Ostra City Tour – Discovering its historical and cultural treasures

The Walls

A 15th-century hexagonal wall surrounds the medieval village of Barbara perched on the crest of a hill ridge stretching between the Misa and Nevola rivers.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Raggiungi

Basilica of Santa Croce

It is the main church of Ostra, a splendid example of neoclassical art. Built after the year 1000, it was initially an abbey of the Benedictine monks.

In November 1795 Pope Pius VI erected the church as a Collegiate Church, entrusting it to a college of Canons and an Archpriest appointed by the Pope. In November 2008 it was elevated to the dignity of Minor Basilica. The old Romanesque church, known as the four-column church, was completely rebuilt between 1848 and 1851, as it was now too small and in great decay. After the war, the bell tower, damaged by cannon fire, was also rebuilt.
Inside, of particular note are a Mater Dolorosa painted on a copper plate of Flemish origin and the Chapel of the Holy Father. Sacrament, entirely decorated with a canvas painted by Florentine artists, which simulates the fresco.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 96

Raggiungi

Monument to the name of Ostra

The “Monument to the Name and Coat of Arms of Ostra” is a granite column from the ancient city of Ostra, located in the area of the Basilica of Santa Croce. It is a historical monument that celebrates the Roman origins of the city.

The Roman origins of the city are documented by the Monument to the Name and Coat of Arms of Ostra, consisting of a granite column from ancient Ostra, which stood in the valley of the Misa River and was destroyed by the Visigoths in 410 AD. In the locality called “Le Muracce”, 9 km away from today’s Ostra, interesting archaeological remains of that ancient settlement are still visible.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 60010 Ostra AN

Raggiungi

Church of Saints Giuseppe e Filippo

The church of Saints Joseph and Philip Neri was built in 1781 by the Congregation of the Filippini Fathers, called to Ostra by the Confraternity of Death and Prayer, following the demolition of a pre-existing church in a state of total disrepair. From the entrance, which opens onto Via del Corso, you enter the floor of the single-nave church by climbing a staircase of about ten steps. Once at the top, what strikes you most is the spaciousness, brightness, architectural simplicity, and harmony of the interior: a true jewel of sacred art.

Inside, the church has a distinctly Baroque style, characterized by columns, tympanums, and gilded stucco work, punctuated by repeated pilasters that emphasize the corners and frame the small choir lofts and niches. The keystones feature allegorical images of the Virtues. The large rectangular apse, raised one step above the nave, has a barrel vault with lunettes and houses the high altar, surmounted by two stucco and gold angels. This, like the other two side altars, has a slender classical composition, with a pediment supported by Corinthian half-columns with decorated friezes.

The sober and elegant stucco decoration with festoons, recurring throughout the building, gives rhythm to the spaces of the vault, occupied in the center by the octagonal canvas depicting the marriage of the Virgin, by Giovanni Anastasi (1704), the same artist who painted the other two paintings depicting episodes from the life of St. Philip. The high altar is surmounted by a canvas depicting the Death of St. Joseph, by Claudio Ridolfi.

The church houses a valuable 18th-century organ by Gaetano Callido of Padua.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Corso Giuseppe Mazzini

Raggiungi

Church San Rocco

The first building dates back to 1527, but towards the end of the 18th century, the Church of San Rocco was completely renovated. It houses paintings by Giovanni Brandi da Poli, from the workshop of Pietro da Cortona and, probably, from the workshop of Federico Barocci, as well as an organ from 1771 by the famous Paduan organ builder Gaetano Callido.

Upon entering the single nave, visitors are immediately struck by the richness of the decorations. The Baroque style, which followed the Renaissance, generated architectural forms that blended the two styles: columns, pillars, cornices, entablatures, and moldings were elements “borrowed” from classical ruins.

The splendor and ostentation of white and gold stucco and other forms of decoration were deliberately intended to evoke a vision of heavenly glory. Architects, sculptors, painters, and craftsmen were called upon to create an “art exhibition” in this church, capable of overwhelming with its splendor and attracting and persuading not only the illiterate, educating them with the words of God, but also the skeptical, who this time had “read too much.” Towards the end of the 18th century, the church was completely renovated and underwent a sort of “rotation.”

The entrance was transformed into an apse and moved to the right side after the high altar was moved. There are also paintings by Giovanni Brandi da Poli, from the workshop of Pietro da Cortona and, probably, from the workshop of Federico Barocci.

