Photo: Renato Gatta

HISTORICAL OUTLINES

The location of TOLENTINO is particularly favourable: it stands in the middle of the province of Macerata, on the left bank of river CHIENTI, 224 metres above sea-level. It is surrounded by pleasant hills whose colours are manifold and inimitable. In the distance, the range of the SIBILLINI rises, evoking charming legends about Tannhäuser, Guerrin Meschino and the Sibyl, hidden in the darkness of her cave. Due to its central position, TOLENTINO is the ideal centre of gravity between the coastal area and the mountains zone (both mountains and seaside are about 40 kilometres far from the city, and can easily be reached thanks to a very good network of communications). The present population of TOLENTINO is over 18,000. Its inhabitants are very industrious and this fact is shown by the great number of local firms, many of which well-known and established. Among them we find Arena, Poltrona Frau, Malagrida, Urbis, Delsa, all firms which have succeeded in imposing their presence on international markets. Worthy of a special mention is the specialisation gained by TOLENTINO in the leather industry, an activity which dates back, at least, to the beginning of 15^th century. This manufacturing tradition is today carried on by famous names such as Nazareno Gabrielli, Conceria del Chienti, Laipe and Pelletteria Rosanna. Besides the industrial field, Tolentino is very active from a cultural point of view as well. Manifold, and more and more frequent are the cultural activities which involve the whole city; among them we remember:

- the INTERNATIONAL BIENNAL EXHIBITION OF HUMOUR IN ART, instituted in 1961 after a lucky idea of Luigi Mari;
- the ANNUAL EXHIBITION OF PUBLISHING IN THE MARCHES, which takes place in the Basilica of San Nicola;
- the ANTIQUE EXHIBITION;
- "TOLENTINO 815", the HISTORICAL COMMEMORATION OF THE OF LA RANCIA, which was fought in 1815 between the Austrian army and the forces of Gioacchino MURAT, King of Naples, and which is considered by many historians as the first attempt to gain Italian Independence.

Photo: Renato Gatta

Photo: Renato Gatta