Saltara - History, Sights and Events

In the midst of olive groves and vineyards in the fertile Metauro valley lies the small town of Saltara (160m). The most favourable period for Saltara was the late middle-ages, when it obtained municipal status and fortified itself against raids from the neighbouring towns of Fossombrone and Cagli. The historic centre ("Castello") within the fortified medieval walls was once an object of contention between the Malatesta and Montefeltro families. It has been an important location for fairs and markets which became weekly after 1449. As part of the alliance with the Adriatic town of Fano, Saltara passed under the dominion of the Malatesta di Rimini; the Saltara coat of arms still shows the winged dragon, part of their military emblem. The entire region was eventually ruled by the Papal State.

The passage on top of the rampart is well preserved, a central stepped walk leads up to the historical area. On the left there is a peculiar arcade used as a covered marketplace, on the right the town hall and the civic tower with remnants of the Malatesta heraldry. Of the 40(!) churches once existing in Saltara, it is still possible to enjoy:

- the "Ex-Chiesa Madonna della Fonte" (or "del SS. Sacramento"), dedicated to "Our Divine Lady of Graces above the fountain" as it was constructed on top of a fountain; inside frescos by Giovanni Antonio di Bellinzoni from Pesaro (Our Lady of Mercy and Madonna on the Throne, 1470) and a painting of the Barocci school (The Last Supper, XVIIth cent.);

- the splendid "Santuario della Madonna della Villa" church with imposing symmetrical stair ways and parapet, the octagonal-shaped interior contains a precious historic organ and a painting by Sebastiano Ceccarini (Madonna with Rosary, 1760);

- the main "San Pier Celestino" church features a painting of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Saltara, painted by Federico Barocci's students;

- outside Saltara the impressive monastery of San Francesco in Rovereto, one of the first (ca. 1215) Franciscan monasteries in the Marches, the church is in late Gothic style (1434), the interior is covered in precious frescos (Crucifixion by A. Nuzi, Crucifixion by G.A. di Bellinzoni).

Events:

- Easter Procession and Way of the Cross "Via Dolorosa": Good Friday

- Spring Festival: March/April

- Fair of "Santa Croce": May

- SALTARUA-Festival - Music in the streets: July

- Feasts in the local Saltara Quarters: July/August

- Mycology and Mushroom Exposition - Metauro Valley Group: October

- Christmas Open Air Market with handicrafts and animation: December

Tourist Information:

History, sights, events, associations and more:
www.comune.saltara.pu.it

Town hall of Saltara:
tel.+39 0721 892901, 879923, fax 891052, comune.saltara@provincia.ps.it

Tourist Board (ProLoco) of Saltara:
tel. +39 0721 894998, 334 3217332, 335 5866654

Balì Museum (Interactive Science Museum and Planetarium):
office hours Tuesday-Saturday (9:00am-1:00pm): tel +39 0721 892390, fax: 896611,
www.museodelbali.org; info@museodelbali.org

Museum of the Balì

The "Villa del Balì" was constructed (ca. 1565) next to the chapel of Saint Martin, already existing in the year 1000, and has obtained its present exterior façade in the XVIIIth century. In this elegant and spacious building since 2004 there is the "Museum of the Balì", a scientific centre for astronomy, physics, mathematics and astrophysics, which features experimental installations, a huge planetarium, an observatory and, also, conference halls, a restaurant and guest quarters. One can still sense the spirit and passion which the bishop, savant and astronomer Vincenzo Negusanti (1487-1573) felt five centuries ago when he observed the sky from his four observation towers. State-of-the-art technology and hands-on exhibits (motto: "Please touch") of this science centre have revitalized the pleasure of discovery for old and young alike.

Hours open to the public: Saturday (4:00pm-8:30pm), Sunday (3:00pm-8:00pm), other days by reservation.

Special activities ("Science does not go on holiday") and summer schedule: please refer to www.museodelbali.org

Schools and groups: from Tuesday to Sunday, reservation required: prenotazioni@museodelbali.org, tel +39 0721 892390
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Easter Procession and the Way of the Cross "Via Dolorosa"

Every Good Friday evening in Saltara the passion and dying of Christ is commemorated by a religious historical procession, re-established in the year 1847, reviving a medieval tradition. The local inhabitants participate in historical costumes: They form a suggestive cortege consisting of Roman soldiers on foot and on horse, the holy apostles, common people representing local artisans and trades, mourning women and children and a penitent bear-foot and hooded man, burdened with a large heavy cross who is followed by the catafalque carrying a statue of the crucified Christ. In the characteristic corners of the medieval "castello" Christ's route to Golgotha ("Via Dolorosa") is represented by a series of very impressive life-size scenes.

Every Good Friday: Procession starts at 9:30pm
It is possible to visit "Via Dolorosa" from 8:00pm to 12:00pm
www.saltara.valmetauro.it
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