All the paintings, except for the one above the high altar, bear a wax seal, which was used to identify prestigious works destined to accompany Napoleon’s troops to France. On the wall opposite the high altar is the choir loft with a cabinet containing an organ dating back to 1771, built by the famous Paduan organ maker Gaetano Callido. The refectory of the ancient monastery can still be visited today, with its intact tables and walnut paneling.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Via del Teatro

Raggiungi

Noble Palaces

Along Corso Mazzini are present, on the sides, the noble palaces: Palazzo Gabuzzi Fedeli Luzi, Palazzo Sanzi Pericoli, Palazzo Cherubini and Palazzo Menchetti.

The structure of Palazzo Gabuzzi Fedeli Luzi appears as typical of the ‘600. Characteristic balconies and ballets railing in wrought iron. Inside there are fine paintings and a chapel, dedicated to Pio V. Today under renovation houses, in the noble floors, frescoes of fine Pompeian style. The Palazzo Sanzi Pericoli was built by the Sanzi brothers, noble landowners, between 1723 and 1739. Splendid example of a noble palace has an airy neoclassical atrium. The numerous rooms are decorated with frescoes and fine stuccos and preserve precious paintings and furnishings. Palazzo Cherubini was built in the mid-sixteenth century. Belonged to the noble family Cherubini in which the most important character was the cardinal Francesco Cherubini lived between 1585 and 1656. The interior is embellished with numerous stuccoes of 1600 fine workmanship. Today it houses the headquarters of the BCC bank. Palazzo Menchetti is composed of two parts: one dating back to the ‘600 and the other, in medieval style, was built in 1930/35 by the owner, Andrea Menchetti, an internationally renowned historian. Inside there is the Hall of the Ancestors, with fine stucco and precious antique furniture.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Corso Giuseppe Mazzini

Raggiungi

Martyrs’ Square and Civic Tower

#

Town Hall

The Town Hall, designed by architect Antonio Maria Carbonari Geminiani, dominates the square it overlooks. The harmonious architecture composed of a central body and two lateral ones is enriched by a loggia with seven round arches.

In 1735 the need began to be felt to replace the old and no longer functional priory palace with a new building. Seven years later, the City General Council approved the construction of the new building, which was designed by architect Antonio Maria Carbonari Geminiani. Demolition work on the previous building and construction of the new one began in 1749 and continued for approximately forty years. The elegant and beautiful building with its projecting wings and recessed central body dominates the square it overlooks. The harmonious architecture is enriched by a loggia with seven round arches accessed via a staircase. Inside is a collection of portraits of illustrious men, along with three other canvases, preserved in the Council Chamber, including the painting, the work of Carsidoni, offered by the Administration and the citizens to their two co-patrons, Saint Gaudenzio and the Virgin Mary, venerated under the title of Santa Maria Apparve. The canvas is particularly dear to the city for the pictorial testimonies it bears: the urban structure of Montalboddo in the 17th century, the original façade of the church of San Rocco, with the portal surmounted by a tympanum, and the liveries of the confraternities then active in the municipal territory. Inside, you can visit three rooms: the first room is the largest, used for celebrations, events, and conferences. Upon entering, at the top left, you can see the painting depicting Cardinal Nicola Antonelli. Second room: it is the city council chamber, as you can see, completely decorated with paintings and frescoes, still visible on the ceiling and covered on the walls. There are three paintings in the room. Turning our backs to the window, in front of us we find the painting depicting St. Gaudentius, patron saint of Ostra, S. Maria Apparve and S. Michael the Archangel holding Ostra, suspended in the air. In the painting on the right we have the four evangelists, while the one on the left portrays the Last Supper. It must be said that these last two paintings were commissioned specifically for this room. Third room: it is called the “yellow room” and is where civil weddings are celebrated. The walls and ceiling are entirely frescoed, while entering on the right we have a large portrait of Pope Pius VI, in memory of the granting of the title of City to Ostra in 1790. The white marble fireplace and the furniture, which dates back to the early ’800s, are very beautiful. Since in the past this room was used as a waiting area for noble families going to the theatre, the two doors connecting the room and the theatre’s gallery remain evidence of this use, although currently the rooms are separate from the theatre.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Piazza dei Martiri 5

Raggiungi

Church of saints Francesco and Lucia

In a testamentary document from 1279, the church of Saints Francis and Lucy is mentioned for the first time, which was then rebuilt in the first half of the 14th century, under the patronage of the Municipality which, although entrusting its custody and execution to the Friars Minor Conventual, considered it “Ecclesia Communis” and used it as “second Town Hall”. The General Council and Parliament met there. The voting case and a cabinet containing the most important municipal documents were kept there. Official religious celebrations were held in which the Administrators participated in official dress.

