Recanati, Medieval hilltop commune in Marche, Italy
Recanati is a hillside town in the Marche region, sitting about 90 meters above the valley floor. The historic center runs along the ridge with steep lanes and narrow passages winding between old brick buildings and small churches.
Three separate castles joined together in 1150 to form the new settlement on the hill. In the late 13th century the commune declared independence and developed into a self-governing trading town.
The town name comes from a Latin word for a new settlement, recalling its medieval foundation by several communities. Today the streets and squares keep the spirit of that past and serve as gathering places for residents during festivals and markets.
The town center is easy to explore on foot, but steep inclines and uneven cobbles require comfortable shoes. Most landmarks sit along the main street running through the historic quarter, passing several churches and viewpoints.
The cathedral on the main square holds paintings by two well-known artists from the 16th and 17th centuries, rarely seen outside major museums. Beyond religious works, the building also contains the tomb of a former pope from the time of the great schism.
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