In Colli al Metauro all boroughs keep their identity and their characteristics, but make up a homogeneous bunch of historical boroughs, built according to the architectural rules of the political, religious and economic power, which were practiced in buildings close to each other. Steep stairways, the path to the centre of each hamlet, are a prelude to, and the stage for, what awaits us. Famous are the long and crossing each other Saltara stairways, which from Garibaldi Square climb the slanting walls and reach to the long and narrow covered market, a national unicum enlightened by the light that flows in through the wide windows. In the summertime, these stairways are also a privileged place to enjoy the music played by groups who perform in “Saltarua” (Jumping on the road), a festival that attracts many famous artists. The market overlooks a roof garden, a balcony protected by a red drake, the emblem of the hamlet. The promenade carries on along the alleys surrounding the square, where on Good Friday the traditional procession of the Dead Christ takes place, with a cortège of citizens dressed like ancient Roman soldiers, apostles and ancient artisans, in a suggestive re-enactment that unites religion and folklore. Finally, the “prow” is reached of the village in the shape of a ship, where Montemaggiore can be seen from, whose name derives from “Mons Major” (the greater mountain) due to the hill it raises upon. Here too the access takes place through a wide staircase, that leads to the square of the village. From this square, dominated by the bell tower, a wide and magnificent panorama can be enjoyed embracing the whole Metauro valley and reaching down to the sea line. Looking east, towards the opposite shore of the river, Serrungarina can be seen, a borough where the concentric circles of its houses rise up to the main square, the siege of the ancient Civic Council, accessible through the staircase that cuts the village into two and the starting point of tight alleys that offer glimpses of everyday life. In Serrungarina was born Renata Cortiglioni, a historical chorus master who created and directed the white voices choir of RAI, the Italian Broadcasting Company.
Saltara