Originally, the church was built as a single hall and, in later times, was enlarged on the right side and four chapels built. Inside the church there was a shop where the municipality, under a monopoly, sold salt and, on the external walls of the church, hung the various measures available to the public. In the 19th century, the church and the Convent underwent the events resulting from the suppression of the Regular Religious Orders, first at the time of the Napoleonic Kingdom and then at the time of the unification of Italy. In 1881 Mayor Antonioli wanted to transform the church into a covered market. The citizens opposed it, halting much of the project: the church was stripped of its initial part to make room for a portico on the façade and on the left side, intended to accommodate the market. Inside the church, the remains of the patron saint, Saint Gaudenzio, are preserved in a chapel dedicated to him and entirely frescoed with scenes from his life painted by Filippo Bellini da Urbino. Of notable value are the canvases in the side altars painted by Francesco Maratta, Marco Benefial, Federico Barocci and Ercole Ramazzani.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Piazza dei Martiri 17

Raggiungi

“La Vittoria” Theater

Built in the right wing of the town hall erected in 1749 to a design by the architect Antonio Maria Carbonari Geminiani, construction work on the current theatre, designed by the architect Francesco Fellini di Barbara, began in 1863 and replaced the previous one from the 18th century

The current structure of the municipal theatre “La Vittoria”, incorporated into the town hall, dates back to 1863.
In Ostra, however, three different theatres have changed over time, the first of which stood in the 18th century, in what is still called “Via del Teatro”, near the hospital. In ancient times, the theatre was owned by a condominium and the noble owners of the stages were gathered in a congregation that organised the performances annually. Theatrical seasons were usually long and the companies never stopped on site for less than 15 days. Each year, 30 to 40 shows were performed, which were usually held in conjunction with the patron saint’s day (October) and Carnival. The genres were varied, from comic to dramatic, from musical theatre to concerts. Curious detail: the congregation of condominiums observed the singular custom of allocating the proceeds of an evening to the souls in purgatory. In the second half of the 19th century, due to the increasing economic burdens of management, theatrical activity became considerably impoverished. Left to its own devices the theatre began to show the first signs of decay and was soon declared unfit for use. In 1858, driven by strong pressure from the citizens, the condominium congregation commissioned the architect Ghinelli to restore the building. But the project presented fell into thin air. In 1861 the citizens of Ostra renewed their request for the restoration of the theatre with a petition. The Municipality, having liquidated the congregation, directly oversaw the reconstruction, entrusting the project to the architect Francesco Fellini di Barbara. The laying of the foundation stone in the dates back to July 29, 1863 and was inaugurated on Saturday, September 28, 1867, with a reduced number of performances compared to the past. The most represented genres were operetta and acrobatic shows. In 1980, after being used almost exclusively as a cinema, the theatre was closed because it did not comply with new safety regulations. After undergoing extensive renovations, it reopened on January 6, 1998. Since then it has hosted prose performances, children’s theatre, concerts and amateur activities every year. The 78 m2 hall, accessed through a small, elegantly decorated atrium, is horseshoe-shaped. Overlooking it are 29 boxes, distributed on two orders and surmounted by a gallery. The stage has a 5.40 m proscenium arch and houses, in the upper part, ancient stage machinery, still in working order. The curtain also dates back to the time of the original construction. It can accommodate 184 people.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Piazza dei Martiri 5

Raggiungi

Sanctuary of SS. Crocifisso

The construction of the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix dates back to 1333, as evidenced by the terracotta inscription on the arch of the Sienese-style portal. The church is very ancient and is one of the most characteristic medieval buildings in our Diocese.

