Oleificio Bartolini

The old town, full of Leopardian references, has also received the legacy of the tenor Beniamino Gigli and the painter Lorenzo Lotto.


HOW TO GET THERE

From the sea the route leads through the gentle hills of the inland landscape towards the discovery of a Leopardian atmosphere. Recanati can be easily reached from the coast: panoramic provincial roads that cross Conero Park wind their way to state route 16 towards Pescara. After the exit for Loreto and just before entering Porto Recanati, turn right. Drive along provincial route 10 and continue up to state route 77. At this point the town of Recanati comes into view two kilometres away, lying on a crest between the valleys of the Musone and Potenza rivers. The town can be easily reached from anywhere else from the A 14 motorway (Loreto – Porto Recanati exit) and the “Val di Chienti” state route 77.

WHAT TO VISIT

Recanati is best discovered starting from the 18th century Palazzo Leopardi, birthplace of the poet, still today inhabited by his descendents and located in Piazza “Sabato del Villaggio”. Leopardi’s life can be retraced by visiting the exhibition of his objects and manuscripts, and his education can be better understood by perusing his father’s library. A marked route leads to Monte Tabor, the celebrated “Colle dell’Infinito” from where one can admire the stunning view.
From Palazzo Leopardi proceed to via Roma, at the end of which go down to via Calcagni and via Cavour. Along this street one can admire St Augustine’s church: the bell tower is the old tower referred to in the Pasero Solitario. Continue along the street to reach the town centre, Piazza Leopardi, where behind the glorious poet lies the Palazzo Comunale or Town Hall. This building houses the Beniamino Gigli Museum, another essential stop, which exhibits stage costumes, photographs and heirlooms of the great Recanati tenor. From Piazza Leopardi, overlooked by the old Borgo Tower, cross corso Persiano, which takes you to the street leading to the Cathedral. Near the Cathedral, and the Diocesan Museum, Villa Colloredo Mels, the town picture gallery, houses a prestigious collection of paintings by Lorenzo Lotto, including his celebrated Annunciation. A visit to these precious treasures brings our itinerary to a end.