Massignano

Massignano town structure is still tipically medieval and its city centre is defined by three access gates, the ancient of which is placed at the north. Starting at the main square, which resembles a small parlour, roads branch off along which you can admire beautiful palaces. Vittore Crivelli's “La Madonna col Bambino” (XV century) is located in the San Giacomo Maggiore church, along with the Arte Sacra Museum.There is another interesting church, featuring a rare bell tower in Villa Santi village, devoted to San Felice and Adaucto ( XI century).The “Museo dei Fischietti and Terracotta Popolare” is a real cultural treasure, giving a glimpse on the past of the town, historically known as “Il paese dei vasai”: Potters Town. The first section of the museum contains simple earthenware hand-made by local craftsmen. The second encolses whistles and smoking pipes coming from the local areas, Italy and the world. So the museum describes the ancient art of Massignaners potter craftsmanship, which for decades has been an important resource and source of interest and prestige both for families and for the country.In honor of these craftsmen, each year the “Rassegna di Fischietti e Pipe in terracotta” (Earhtenware festival) takes place, destination of masters and collectors from all of Italy.Held continuously since 1958 in Massignano and only in August the 14th, the “Sagra delle Frittelle” festival is a well known and the oldest event of the Piceno area.Another important event is “Bio&Tipico in piazza”, a natural and local products trade-show which takes place in the last Sunday of september.