The façade, despite some modifications in the following centuries, retains the typical characteristics of medieval architecture with Romanesque and Gothic arches. It was built with a single altar, dedicated to Pope Gregory the Great, near which the Confraternity of the Agonizers was erected, for the recitation of the prayers of the dying every Friday of the year and for the ringing of the death knell for the deceased of Montalboddo. The two altars were built many centuries later, around ‘700. The splendid wooden crucifix, the work of the sculptor Bartolomeo Silvestri da Verrucchio, which stands out above the high altar, also dates back to the same period. The sculptor, who was also a surgeon, rendered with an incredible realistic effect the anatomy of the suffering body of Christ, represented in the act of pronouncing his last words.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Corso Giuseppe Mazzini

Raggiungi

Sanctuary Madonna della Rosa

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rose – located a short distance from the center of Ostra, in a valley surrounded by fertile hills, there existed in time immemorial, a shrine in which an image of the Virgin was venerated, painted on a rough wall, at the foot of which flowed a stream of clear water. From the vague flower that the Blessed Virgin holds in her left hand, the faithful began to invoke her with the sweet title of “Madonna della Rosa”.

In 1666, from the devoted hand of a pious girl, a very white lily was placed before the Holy Image, on a day in May, as a sign of filial love. The Flower, to everyone’s great wonder, remained for months and months, fresh and fragrant as if freshly cut from the plant; from then on, immense crowds of faithful flocked to the feet of the Holy Virgin and miracles repeated and multiplied. News of the miraculous event, followed by a series of healings, confirmed by witnesses, led to the construction of a first chapel, which was inaugurated about two years later and which is still preserved inside the Sanctuary today. The waters of the stream, the instrument of so many wonders, were then collected in a small well at the foot of Mary’s altar, and even today, as then, the faithful are surprised by the fact that the volume of water always remains at a level of 80 cm, whether in summer or winter, whatever quantity is drawn from it. The fame of the miracles performed by the Madonna della Rosa reached as far as the Papal Throne, and the Most Reverend Vatican Chapter, in 1726, granted the miraculous Image the honour of the solemn Coronation, and the Chapel the title of Sanctuary. Soon, as the influx of faithful increased, the small church also proved insufficient, so the idea of building a larger one arose. The unanimous and ardent desire quickly became reality and in 1748 the foundations were laid and, six years later, the large and majestic temple was completed. The Sanctuary is built in the shape of a Greek cross, in Corinthian style, divided into three naves and, similar to that of Loreto, encloses the Chapel of the Madonna. Finally, between 1887 and 1891, based on a design by Count Francesco Vespasiani, Architect of the Vatican Exhibition in Rome, he was able to build the artistic bell tower and the harmonious and monumental façade. The Sanctuary is the second diocesan sanctuary in the Marche region, a destination for numerous pilgrimages: inside it houses a collection of 49 votive tablets, which constitute a precious testimony of faith and minor art. Among the numerous ex-votos there are also two very rare Turkish flags.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Via Madonna della Rosa

Raggiungi

Sanctuary Santa Maria Apparve

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Apparve was erected in 1527, on the site where a simple shrine dedicated to Mary previously stood. The inscription, walled up on the facade of the church and written in Latin, recalls that “In the year 1527, the Virgin Mary, from her image, promised a shepherd boy that she herself would help the Montalboddesi from the plague if, in place of the ancient aedicule, a church were erected in honor of her image”.

The church was built and inaugurated in 1529. For the miracles and numerous graces granted through the intercession of the Madonna, including above all the removal and overcoming of the scourge of the plague and the liberation from the dangers of earthquakes, a large number of faithful flocked to the church of Santa Maria Apparve. The Latin inscription, which adorns the painting on the apse of the church, from which the image of Mary, with the Child Jesus in her lap, turns benevolently and blessingly towards the faithful, attests to the Madonna’s helping work: “In peste sanitas, in terremotu securitas”. In 1855, a terrible cholera epidemic raged throughout Italy: the Montalboddesi, the people and the authorities, in the renewed danger of an epidemic, remembered the promises made by the Madonna to the shepherd boy and, once again confident in their patronage, on August 12th promised a new and larger temple, for which the Montalboddo City Council approved the investment of 400 scudi. On September 12, cholera ceased to rage and the citizens of Montalboddo went in a procession of thanksgiving towards the rustic church of Sana Maria Apparve. In 1857 work began on the new church, which was solemnly opened to the public on July 2, 1860. In December 1884, however, it became impossible to replace the chaplain and the church had to remain closed for some time and without daily and festive celebrations, much to the disappointment of the faithful. We turned to the Order of Franciscan Friars Minor, who, after the suppression of religious corporations and the confiscation of their assets following the unification of Italy, following the loss of the convent of Santa Maria del Popolo, had no longer been able to find new accommodation in the city. The Order accepted: the convent was built next to the church, and the church itself, with a single nave, was enriched with four chapels, adorned with paintings and equipped with an apse. On August 15, 1915, by decree of the Vatican Chapter, the venerated image of Santa Maria Apparve was solemnly crowned with the golden crown.

