Urbisaglia

Infobox CityIT
img_coa =urbisaglia-Stemma.jpg
official_name = Comune di Urbisaglia
name=Urbisaglia|mapx= 43.2|mapy=13.383
region = Marche
province = Macerata (MC)
elevation_m =310
area_total_km2 = 22
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 2768
population_density_km2 = 126
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|43|12|N|13|23|E
frazioni =
telephone = 0733
postalcode = 62010
gentilic =
saint =
day =
mayor =
website = [http://www.urbisaglia.sinp.net/default.asp?cod_org=C55 www.urbisaglia.sinp.net]

Urbisaglia is a town and commune in the province of Macerata, Marche, Italy.

History

Urbs Salvia was the meeting-point of several ancient roads; the road leading south from Ancona to Ascoli Piceno was crossed here at right angles by that from Fano to Tolentino, "Septempeda" (San Severino Marche) and "Nuceria Camellaria" (Nocera Umbra), while another led north-east from Urbs Salvia to Pausulae and the coast at "Potentia" (near modern Porto Recanati). It seems to have been also called "Pollentia".

The date of its foundation is unknown, but it became a colony in the time of Trajan, and its importance seems to begin from this period. It was utterly destroyed by Alaric, and both Procopius (E.G. ii. 16, 17) and Dante (Paradise, xvi. 73) speak of its desolation.

Main sights

The area is occupied by the modern town; below it considerable remains of the city walls and of the buildings within them, alike of brickwork of the imperial period, are preserved an amphitheatre measuring 110 x 76 m, with an arena 58 x 34 m, a theatre, baths, tombs, and others. A subterranean aqueduct and a number of inscriptions have been found on the site. Close by is a little chapel with paintings of the early 16th century. The Romanesque Abbey of Fiastra, about 5 km to the north, is noticeable.

The territory of ancient Urbs Salvia probably extended as far as the old Romanesque church of "S. Maria di Rambona", 13 km to the north-west.

References

*1911