Serra de’ Conti

The old town of Serra de ‘Conti, one of the larger walled towns of the province, retains almost nearly intact the medieval city.

Between the twelfth and thirteenth century the church was established by Benedictine monks from the Abbey of the Holy Cross in Fonte Avellana (Sassoferrato), and was also built the “castrum” initiative of noble factions in the original part of preappenninica Lombard. They belonged to the counts who ruled in the name of the empire, the original castle until, 1230, began: the Municipal Association. From this period, despite the political constraints imposed by the alliance with the nearby town of Jesi, the town experienced a rapid land development and a period of relative economic flourishing, due to a rich agriculture and a lively trade.

WHAT TO VISIT

Castle and city walls almost completely intact, with ten towers and the imposing fortified gate.

Monastery of Santa Maria Madddalena (XV century) still inhabited by Franciscan Poor Clare nuns, has a fortified structure. The convent is notable for remarkable works of art, but especially for a rich collection of craft tools soon to be exposed in a Museum of Monastic Arts.

Town Hall former boarding school of the monastery, four preserves interesting frescoes.

Church of Santa Croce (XVI century) and Palazzo Honorati-Triumphs both on Via Garibaldi and near the picturesque Alley Cafoscolo.

Female monastery of St. Charles Borromeo built in 1600 by merging ancient medieval structures.

St. Michael’s Church (XII century) built by the Benedictine monks of Sitria, is of Romanesque; while the frescoes are from 1300 to 1800.

Rural church of S. Fortunato (XII century) is located in the border area between Montecarotto, Ostra Vetere and the same Serra. Belonged to the Church of Ravenna, was rebuilt in 1400.

A BUSINESS GROWTH

Serra de ‘Conti, like other rural centers Marche, after the war was still living in a poor agriculture, from the limited sources of jobs, generating widespread emigration.

In the early 60’s began a process of radical change; local business gave birth to the first footwear industries that gave a boost to the economic growth of the territory. At the same time they start production experience in other sectors, from small machined parts to clothing.

Agriculture stopped dropping and, on the contrary, the general process of growth contributed to the modernization of the sector with specializations related to livestock and viticulture, especially important in the area of ​​Verdicchio DOC.