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History The origins of
Fermignano (once Firmidianus) can be traced back lo about the 200 BC, the name
probably deriving sists of the older Roman from a Roman legionnaire, Firmidio.
In 207 BC the Roman Army battled the Carthaginians on a vast plain (now called
San Silvestro) very near the present day Fermignano. The Roman bridge, which
crosses the Metauro al a bend in the river, made this point strategically
important. The city grew around the bridge and its importance was later
underscored by the construction of a medieval tower - the symbol of Fermignano -
guarding the crossing. Throughout Fermignano, traditionally under Montefeltro
domination, one can see reminders of its ancient and more recent past. An
unusual and unique city complex, often mentioned in architectural digests, rises
next lo the river This architectural groupin consist of the older Roman Bridge,
the medieval tower and an adjacent woollen goods factory (once a
paper-manufacturing facility) - parts of the later being emblematic of ]9th
century industrial architecture. From this nucleus, walking along the old main
street (Corso Bramante) towards the towns maí'n solare (Piazza Garibaldi),
visitors may stop to admire the beautiful portal of Palazzo Calistri on the
right. Severalpaces beyond one sees an example of a once common 'porta del
morto' (a narrow door near the main entrance of a residence opened up only in
occasion of a death and subsequent funeral). The historical centre opens UP off
Corso Bramante and winds through characteristic alleys and smaller courtyards
and squares in one of which stands the old parish church of S. Veneranda. The
earlier parish church of St. John the Baptist con be seen on the outskirts of
the city. Other churches of importance in Fermignano are St. Silvester (San
Silvestro in Iscleto), near Urbania and St. John (San Giovanni di Silvano).
Paintings by Lazzarini andfollowers, once io be seen in the older S. Veneranda,
have been transferred along with the church's crucifix io the more modern parish
church built beyond the main square. A structure from the 1400's, evidenced by
its gothic portals, stands next io the newer parish church. It should be
remembered that at about a kilometre from the centre of Fermignano stands
"l'Isola", Bonaventuras beautiful country villa surrounded on three sides by the
Metauro river, hence the name 'Island'. In the summer of 1578, Torquato Tasso
was a guest in the renaissance stvle villa and it was there that he wrote the
poem 'Al Metauro'.Renaissance architect Donato Bramante (14441514) was born in
Fermignano. Afterfirst observing the recent developments in architecture at the
court of Urbino, he continued the work of Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista
Alberti ln developing the principles of the 'new' Renaissance architecture. |
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