Montalto delle Marche
Montalto delle Marche is a comune and former Latin catholic bishopric in the Province of Ascoli Piceno in the Italian region of Marche, located in the hilly area that goes from the Adriatic cost to the Sibillini Mountains, at a distance of about south of Ancona and about north of Ascoli Piceno, with a population of 1 991 inhabitants. The municipal territory covers a 34 km2 area.
The municipality of Montalto is organised in a central town and three hamlets: Porchia, Patrignone, and an urban agglomeration in "c.da Lago".
Montalto delle Marche is still structured around the medieval village. Along the walls, there are three main gates who provide the access to the central fortification, which is divided into three main areas: the Cassero, the Peracchia and Piazza Umberto I. The modern part of the city is located on the northeast side, and includes the main square and the monumental Cathedral, constructed by the desire of Pope Sixtus V.
The hamlets of Porchia and Patrignone are also medieval villages, once autonomous municipalities: the medieval fortifications are still existing. Montalto delle Marche borders the following municipalities: Carassai, Castignano, Cossignano, Monte Rinaldo, Montedinove, Montelparo, Ortezzano.
The episcopal museum now houses the elaborate Montalto Reliquary in gold, silver, enamel and gemstones, with a central French Late Gothic section of the 1370s, added to by Italian Renaissance goldsmiths around 1460. It was given by Pope Sixtus V in 1586 to the cathedral of his home town.
History
The territory of Montalto was already inhabited in prehistoric times: in the Archaeological Museum there are several findings and exhibits form the Neolithic, from the Apennine people and from the Picenum and Roman periods. In the fourteenth century, the local communities organized themselves in the free municipalities of Montalto, Patrignone and Porchia.In 1418 Montalto started to independently elect the Podestà, and in the 15th century was part of the land of Presidato Farfense, as part of the Papal States.
Since 1586, on the will of Pope Sixtus V, the city began the capital of "Presidato di Montalto", which included 13 municipalities under its control. Furthermore, a State Mint is founded.
In 1798, during the French "Italian Campaign", Montalto rose up against the Napoleonic army: the Bishop of Montalto, Mons. Castiglioni, was arrested and deported to Mantua.
With the restoration of 1816, Montalto became the a capital district, including the municipalities of Amandola, Offida, Ripatransone and San Benedetto del Tronto. The heritage of the State of Montalto was definitely suppressed in 1861, with the end of the Papal States and the Italian unification.
Among the "illustrious citizens" of Montalto:
Monuments and places of interest
- Montalto Cathedral
- Sant'Agostino Monastery
- Sixtine Museum
- Sacconi Palace
- Paradisi Palace, with the private chapel "Chiesa di San Pietro"
- Archeological Museum
- Prison Museum
- Pasqualini Palace
- Palace of the Governor of the State of Montalto
- Santa Maria in Viminatu Church
- Santa Lucia Church
- Oratory of the Madonna of Reggio
- Church of Madonna Tonna
- Church of Annunziata
Society
Demography
Events and Associations
La Notte delle Streghe e dei Folletti
Since 1991, every 12-13-14 of August, this characteristic event takes place in the old medieval town of Montalto. "La Notte delle Streghe e dei folletti" is a famous festival for families and children: in the charming old town, Witches, goblins and Elves play with the main characters of the fairy tales, until the wicked old witch is burned in the main square.Associazione Giovanile Montaltese "MyClan"
The Youth Association of Montalto was founded in 2010. It organizes sport tournaments, concerts, parties, exhibitions and festivals. MyClan organizes the patronal feast of "San Vito Martire" and the "Casserata, a festival of Cassero", a traditional food festival held every year on the third weekend of July."La Cordata" Choir
"La Cordata" is an alpine and popular-inspired choir of male voices. Founded in 1984 during an excursion to the Monastery of S.Leonardo, "La Cordata" is directed since its foundation by M° Patrizio Paci. The choir organizes every year the "Festival degli Appennini", hosting the best choirs in Italy.Administration
Town-twinning arrangements
Sport
Football
The main team is the F.C. Montalto 1979, born in 1979. The team colors are yellow and red.The "Atletico Porchia" is the team of the hamlet of Porchia. The team colors are white and blue.