ANCIENT ORIGINS

In ancient times Santa Maria Nuova was called Santa Maria delle Ripe. In 1201 A.D. this hamlet was under the lordship of Jesi, from which it became independent only in the late nineteenth century. Remains of a funerary aedicule and a decorated villa both dating back to Roman times were found in the archeological site of Pietrolone. 

ART AND SPIRITUALITY

Located in the town square, the “Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova” church hosts an eighteenth century mechanical organ and an altar with polychrome ceramics by Vitali da Foligno. It is the first example of an altar facing the devotees after the second Vatican Council reform. 

We also suggest you visit the beautiful eighteenth-century “Chiesa di San Giuseppe” church, characterized by fine decorative plasterwork, late baroque altars, a wooden eighteenth-century crucifix, and paintings, including one dating back to the 17th century and attributed to the painter Aquilini. 

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

In the summer months several festivals and events are organized such as the “Festa del cacciatore” (Festival of the Hunter) in the early June, “Sant’Antonio da Padova” festival of the patron saint on June 13th, “Campionato italiano e mondiale dell’organetto” (World and Italian Organ Championship) at the end of June, the “Manifestazione Internazionale di pattinaggio a rotelle”  (International Roller Skating Exhibition), and the “Campionato regionale di Bob Kart” (Regional Karting Championship) in August.