Monte San Giusto
Discover the pleasure of getting lost in the alleys of a medieval village on a hot summer day, between the silence of historic buildings, the scents of herbs in the courtyards and glimpses of a world where time seems to stand still.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Monte San Giusto is a delightful little town, near Macerata; it is situated at 236 m above sea level and is about 10 km far from the sea.
The hamlet of Villa San Filippo is located along the valley, near the course of the Chienti river.
The earliest settlements in Monte San Giusto's area date back to Roman times (age of Nerva 96-98 AD): the town was originally named Mons Iustitiæ (another possible ancient name is Telusiano), later destroyed by the barbarians in the third century.
The town saw its period of greatest prosperity during native Niccolò Bonafede episcopate's : he transformed his hometown into a real Renaissance court. The Bonafede fortress palace, now used as town hall, is a masterpiece of art.
It was built by Bonafede at the beginning of the sixteenth century: the central body of the palace recalls Palazzo Venezia in Rome, while the courtyard recalls that of the Ducal Palace of Urbino.
The Church of Santa Maria della Pietà in Telusiano, restored by Bishop Bonafede, is a 14th century church and boasts the "Crucifixion", a masterpiece by Lorenzo Lotto, made in 1531. Here you also can admire a stone Pietà from the XV century under the main altar and an alabaster Madonna and Child dating back to the 16th century.
Further tourist attractions are:The neoclassical Collegiate Church, in which is housed an 18th century organ made by Callido and the suburban Church of Santa Maria delle Panette, embodying the canons of Vanvitelli's style.
The Maggiori Collection is very interesting with its paintings from the 16th to the 18th century, it is housed in the town hall and includes precious artworks belonging to the collection of Count Alessandro Maggiore of the noble Maggiori Colonna family.
The most valuable artworks of the collection are made by very famous artists, such as Raffaello, Giorgio Vasari, Cavalier d'Arpino, Guercino, Domenichino and Giovanni Battista Salvi.
During the visit we also suggest: the Church of Sant'Agostino, now used as an Auditorium; Palazzo dei Priori, built between 1763 and 1770 upon the ruins of an earliest medieval site; Torrione, two Gates (Porta de Moscé and Porta della Sala); a Monument dedicated to the fallen of all the wars of 1955, made by the sculptor Cantalamessa; Casina Bonafede, about 3 km from the town center, built by Nicolò Bonafede for his resting and refuge.
The most important events taking place in Monte San Giusto during the year are: the Fiera of San Giusto, dedicated to the patron saint of Monte San Giusto (first week of September) and Clown & Clown Festival, an international clowning and clown therapy festival (last week of September).
LORENZO LOTTO AND MONTE SAN GIUSTO
HIGHLIGHTS OF MONTE SAN GIUSTO