Santa Vittoria in Matenano
Let's discover Santa Vittoria in Matenano
Hello friends! Today I will talk to you about Santa Vittoria in Matenano, a town of 1274 inhabitants in the province of Fermo, here in the Marche region. It is located in the mountain administrative district of Amandola and also includes the municipalities of Montefalcone Appennino, Montefortino, Montelparo, and Smerillo.
History
The city was founded around 898 by the monks of the Abbey of Farfa. The abbey controlled much of central Italy, but due to the decline of the Carolingian Empire, it was besieged by the Saracens. After seven years of siege, the abbey was abandoned by the monks. Abbot Pietro I built a fortified tower and a church on nearby Mount Matenano to improve the city's security. In 934, his successor, Abbot Ratfredo, had the body of Saint Victoria, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century belonging to a noble Roman family, transported there.
Later, Santa Vittoria became the seat of the Presidiato Farfense, with jurisdiction over much of the current provinces of Macerata, Fermo, and Ascoli Piceno. In 1406, Santa Vittoria had its own statute.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Santa Vittoria preserves the ancient medieval layout and characteristic brick buildings. A must-see is the main street, the ancient Via Perticaria, which is accessed by crossing the arch under the Civic Tower of Abbot Odorisio from 1234. Here, you can still admire some of the ancient noble palaces from the 1500s such as Palazzo Melis, Palazzo Conti della Torre, Palazzo Sepe-Monti, and the church of Sant'Agostino.
The Benedictine Monastery is another place of interest that has ancient origins, with the annexed church of Santa Caterina. Furthermore, on the summit of Mount Matenano, the complex of the Church of the Resurrection ("Cappellone") is preserved, with a chapel called "Cappellina degli Innocenti" (a Gothic construction from 1368), probably frescoed by the famous painter Giacomo da Campli and his disciple, the monk-painter Fra Marino Angeli from Santa Vittoria in the second half of the 14th century.
Conclusion
In summary, Santa Vittoria in Matenano is a city full of history and culture that deserves to be visited. With its medieval historic center, characteristic brick buildings, and places of interest, it offers a complete experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the history of the city and enjoy its beauty. I am waiting for you in Santa Vittoria in Matenano!
