|
It developed along the coast and its main activity was fishing. Cluentensis Vicus was then called Civitanova Alta, it still preserves its 15th-century walls, along with towers, bulwarks and entrance doors.
What we know for sure is that centuries of common history were crowned by the unification of the two entities in 1938. They were called Civitanova Marche, a small town that today boasts a first-class seaside establishment and an important footwear manufacturing activity.
From the streets of the ancient Civitanova Alta’s centre, situated on the top of San Marone, visitors may enjoy panoramas ranging from the seacoast to the surrounding hills. Around the central Piazza della Libertà there are many buildings with a remarkable architectural value, such as the former Town Hall, built in the 16th century and characterized by a wide porch. Other examples include the 18th-century church San Paolo, the former church San Francesco (14th century), and the entrance of the 16th-century Palazzo Cesarini. Not far away, at number 20 of the street bearing his name, the famous writer and poet Annibal Caro was born. He is famous above all for his translation of the Aeneid.
Piazza XX Settembre represents the most important part of Civitanova Marche’s lower part, with its Town Hall built in 1862 by Earls Cesarini Sforza on a 14th-century building. Other important buildings are the rich Municipal Library, and the church San Marone, which still preserves some original 9th-century structures, such as a small double-splay window and fragments of decorated capitals.
Since the end of the Second World War Civitanova Marche has managed to develop and become an important point of reference for tourism, trade and industrial activities, without losing its link with its ancient traditions. Indeed, the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions is dedicated to ancient traditions; every year the Sea Festival is organized, to renew the typical feasts.
|
