezzano.
From the 9th to the 13th century, it was part of the French domain and was equipped with fortifications, then came under the jurisdiction of Fermo; in the list of Fermo's castles is "Castrum Ortezani". In 1528, Lautrec with his Lanzichenecchi, passing through the Marche on their return from the Kingdom of Naples, stationed in the territory of Ortezzano with inevitable discomfort to the population. In 1549, the bandit Federico Nobili invaded the State of Fermo. The bishop of Pesaro Simonetti faced him and defeated him precisely in Ortezzano in 1561. In Ortezzano, the Confraternities of S. Maria del Rosario and S. Spirito were established in 1608, while that of SS. Sacramento was founded in 1641.
Places of Historical Interest
The village is divided into two main nuclei. One arose on the western side where the oldest feudal castle was. The other around the Church of S. Girolamo, an area that was fortified in the 14th century. The most interesting part of the town contains the Gothic Porta da Sole and the pentagonal tower with Ghibelline battlements, which has become the city's symbol and recognizable from afar. We also find the Church of the Carmine, built in 1725 by the Papetti family and the Madonna del Carmine of Maratti school inside, with a bell tower added in 1874.
The Church of S. Girolamo
Located in the eastern part of Ortezzano, the Church of S. Girolamo is mentioned starting from the end of the 14th century. It was rebuilt in the 16th century and expanded in the 18th century. In 1927 the Church underwent restoration work, carried out on the entire building.
The Church of S. Maria del Soccorso
In the center of the town, in a small square near the current seat of the Municipality, you can admire the Church of S. Maria del Soccorso, which was built to replace the disappeared parish church of S. Maria delle Grazie. At that time, the 15th-century fresco with the Madonna, detached and placed in a side chapel, dates back.
Come visit Ortezzano, a hidden gem of the Marche! Here you can find a rich history, beautiful places of historical interest, and be part of a welcoming and warm community.
