JESI
Historical town center

Castel walls For visitors these represent the first impact with the old town. They stretch for about 1500 m over an original line dating back to 1300. At the end of the 15th century, fortification works were entrusted to architect Baccio Pontelli who, in that same period, designed the Fortress of Senigallia. These rnighty walls, completed by gateways and towers of various shapes (to better suit pre- existing environrnental and town-planning situations) were made entirely of brick; nevertheless they are extremely well preserved.

Palazzo della Signoria Designed between 1486 and 1498 by Siena architect, Francesco di Giorgio Martini, with Guelph frizes. The tower, built in 1661, took the place of an oder one designed by Andrea Sansovino. The Palazzo della Signoria and the Pergolesi Theatre are the symbols of Jesi. Today the bulding houses numerous Roman artefacts and statues of various periods. Important 12th-cent. documents are kept in the historical archives while the library contains over 100,000 books. Opening hours: 9am - 13am/4pm - 7pm. Holidays closed Tel. 0731/538346

Palazzo Pianettil-Tesei and thg Municipal Art Gallgery In via XV Settembre, in a somewhat secluded position but not far from the central square, Piazza della Repubblica, stands one of the major examples of rococo style architecture in the whole of Italy: Palazzo Pianetti-Tesei, built around 1730. In the courtyard is a typical Italian style garden with fountain, clock and various statues. A magnificent staircase leads to the first floor where visitor can admire the novel and colourful stuccowork gallery and a number of decorated rooms. Today the building houses the Municipal Art Gallecy with its many paintings by Lorenzo Lotto and Jesi-born artist Orfeo Tamburi. Opening hours: 9.30am-12.30pm - 4pm-7pm, Sunday 10am-lpm. Phone: 0731/538345 Pergolesi Theatre This elegant building (located in Piazza della Repubblica) was opened in 1798. The theatre, which boasts two important seasons - opera and drama -, is named after the famous composer, Giovan Battista Pergolesi, born in Jesi on 4/1/1710. During his short life, (he died in Pozzuoli on 17/3/1736) Pergolesi reached fame with his "Stabat Mater" and "Serva padrona". Today the theatre can rely on the precious support of Jesi-born actress, Valeria Moriconi. Thg Cathedral The church was built in the late-13th, early-14th centuries and renovated in the 18th century. It is dedicated to San Settimio, the first bishop and patron saint of Jesi.

Palazzo Colocci An elegant 16th cent. building (in front of the Palazzo della Signoria). It houses an interesting collection of works and significant objects associated with aristocratic life in times gone by.

Piazza Federico II In the centre of the old town with its typically Roman layout, and probably over the Forum, lies what is probably the town's most elegant square, named after Frederick II of Swabia and surrounded by austere "palazzi" linked to the history of Jesi. Diocesan Museum Located in piazza Federico II - Tel. 0731/207007

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