History
The territory of Montalto was already inhabited in
prehistoric times: in the Archaeological Museum there are several findings and exhibits form the
Neolithic (6000 BC), from the
Apennine people (2500 BC) and from the
Picenum and Roman periods. In the fourteenth century, the local communities organized themselves in the free municipalities of Montalto, Patrignone and Porchia. In 1418 Montalto started to independently elect the
Podestà, and in the 15th century was part of the land of Presidato Farfense, as part of the
Papal States. Since 1586, on the will of
Pope Sixtus V, the city began the capital of "Presidato di Montalto" (State of Montalto), which included 13 municipalities under its control. Furthermore, a State Mint is founded. In 1798, during the
French "Italian Campaign", Montalto rose up against the
Napoleonic army: the Bishop of Montalto, Mons. Castiglioni (future
Pope Pius VIII), was arrested and deported to
Mantua. With the
restoration of 1816, Montalto became the a capital district, including the municipalities of Amandola, Offida, Ripatransone and San Benedetto del Tronto. The heritage of the State of Montalto was definitely suppressed in 1861, with the end of the
Papal States and the
Italian unification. Among the "illustrious citizens" of Montalto: •
Pope Sixtus V •
Giuseppe Sacconi == Monuments and places of interest==
Society
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Events and Associations
La Notte delle Streghe e dei Folletti Since 1991, every 12-13-14 of August, this characteristic event takes place in the old medieval town of Montalto. "La Notte delle Streghe e dei folletti" (literally the night of the Witches and the Elves) is a famous festival for families and children: in the charming old town, Witches, goblins and Elves play with the main characters of the fairy tales, until the wicked old witch is burned in the main square. Associazione Giovanile Montaltese "MyClan" The Youth Association of Montalto (better known as MyClan) was founded in 2010. It organizes sport tournaments, concerts, parties, exhibitions and festivals. MyClan organizes the patronal feast of "San Vito Martire" (15 June) and the "Casserata, a festival of Cassero", a traditional food festival held every year on the third weekend of July. "La Cordata" Choir "La Cordata" is an alpine and popular-inspired choir of male voices. Founded in 1984 during an excursion to the Monastery of S.Leonardo (just above the gorges of Infernaccio, in Sibillini Mountains), "La Cordata" is directed since its foundation by M° Patrizio Paci. The choir organizes every year the "Festival degli Appennini", hosting the best choirs in Italy. == Administration ==