Fabriano

Located on the eastern side of the Umbro-Marchigiano Appenines, the town is at an altitude of 325 m, on the Giano River, a tributary of the Esino River. It is an agricultural and livestock market in the midst of a fertile Apennine basin. Fabriano is also an important industrial centre. There is the traditional paper industry (paper filigree, stamped paper, picture cards and handmade paper) established in 1276, the first in Italy. Also flourishing are food (salami makers and mills), ceramics, plastics, appliances, cement, clothing, furniture and brick industries. Important churches to visit are the gothic Santa Lucia (or San Domenico), St. Augustine (XIII –XIV century), St. Benedict and the Hospital of Santa Maria of Good Jesus (1456, restructured). On the central square, by the town hall, is the monumental fountain Round or Sturinalto (1351), overlooking the Roman-style Podesta Palace (1255), the Episcopal Palace (1545, restructured in XVIII century), in which is situated the civic Art Gallery (rich in works of the Fabriano school). The Town Hall (XIV –XV century, facade from 1690) has the beautiful loggia of St. Francis (eighteenth century). There are several other palaces and ancient houses worth visiting as well as the noteworthy Gentile Theatre.