Holiday apartment in Ostra: churches, theatre and wine
Accommodation in Ostra
Ostra between hilltop, city walls and the Misa Valley
Ostra is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Misa Valley and the characteristic landscape of the Marche. The townscape itself combines different impressions: Ostra Alta encompasses the Rocca and winding, circular medieval streets, while Ostra Bassa, also known as the plain, has regular and symmetrical streets. This layout dates back to a settlement planned between 1280 and 1350 around the Abbey of Santa Croce. From the A14, you can reach Ostra via the Senigallia exit and the SP 360 towards Ostra.
Teatro La Vittoria and churches in Ostra
Teatro La Vittoria is integrated into the town hall; its current structure dates from 1863. After extensive renovation work, it reopened on 6 January 1998. Since then, it has hosted theatrical performances, children’s and youth theatre, concerts and amateur activities every year. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium has 29 boxes. Historical stage machinery that is still operational has been preserved above the stage.
The Basilica Collegiata di Santa Croce is located in the lower part of the old town. It was built after the year 1000 and initially served as a Benedictine abbey; on 3 November 2008, it was granted the title of minor basilica. The Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso dates from 1333 and houses a life-size wooden crucifix from the early 18th century, a work by the sculptor Bartolomeo Silvestri da Verrucchio. The Chiesa di San Francesco and its adjoining Minorite monastery date back at least to 1279. Inside are frescoes by Filippo Bellini and several paintings by Ercole Ramazzani. Relics of Saint Gaudentius of Rimini are also venerated there, probably since as early as the 15th century.
The furnishings of the Chiesa di San Rocco include an organ dating from 1771 by the Paduan organ builder Gaetano Callido, as well as paintings by Giovanni Brandi da Poli, from the workshop of Pietro da Cortona and probably from the workshop of Federico Barocci. Tables and wood panelling made of walnut have been preserved in the refectory of the former monastery beside the Chiesa di San Rocco.
Museum, palaces and sacred highlights
The Museo Città di Ostra is currently temporarily housed in a room on the first floor and along the gallery of the 18th-century Palazzo dei Padri Conventuali. Among its most important paintings are a canvas by Andrea Sacchi (1599–1661) and a painting by the French painter Francesco Perrier (1587 or 1590–1650). The Palazzo Gabuzzi Fedeli Luzi has a structure typical of the 17th century, with characteristic small balconies and curved wrought-iron railings. The building also contains valuable paintings and a chapel dedicated to Saint Pius V. Originally dedicated to San Giuseppe, the Chiesa di San Filippo Neri was rebuilt in 1781 by the Oratorians, or Filippini, and was then given the name San Filippo; it houses a painting by Claudio Ridolfi.
The Santuario della Madonna della Rosa was built between 1748 and 1754 around the original chapel. The late Baroque floor plan is in the shape of a Greek cross. The façade and bell tower were added between 1887 and 1891 in the Neo-Baroque style. In one of its chapels, the sanctuary houses numerous votive offerings and two Turkish flags dating from 1717.
Wine, olive oil and local traditions
Ostra’s wine profile includes Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba. In the area, extra virgin olive oil is produced mainly from the characteristic Raggia olive variety. Sapori di Ostra promotes local varieties through themed gatherings and tastings, among other activities. Another established tradition is the annual fair held in October for the festival honouring the town’s patron saint, San Gaudenzio; its history dates back to 1670.
Discover other places in the same selection with Ostra Vetere, Castelfidardo, Morro D'alba, Cerquete, Castelbellino, Bettolelle, Nebbiano and Poggio San Marcello.
To the overarching travel overview: Ancona.
