FROM THE ROMAN VERAGRA TO TODAY’S VILLAGE: CHRONICLES OF A TIMELESS HILL

Located on a hill in the province of Macerata, Montefano traces its roots back to the Picene and Roman eras. According to tradition, the village arose near the ancient Roman settlement of Veragra, which later disappeared, and its name — derived from mons fanum (“hill of the temple”) — refers to a sacred place and to the deep spirituality of its origins.

During the Middle Ages, Montefano experienced periods of growth and consolidation, eventually obtaining municipal autonomy in 1489 through a papal bull issued by Giuliano della Rovere, the future Pope Julius II — an event still commemorated today on the town’s civic coat of arms.

Among the notable figures born in Montefano is Marcello Cervini, elected Pope Marcellus II in 1555, whose memory is still alive in the village. In the twentieth century, Montefano was also the birthplace of Arturo Ghergo, a refined interpreter of light and beauty, to whom a permanent museum is dedicated.

Among the symbolic landmarks of the village stands the Collegiate Church of San Donato, rebuilt in Baroque style in the 18th century, with a brick façade and richly decorated interior. The Church of Santa Maria della Confraternita houses a 16th-century Venetian school painting, while the Church of San Filippo Benizi and the adjoining Convent of the Servants of Mary, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, now host the Giovanni Vannucci Biblical Study Center and a precious library.

Inside the Town Hall is the “La Rondinella” Theatre, a refined example of late 19th-century architecture designed by engineer Virginio Tombolini, who also worked at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice. The hall preserves frescoes, decorations, and an elegant foyer known as the “Sala dei Poeti” (Hall of the Poets).

With its medieval historic center and cultural heritage preserved through the centuries, the village is a place where history, art, and landscape coexist in perfect harmony, offering visitors an authentic and evocative experience.

TRADITIONS, CULTURE AND FLAVORS

Montefano is a village that preserves a strong sense of community and a festive tradition deeply tied to its rural identity.

Throughout the year, the town comes alive with events that celebrate local culture, the flavors of the land, and the convivial spirit of the Marche region.

Among the most beloved events is Sapori d’Autunno (Flavors of Autumn), a three-day festival that transforms the historic center into a journey of taste, with stalls of typical products, live music, gatherings, and moments of folklore.