Gaspare Spontini was born on 4th November 1774 in Maiolati. He had three brothers and a sister, all designed for the clergy. He was taught the rudiments of music by the master Quintiliani from Monte San Vito and by other masters of Jesi, among which Don Nicholas Bonanni. He entered the Conservatory of “Pietà dei Turchini” in Naples while in Rome he composed his first important work Li puntigli delle donne (1796).
Some of his works were later represented in Rome, Florence, Naples and Venice.
In 1803 Spontini moved to Paris where he soon became famous.
La finta filosofa , La petite maison and Milton (1804) had great success and the Empress Josephine gave him the title of "Composer of the Chapel of Her Majesty the Empress and Queen "(1805). La Vestale was devoted to the Empress and was strongly appreciated by the Emperor Luigi Bonaparte as well.
Fernando Cortez was represented in 1809 and a year later Spontini became the Director of “Opéra Italien”.
On 3rd August 1811 he married Celeste Erard (1790-1878), his “sweet wife”. She was the daughter of a famous manufacturer of pianos and other musical instruments. They had no children.
His third major work Olympia (December 1819) was later modified and devoted to Frederick William III of Prussia who nominated the musician "First Kapellmeister and General Superintendent of the music of the King." Agnes of Hohenstaufen (1829)was Spontini’s last work which he modified in 1837 and dedicated to his wife Celeste. He came back to Maiolati in September 1850. He was already ill and died on 24th january 1851. He was buried in the church of San Giovanni inside the old people’s home while his wife Celeste was allowed to take his heart with her in Paris.
The small ancient village of Castelbellino offers a welcoming atmosphere, where every stone has a memory, every street and every corner have a magical surprise.
Wander around the little-known cultural richnesses, drowning the sense of time in the ancient charm of powerful walls, severe portals, enchanting and colourful landscapes; be entranced by the profane delicacies like the smell of “vincisgrassi”, typical dish in the Marches, running away from the little windows carved into the walls or by the irresistible aroma of Verdicchio wine coming from the castle caves used as cellars.
When you join the village, park the car and go on foot to admire the panoramic views of Esino valley at the end of the multiple short lanes. Parallel to the main entrance road, a winding uphill street leads to Piazza San Marco: the old centre is made up of narrow streets, steep stairways and charming squares.
Admire the castle walls of the fifteenth century and take an exciting tour through the streets of the old town which retain all the charm of past years.
At the top of the castle, once crossed the ancient arch of Proferno way, have a sit in one of the benches in the garden for a fantastic view over the Esino valley. In Piazza San Marco, the Loggia Belvedere dating back to the Renaissance period was once used as a covered market and is today one of the most picturesque corners of Castelbellino: enjoy the pleasant view of the rolling hills overlapping each other to the sea.
Distance: km 21
Time advised: 4 hours (on foot); an hour (by car)
Difficulty: medium
From the archaeological area in Cupramontana, take the road which leads to Follonica, San Paolo until Staffolo.
Along the route, you can visit the ancient Roman aqueduct of Cupramontana (also called “Barlozzo” referring to the sect “Fraticelli”) and the medieval church of San Michele.
Not far from it , the vineyards of Follonica give birth to one of the best Verdicchio doc wines.
The ancient castle of Follonica is famous for its mysterious and legendary events.
At Contrada Battinebbia you can find the Vulcanelli di Fango (small volcanoes of mud) and a precious source rich in minerals, called “Acquasalata”, renowned for its miraculous and therapeutic properties.
Passing through San Paolo di Jesi, you can easily reach Staffolo where its Museo del vino (Wine museum) houses a wide collection of artifacts of winemaking tradition.
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Tel. +39 0731778710
Fax. +39 0731778750
Via Nazario Sauro, 1
60034 Cupramontana (AN)
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