Marche Breaks

Montegranaro already existed in the Roman period, when it was called Veregra, it is now one of the largest towns of the Piceno territory, and is located on top of a hill between the rivers Chienti and Ete Morto. During the 13th century it was a feud of the Venetian family Zenon, then it was put under the rule of the Sforza family and the Church State.

Montegranaro’s beautiful historic centre is accessed through the Porta Marina, a door introducing visitors to interesting squares, monuments and streets. Visitors are able to enjoy wonderful views, ranging from the sea to the Mounts Sibillini.

The walls surrounding the town’s centre were enlarged and changed, to better defend the inhabitants in the past.

The church San Francesco, for example, was originally built outside the walls, (in 1245), along with the convent, and was then included in the protective walls in 1270 (with an enlargement of the walls). In late 15th century it was excluded once again from the walls, to be included again in 1535.

The church collapsed in 1586, and was rebuilt and rearranged many times, now it has a brickwork structure with a quadrangular belfry terminating with a balcony. It preserves its original and elegant portal in Romanesque-Lombard style.

The works of art conserved in Montegranaro include the vast cycle of frescoes dating back to 1298. It was transferred onto a wooden support after being detached from the walls, and portrays episodes of the life of Christ; it is currently kept in the crypt of St Hugo in church San Filippo e Giacomo. Mention has to be made also of the wooden altars of the 17th-century church San Serafino and the Baroque design of church San Pietro, with an oval design and a ceiling enriched with stuccoes.

In Montegranaro the Teatro La Perla is quite busy, it is a multipurpose facility with a rich programme of musical, cinema, congress, and theatre events.

The important footwear-manufacturing activity of Montegranaro was started in mid 19th century with the manufacturing of the humble chiochiere It then evolved and now is one of the best examples of advanced industry.