Where

Scan the QR code

To reach the point of interest

Strada Provinciale 18

Raggiungi

Cellars

For lovers of fine wine, a stop at the Conti di Buscareto winery is a must. This winery has always been committed to preserving and promoting local wine-making traditions. The company produces wines that express the authenticity of the territory, the result of work based on quality, respect for the environment and the excellence of raw materials.

Taste

At the end of, or during, your tour of Ostra, you can sample the culinary delights of the area by choosing one of the recommended restaurants along the route. These include La Cantinella, renowned for its carefully reinterpreted traditional cuisine, and Agriturismo Paradiso, where you can enjoy typical dishes surrounded by the rural landscape of Ostra.

Paradiso Farmhouse
Via del Paradiso 10, Ostra , Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071688314
Antica Pasticceria del Corso
Via Antonio Gramsci, 77, 60010 Ostra AN 77, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071 798 8121
Bowling Charlie Pub
Largo Pietro Staccioli 14, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071 688415
Caffè del Teatro
Piazza dei Martiri, 7, 60010 Ostra AN 7, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: ----
Caffè Mencarelli
Via Po, 2, 60010 Pianello di Ostra AN 2, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071 973 1825
Il Coppetto
Via Coppetto 5, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 0717986942
Fori de Porta
Via Antonio Gramsci, 64, 60010 Ostra AN 64, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 334 741 9901
GEF bar
via, Largo XXVI luglio, 3, 60010 Ostra AN 3, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 353 410 7093
I Veri Sapori
Via Grande Torino 2, Loc. Casine di Ostra , Ancona, 60010 - Tel: ----
Il Piazzale
Via Arceviese 55/A, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071 688 8028
La Cantinella
Via Amendola 5, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 07168081
La Vittoria Tavern
Via Gramsci 28, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 0717980406
Luca Api – dolcerie contemporanee
Via delle Selve, 5, 60010 Casine AN 5, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 071 988 3178
Osteria Fuori Porta
Via Riviera di Levante 36/37, Ostra , Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 0717957801
Pastry shop Golosamente
Largo Marina, 69, 60010 Ostra AN 69, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 348 867 3702
Pizzeria Tranquilli
Via Aristide Merloni 6, Loc. Casine di Ostra - zona industriale, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: ----
Da Galià Tavern
Via Vaccarile 1, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 0717986926
Bakery Fratelli Fabbri
Via Ghiretto 5, Ostra, Ancona, 60010 - Tel: 0716888039

Shopping – Ostra

At the end of the visit, you can treat yourself to a spot of shopping, choosing from a selection of notable local businesses. For those who love sustainable fashion, the ethical and original garments by Gaia Segattini Knotwear represent the excellence of the region; while for lovers of authentic Marche flavors, the products of Salumificio Valmisa are unmissable, perfect to take home with you as a tasty souvenir of your experience in Ostra.

Agape Beekeeping Company
Via G. Amendola, 60010 Ostra AN - Tel: 3341111701
Gaia Segattini Knotwear
Via dell'Artigianato, 10, 60010 Casine AN - Tel: 3513868043
Mansanta Farm
Via Riviera di Levante, 38, 60010 Ostra AN - Tel: 339 328 7980
Salumificio Valmisa
Zona Z.I.P.A., Via A. Merloni, 60010 Casine AN - Tel: 071 688058

Food Stop

Winery Stop

Shopping Stop

The Walls

Basilica of Santa Croce

Monument to the name of Ostra

Church of Saints Giuseppe e Filippo

Church San Rocco

Noble Palaces

Martyrs' Square and Civic Tower

Town Hall

Church of saints Francesco and Lucia

“La Vittoria” Theater

Sanctuary of SS. Crocifisso

Sanctuary Madonna della Rosa

Sanctuary Santa Maria Apparve

Cellars

Taste

Restaurants

Shopping - Ostra

Shopping

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest

To reach the point of interest