Ostra: History, Art and Wine in the Marche

Ostra is situated on a hill overlooking the Misa Valley and the typical landscape of the Marche. Its history can be seen in its medieval walls, churches, monasteries and palazzi; at the same time, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba are part of its wine profile. For you, Ostra is therefore a culturally rich stop with a distinctive regional character.

Getting to Ostra

From the A14, you can reach Ostra via the Senigallia exit and the SP 360 towards Ostra. The connection from Senigallia railway station to Ostra is provided by buses operated by Autolinee Bucci.

Teatro La Vittoria and Historic Architecture

The present structure of Teatro La Vittoria, which is integrated into the town hall, dates back to 1863. After extensive renovation work, the theatre reopened on 6 January 1998; since then, it has hosted drama performances, children's and youth theatre, concerts and amateur activities every year. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has 29 boxes. Historic stage machinery has been preserved above the stage and is still functional.

Churches, Paintings and Sacred History

The Basilica Collegiata di Santa Croce is located in the lower part of the old town. It was built after the year 1000 and initially served as a Benedictine abbey; on 3 November 2008, it was granted the title of minor basilica. The Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso dates from 1333 and preserves a life-size wooden crucifix from the early 18th century, a work by Bartolomeo Silvestri da Verrucchio. The Chiesa di San Francesco and its adjoining Minorite monastery date back at least to 1279. The church houses relics of Saint Gaudentius of Rimini, probably since as early as the 15th century.

Santuario della Madonna della Rosa

The present Santuario della Madonna della Rosa was built between 1748 and 1754 around an original chapel. Its late Baroque floor plan is shaped like a Greek cross. The façade and bell tower were added between 1887 and 1891 in the Neo-Baroque style. In one chapel, the Santuario preserves numerous votive offerings and two Turkish flags from 1717.

Museum, Palazzi and Urban Structure

The Museo Città di Ostra is currently housed temporarily in a room on the first floor and along the gallery of the 18th-century Palazzo dei Padri Conventuali. Among its most important paintings are a canvas by Andrea Sacchi (1599–1661) and a work by the French painter Francesco Perrier (1587 or 1590–1650). The Palazzo Gabuzzi Fedeli Luzi features a structure typical of the 17th century, small balconies and curved wrought-iron railings. The medieval town walls are approximately 1,200 metres long and still have nine square towers. Ostra Alta includes the Rocca and winding, circular medieval streets; Ostra Bassa, the plain, has regular and symmetrical streets based on a layout planned between 1280 and 1350 around the Santa Croce Abbey.

Wine, Olive Oil and Traditions

In October, Ostra holds an annual fair on the occasion of the festival honouring the town's patron saint, San Gaudenzio; this tradition has been documented since 1670. Sapori di Ostra promotes local varieties, including through themed meetings and tastings. In the area, extra virgin olive oil is produced mostly from the distinctive Raggia olive variety. Ostra thus combines historic sightseeing with regional food culture.

For more places in the same area, you can discover Staffolo, Montoro, Scapezzano, Castelfidardo, Polverigi, Castelplanio, Morro D'alba and Castelbellino: Staffolo, Montoro, Scapezzano, Castelfidardo, Polverigi, Castelplanio, Morro D'alba, Castelbellino.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ancona.