Ostra (AN)

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Ostra-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Ostra
name=Ostra
region = Marche
province = Ancona (AN)
elevation_m = 188
area_total_km2 = 46.59
population_as_of = February, 2007
population_total = 6374
population_density_km2 = 134
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|43|36|53|N|13|9|33|E
frazioni = Pianello, Casine, Vaccarile
telephone = 071
postalcode = 60010
gentilic = Ostrensi
saint = St. Gaudenzio
day = October 14
mayor = Lorenzo Cioccolanti
mapx=43.66

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mapy=13.217
website = [http://www.comune.ostra.an.it www.comune.ostra.an.it]

Ostra is a town and "comune" in the Marche, central Italy, near the modern Ostra Vetere, south-east of Senigallia.

The original name of the town was Montalboddo, then in 1881 the name was changed to Ostra, like the ancient roman city located near the modern town of Ostra.

Geography

Ostra lies on a hill over the Misa river valley, in typical Italian country landscape. It is the most important town in the hinterland of Senigallia, only 14 km from the Adriatic coast. Close by is the city of Jesi (18 km), while Ancona, the capital of the region Marche, is 40 km away.The nearest railway station is Senigallia, while the Raffaello Sanzio Airport (Ancona-Falconara) is 30 km away.

Main sights

Piazza dei Martiri

At the heart of the town is Piazza dei Martiri ("Martyrs' square") the most important square in the town. Here you can find the 16th century City Tower (33 meters high), rebuilt in the XX century after being bombed in World War II, the Municipal Building with its arches and its marble staircase and the St. Francis' Church, built in the 13th century.

Defensive wall

Built in the late Middle Ages the wall surrounding the town is perfectly preserved for a total length of 1,200 meters. It still has nine great towers and two main entrances.

Madonna della Rosa Sanctuary

Located a few hundreds metres out of town, this Sanctuary devoted to Holy Mary is one of the most important in Italy, visited every year by many pilgrims coming both from Italy and Europe. It has been built in 1754 after Holy Mary appeared to a young girl and fosters a miracolous image of the Virgin.

Twin towns

* Markt Schwaben, Germany