Montegiorgio is located in the province of Fermo, in Le Marche region at about 411 metres above sea level. It stands on a hill at the centre of the Media Valle del Tenna (valley) in a dominant position, commonly known as Pincio. Here the view stretches from the Adriatic Sea to the Sibillini mountains, from the Conero Mount to the Gran Sasso d’Italia.
The centre of Montegiorgio
The historical centre preserves the original medieval structure and is characterised by a triangular plan crossed by ancient and narrow streets that converge on a central square, Piazza Matteotti where you'll find Palazzo Passari, now seat of the Science institute. Next to this palace there is a nineteenth-century loggia with monuments dedicated to famous people at the base of its columns. Going up the staircase between the loggia and Palazzo Passari, there is Palazzo S. Agostino, which used to be the seat of the Augustinian monastery. Currently it houses the Middle School and the Post Office. Above the loggia, there is the so-called "Fourteenth century Arch", that is what remains of the Church of S. Salvatore. The arch was the gateway to the Church, when instead of the loggia there was an imposing flight of stairs. Here, there is the church of Madonna degli Angeli, built in the nineteenth century. The gates of the town are Porta San Giovanni to the North, Porta Sant'Andrea to the South, Porta San Nicolò to the West and the fourth Porta Santa Maria to the East. Of particular value, the Town Hall built in the 50s which houses a remarkable historical archive and the City Theatre, designed by architect Giuseppe Sabbatici and built between 1870-1884. The theatre is a small neoclassical jewel. The decorations in white and gold stucco are by Salomone Salomoni, while the paintings of the vault are by Giovanni Picca, an artist from Ascoli. In the vicinity of the theatre, in Alaleona square you can admire the War Memorial by Gaetano Orsolini, the Palazzo Alaleona, the church of the Convent of Clarisse and the ancient Civic tower called 'Torre de palazzu ". There are many churches, among which the Church of San Francesco, in Gothic-Romanesque style located in the highest part of the country. Annexed to the church, it is still preserved the Farfense Chapel, where you can find the tombs of the families Patti, Calisti, Zenobi, and Alaleona. Other religious buildings are the Church of San Giovanni e Benedetto, built in 1782 in neoclassical style; the Church of San Michele in Baroque style renovated in the eighteenth century, which preserves a precious decoration in white stucco; the Church of Sant'Andrea in which it is stored the painting in tempera on a gold background representing the Madonna of Humility of 1374 by Francescuccio Cecco Ghissi; the Church of Santa Maria della Luna and the Church of San Giacomo with its bell tower and an interesting brick gate. Inside there are two frescoes: a Madonna in the international Gothic style and a Crucifixion from the late sixteenth century.
What to do?
Near Montegiorgio there's the important Racecourse of San Paolo di Piane. Those who like equestrian sports will have lot of fun here! Many events are organized all year round. In the area there are also many factory outlets, where you can buy shoes, bags, clothing, furniture and other made in Italy products. If hiking is your favourite hobby, the trails between the Sibillini mountains are highly recommended and also bike lovers are offered special itineraries for both road and mountain bike. You should also visit the towns of Petritoli, Monte Rinaldo, S. Vittoria in Matenano, Montefalcone, Servigliano, Grottazzolina, Falerone, Monte Urano and many others, all within short distance.
Everyone at the Table to taste Montegiorgio cooking
The typical dishes of Montegiorgese cooking are similar to those of the other centres of Fermo: stuffed olives, fried cream, ciauscolo salami and fish based dishes. The great classics are vincisgrassi pasta, pork seasoned with spices and wild fennel and galantine, which is a boneless chicken stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, eggs, olives and vegetables. One of the most popular desserts is Caciù (Calcione), which is a typical carnival sweet protected since 2009 with a local designation of origin. First the filling was made from minced beans or chickpeas or even cheese; then with the passing of time other ingredients were added such as cocoa and chocolate. The Pristincu or pistrincu is a Christmas cake made with dried figs, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, raisins, cocoa and honey. You cannot miss the so called frappe, cicerchiata cake and cookies. Among the wines I can mention the Falerio dei Colli Ascolani, Rosso Piceno, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and many others. After meals, people commonly have digestifs, such as the Anisetta, mistrà and vino cotto.
Events
On May 22nd, on the day of Santa Rita da Cascia, there is an important city event with the blessing of roses, while at the end of the month, in the hamlet of Cerreto di Montegiorgio it takes place the event Cerreto Medievale, a Medieval festival rich in shows, entertainment and tasting food. For two days the village is lit up by fire-eaters, archers, horsemen, jugglers and musicians. Even during San Giorgio Festival, in honor of the patron saint, many activities are organised. You'll find food stands where to taste the authentic dishes of the area.
