Massa Fermana

The first document where Massa Fermana is mentioned dates back to 1050, when it was under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Fermo. Remains of Roman funerary epigraphs are traces of an ancient past. In the 13th century it belonged to the Brunforte family; members such as Guglielmo da Massa and his son Valerio on the Ghibelline side are remembered for the heinous episodes of warfare that ravaged the town until it returned to submission to Fermo. In 1808 it lost its autonomy by annexing Montappone to regain it permanently in 1816.

Monuments, churches

• St. Anthony’s Gate, ogival-arched (14th cent.) crowned with battlements and thrones, with traces of the operation of the grille and drawbridge and presence of Renaissance loggias.
• Church of Saints Lawrence, Sylvester and Ruffino, preserves Carlo Crivelli’s first Marche work, signed and dated 1468 and commissioned by Count Azzolino of Fermo: the polyptych “Madonna and Child between Saints John the Baptist, Lawrence, Sylvester and Francis.” In the chancel the “Madonna of the Girdle with Musician Angels” by Brother Vittore. Also of note in the sacristy is a painting by Sebastiano Ghezzi of Comunanza (17th cent.).
• Pinacoteca Civica, houses works by V. Pagani, De Magistris and others, bas-reliefs of the Florentine school from the Convent of St. Francis.
• Ada Natali Museum

Local traditions

Hat production with the presence of about 40 companies in the industry.