Municipality in the province of Macerata, located North of the mouth of the river Chienti, which consists of two districts: an older one, called Civitanova Alta, characterized by the presence of XV century walls and beautiful palaces, while the other one, more modern, has become an important seaside resort.
The area was inhabited since ancient times: traces brought to light, in fact, evidence that the first settlers in the area go back to the Paleolithic Ages and the first town was founded in VIII century B.C. During the Roman conquest, the town known with the name "Cluana" became part of the Empire. In 50 A.D. the town developed, today Civitanova Alta and when the Roman Empire fell, Cluana was destroyed by the Visigoths. Established the feudal system, several noble families succeeded in governing the town and its surrounding territories: the Varano, the Malatesta, the Sforza, the Visconti, and even the Pope: In the XVI century internal disagreements, Turkish attacks and various epidemics caused a period of decline. In the mid-XVI century the town was ceded by the Church to the noble family of Cesarini, becoming part of a Marquisate that some time later, was transformed into the Duchy: period in which it ensued an era of great changes and development and population.
Attractions:
- the Church of Saint Marone, located in the lower city, dating back probably to the IX century, was rebuilt in the late XIX century. Today entirely built in brick, it features a façade of great simplicity, enriched only by a rosette window and a beautiful portal. It is flanked by a tall Bell Tower with a square base;
- the Church of Christ the King, which features a Bell Tower that also serves as a beacon to the adjacent port;
- the XIV century Church of St. Augustine;
- the XIV century Church of San Francesco;
- the Church of San Paolo;
- the Church of San Pietro;
- the former Town Hall in Civitanova Alta of the XVI century, which houses an art gallery with artworks by Morandi, Carrà, Manzù and other modern artists;
- Villa Eugenia;
- Villa Conti;
- Theatre Rossini;
- Theatre Annibal Caro;
- Theatre Enrico Cecchetti.