Marche itineraries

Jesi, a city not to miss

Jesi    0000-00-00

In the lower part of the Esino valley, the city of Jesi stands out as the most important centre in the Vallesina, but also one of the biggest in the whole Ancona province, coming only third after Ancona itself and Senigallia. Renowned for the wine Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a DOC (controlled designation of origin) wine among the most famous of the Marche, at the end of the 60`s the city had the honour of being recommended by Unesco as an exemplar city for the perfect architectural integration of its many historical layers. On the other hand, there are several awards that make this territory even more precious: an example thereof is the Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Riserva, boasting the DOCG (controlled and guaranteed designation of origin) label.

Therefore it is clear that the wine-making tradition in Jesi is very strong: among the local red wine worthy of a special mention is Lacrima di Morro d’Alba,also not to be forgotten is the visciola a drink made from wild cherries fermented in red wine which gives a strong sweetish taste. .

However, Jesi is not only a city of grapes and wines, but also of art and history: it is enough to take a glance at the city walls, built between the 13th and 14th century on the previous roman layout and that still today is in perfect condition, with its square, cylindrical and polygonal towers, its gates and hanging crowned supports, where in the 15th century the famous military architect Baccio Ponticelli provided his service. As far as religious architecture is concerned the reference point is undoubtedly the Cathedral of St. Settimio, standing in the area of the old roman forum, now called Piazza Federico II, because this is where the future emperor Frederick II was born in December 1194. The former church of St. Floriano is also worth visiting; it was recently turned into a Theatre School.. In piazza Federico II also stands Palazzo Ripanti, hosting the Museo Diocesano; in piazza Colocci, located not far away, is Palazzo della Signoria, considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture: dating back to the end of the 15th century, it was planned by Francesco di Giorgio Martini; today it hosts the municipal historical archive and the Biblioteca Planettiana; the Sala Maggiore is worthy of a thorough visit, with its ancient, 18th century shelving coming from Palazzo Pianetti Vecchio and its wooden, 16th century ceiling. Walking from one piazza to another, you can admire the Teatro Pergolesi in Piazza della Repubblica, named after Giovan Battista Pergolesi, famous composer born in Jesi in the early 18th century. Last but not least, a place worth a visit is via XV Settembre, as this is where the Pinacoteca Civica of Palazzo Pianetti is located, with its rococo-stuccoed gallery and works by Lorenzo Lotto.