Saltara – Market Halls, Mosaics and History

Saltara offers a clear cultural and historical focus for a stay: covered markets, religious buildings, art and the history of an ancient mosaic provide different starting points for exploring the town. When choosing your destination, it is worth considering these themes together: they range from the history of the market to medieval architecture and an archaeological interpretation. There is also a planetarium, local heritage and events that take place at different times of the year.

Market History and Religious Buildings

Saltara’s covered markets were established in 1449 under a concession granted by Novello Malatesta for a weekly market. The connection with the market is therefore one of the earliest precisely dated chapters in the town’s history. The religious buildings also reflect different historical periods: the Convento e Chiesa di San Francesco in Rovereto dates to around 1215 and is among the earliest Franciscan monasteries in the Marche. The present-day church was built in 1434 in the Late Gothic style.

The apse of San Francesco contains a fresco cycle attributed to Giovanni Antonio di Bellinzoni da Pesaro. The same artist is associated with two frescoes in the Chiesa della Fonte, which has preserved them. Fragments of a Malatesta coat of arms are embedded in the façade of Saltara’s tower: these include a shield decorated with checkerboard bands and a winged dragon. The Santuario della Madonna della Villa dates to 1790. Saltara is also home to an antique pipe organ that was returned to its original location after restoration work.

Mosaics and Planetarium

The permanent Sala-MOS exhibition in Saltara displays mosaics depicting hunting and animal scenes; the mosaics were brought back to Saltara. Housed in the sacristy of the Chiesa del Gonfalone, the multimedia Sala MOS exhibition explains the history of the mosaics. Based on thematic and stylistic similarities, the Saltara mosaic is dated to the 2nd to 3rd centuries AD. It is thought to have adorned the triclinium, or dining room, of a country villa.

The Museo del Balì has a 46-seat planetarium. The starry sky is reproduced beneath an eight-metre dome; the planetarium is dedicated to astrophysicist Giuseppe Occhialini. These offer two distinct themes for your itinerary: the presumed original use of a mosaic and the depiction of the starry sky in the planetarium.

Townscape and Getting Around

With its imposing ring wall, Saltara Castle retains its original medieval appearance. It stands on a hill that forms part of the boundary of the Metauro River valley. The Parco Memoriale Nello Iacchini is another local place of remembrance, dedicated to partisan Nello Iacchini (1919–1977), who was from Saltara.

The historic town centre can be reached via a staircase with more than a hundred steps. This is a practical point to consider when planning your day in Saltara. The Giro dei Borghi route reaches Saltara from Calcinelli via the SP26. Road conditions and route signage may change, so check them for your specific journey.

Traditions, Art and Local Products

The Processione del Cristo Morto has medieval origins and takes place in Saltara every Good Friday. Saltarua is a music event held in July that moves through Saltara’s streets and squares. In the covered markets, the Galleria degli Artisti showcases contemporary art installations, video art and paintings by local young artists. Saltarua dates and programme may change; check them for your travel dates.

Olive oil is also part of the local product profile: it is considered one of Saltara’s outstanding regional products and has DOP recognition. Along with the market halls, religious buildings and art venues, it adds another dimension to the town’s cultural appeal.

Discover more destinations: Villagrande, Marotta, Montegrimano, Lunano, Fratte Rosa, Serra Sant'abbondio, Case Bruciate, Canavaccio.

For the regional travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.