Discover Cossignano: Art, Nature and Festivals

Art and History in the Chiesa dell’Annunziata

The Museo civico di arte sacra is located in the Chiesa dell’Annunziata. The museum houses a fresco dated 1530 depicting a “Deposizione dalla Croce”. Its attribution remains open: the fresco is attributed either to Cola dell’Amatrice or to the master Giacomo Bonfini da Patrignone. The most valuable painting in the Chiesa dell’Annunziata is an altarpiece by Vincenzo Pagani, measuring approximately 2.25 × 1.70 metres; Pagani lived from around 1490 to 1568. It depicts Saint Anthony the Great, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Job.

One room within the Chiesa dell’Annunziata also houses the Antiquarium Comunale “Niccola Pansoni”. The Picenian finds illustrate various aspects of everyday life, from food and clothing to domestic activities and warfare. On display are kitchen ceramics, ornaments, jewellery, tools and weapons. There are also explanatory reconstruction drawings and information panels in Italian and English.

The Archivio Storico Comunale preserves documents dating from 1373 to 1983. These include the original manuscript of the municipal statutes from 1581. Prior booking and approval by the department responsible for resident services are required to consult the documents; on Saturdays, a time slot from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is available.

Medieval Walls and Green Spaces

The medieval castle walls of Cossignano date from the period after municipal autonomy was established in 1291. Their oldest and best-preserved sections are marked by pointed arches. The Porta di Levante is also known as the Porta del Burgo and Porta di S. Giorgio; it is the most significant and best-preserved remnant of the former castle wall.

At the foot of the southern town wall lies Parco da Sole. The Belvedere di Ponente is a new green space next to Piazzale Europa.

Le Cese Nature Trail

On the Le Cese nature trail, a connection halfway along the route allows for a shorter 5.3-kilometre loop. The trail passes through agricultural land and wooded areas. Around 80 per cent of the route is unpaved; signage following CAI conventions is provided in both directions.

Festivals, Cuisine and Regional Traditions

The medieval Festa “Cossignano, castellum Martis” features costumed historical groups, flag throwers, drummers, dances, medieval games and fireworks in the historic centre. The Cossignano Medioevo Festival always takes place between the end of July and the beginning of August and comprises two traditional elements.

The Festa e Fiera di San Giorgio commemorates the patronal feast of Saint George on 23 April and ends on 25 April with a fair featuring numerous exhibitors. There are also sections dedicated to horticulture, typical foods and handicrafts.

Between the end of July and the beginning of August, the traditional Sagra del “fritto misto all’ascolana” takes place in Piazza Europa. The menu includes stuffed olives, Cremini, fried onions, mushrooms, courgettes and pieces of turkey. These are accompanied by wines from local producers made from indigenous grape varieties in the DOCG, DOC and IGT categories, as well as dry biscuits from local bakeries.

More Destinations

Other destinations include Rotella, Il Palazzo, Montalto delle Marche, Castignano, Montelparo, Roccafluvione, Amandola and Pastina.

To the overview of the wider area: Ascoli Piceno.