Nestled on one of the rolling hills straddling the provinces of Ancona and Macerata, Montefano is strategically located, halfway between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic coast, between the valleys of the Fiumicello and Menocchia streams.
Its name evokes ancient legends: it may derive from “Monte del Fano,” a place consecrated to a deity, or from “Monte del Fauno,” in reference to a statue found in ancient Veragra. Although the old town shows an elegant eighteenth- and nineteenth-century style, the village still retains the charm and characteristics of the medieval period.
Montefano, which boasts an exceptional panoramic position overlooking the hills and the sea, is mainly an agricultural center with some small industrial activities. Among its treasures are the old Town Hall with its imposing Civic Tower and, inside, the historic “La Rondinella” Theater, a small 19th-century jewel. Don’t miss the Collegiate Church of San Donato and the birthplace of Pope Marcellus II, who saw the light here in 1501.
With its historic center made up of quiet alleys and an authentic atmosphere, the town is a perfect stop for those seeking the discreet beauty and authenticity of the Marche countryside.
