Discover Montelupone: Art, History and Walking Routes

Montelupone reveals its character in the very shape of its historic centre. It lies on the rounded summit of a hill and is enclosed by old, still-intact city walls. If you would like to get to know Italian towns through their architecture, collections, walks and regional specialities, Montelupone offers several specific points of interest for doing so.

Historic Centre and Notable Buildings

The 14th-century Palazzetto del Podestà houses the Pinacoteca Civica Corrado Pellini. The palazzetto is associated with the name Palazzetto dei Priori and features a loggia with five arches and five pointed-arch bifora windows above it. The adjacent Torre Civica of Montelupone has Ghibelline-style crenellated battlements.

Museums of Art and Everyday History

The collection of the Pinacoteca Civica Corrado Pellini includes archaeological finds, furniture, sculptures, liturgical furnishings and paintings, most of which date from the 17th century. The Museo Storico Fotografico is housed in the 18th-century Palazzo Bordoni and traces the history of photography from the mid-19th century to the digital age. It includes around 700 still and film cameras from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the Palazzo Comunale, the Museo Demo-Antropologico d'Arte e Mestieri Antichi is spread across eight basement rooms. These are dedicated to agriculture, weaving, various trades, school, printing, housework and cellar work.

Churches, Theatre and the Abbazia di San Firmano

The Chiesa di San Francesco was built in the second half of the 13th century and later remodelled in the late Baroque style. The historic Teatro Nicola Degli Angeli dates from 1884 and is now used as an auditorium. The Benedictine Abbazia di San Firmano lies within the municipality of Montelupone, around 4 km from the town centre and near the Potenza River. Its interior is characterised by a significantly raised choir, accessed via an impressive staircase.

Green Spaces, Nature Trails and Sea Views

Montelupone has equipped green spaces and nature trails suitable for walks. Opposite the Chiesa di Santa Chiara, the public garden occupies the site of the former Kassero and offers views towards the sea. Thus, both the protected historic layout of the town and open views of the surrounding landscape are among its visible features.

The Carciofo di Montelupone

The Carciofo di Montelupone is a historic variety from the regional tradition of the Marche, known for having no thorns or inner fibres. At the Sagra del Carciofo di Montelupone, food stalls offer a wide selection of dishes featuring this variety, including appetisers, first courses, main courses, desserts and ice cream.

For further travel planning, you can also explore Urbisaglia, Gualdo, Torrone, Petriolo, Sarnano, Capriglia, Stazione Morrovalle and Corridonia.

For the overview of the wider area: Macerata.