Montappone: Straw Hat Tradition and Historical Art

Montappone combines a rich straw hat tradition with historic buildings and works of art. If you are looking for a hotel in Montappone, these specific themes can help you get a sense of the town: the craft is closely linked to local history, while places of worship and a viewpoint offer further inspiration for planning your trip. You can decide in advance whether you would like to focus your stay on straw hat making, historical art or views across the landscape.

Straw Hat Tradition and Making

Montappone is known for making traditional handcrafted straw hats. The local tradition of straw processing dates back to the 18th century. The Museo del Cappello presents every stage of straw hat production, from harvesting and selecting the straw to plaiting, sewing, decorating and selling the hat. This gives you a clear picture of the entire process, from raw material to finished product. Check the museum’s current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Among the items on display at the Museo del Cappello is the last hat worn by Federico Fellini. Alongside its presentation of the craft, the museum therefore features a specific object associated with Fellini. At the “Il cappello di Paglia” festival, more than 200 participants show visitors in the historic centre how a straw hat is made, from harvesting and plaiting to sewing. While the museum presents the stages of production, the festival features demonstrations in the historic centre. It takes place in late July; check the specific dates before planning your trip around it.

Historic Buildings and Art

The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Castello stands at the highest point of the historic centre and dates back to the 18th century. Its altar is adorned with a Madonna and Child by Pomarancio. The Oratorio del Santissimo Sacramento has a 14th-century terracotta portal. The oratory also contains 16th-century frescoes, including “Madonna con il Bambino tra i SS. Giovanni Battista e Giorgio”.

Two different works associated with Pomarancio can also be found in the Chiesa Parrocchiale di S. Maria e S. Giorgio: the church houses the painting “Madonna con Bambino e Santi”, from the school of Pomarancio. It also houses a 15th-century reliquary cross. Together with the altarpiece in Santa Maria in Castello, these works offer a specific glimpse of different artworks and their respective connections to Pomarancio.

Piazza Castello and the View

The promenade around Piazza Castello offers a viewpoint with views stretching from the Sibillini Mountains to Monte Conero. You can reach Piazza Castello via Via Giacomo Leopardi, which is lined with lime trees. The viewpoint complements the themes of craftsmanship and religious art with views of the landscape. If you are considering a stay in Montappone, these different highlights provide a concrete basis for choosing the town.

Discover more destinations: Casette D'ete, Francavilla d'Ete, Monte Vidon Combatte, Fermo, Grottazzolina, Casone, Montegranaro, Sant'elpidio A Mare

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