Montalto delle Marche is a comune (municipality) and former Latin catholic bishopric in the Province of Ascoli Piceno in the Italian region Le 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 (Montalto) and three hamlets: Porchia, Patrignone, and an urban agglomeration in "c.da Lago" (located in Valdaso, along the Aso river).
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 (Piazza Sisto V) 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.
History
The territory of Montalto was already inhabited in prehistoric times: in the Archaeological Museum there are several findings and exhibits form the Neolithic (6000 BC), from the Apennine people (2500 BC) 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" (State of 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 (future Pope Pius VIII), 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:
Pope Sixtus V
Giuseppe Sacconi
Monuments and places of interest
Montalto Cathedral
Sant'Agostino Monastery
Sixtine Museum (Museo Sistino Vescovile) Sacconi Palace Paradisi Palace, with the private chapel "Chiesa di San Pietro" Archeological Museum Prison Museum (Museo delle Carceri) Pasqualini Palace Palace of the Governor of the State of Montalto (now Municipal Town Hall) Santa Maria in Viminatu Church (loc. Patrignone) Santa Lucia Church (loc. Porchia) Oratory of the Madonna of Reggio (Beata Vergine della Ghiara) 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" (literally the night of the Witches and the Elves) 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 (better known as MyClan) was founded in 2010. It organizes sport tournaments, concerts, parties, exhibitions and festivals. MyClan organizes the patronal feast of "San Vito Martire" (15 June) 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 (just above the gorges of Infernaccio, in Sibillini Mountains), "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.