The Museo Sistino di Arte Sacra di Montalto delle Marche displays the famous Montalto Reliquary, a masterpiece of French 14th-century metalwork, featuring gold reliefs, gilded silver and enamel, and adorned with gems, pearls and a cameo.
It is a panel-shaped reliquary, with an elaborate silver pedestal surmounted by a panel depicting the Dead Christ supported by an angel, with other scenes from the Passion of Christ at the sides. The work was probably made in the workshop of the Parisian goldsmith Jan du Vivier, commissioned by the King of France, Charles V. The reliquary left the French court and went on to form part of a number of princely collections during the 15th century (such as the collection of Lionello d’Este in Ferrara), before arriving in the Vatican. Here it attracted the attention of Sixtus V, who decided to present it to Montalto delle Marche, his adopted town.
This museum also features another gift of gold presented to the town by Sixtus V: a vestment in red silk satin and gold thread, made in the mid-16th century using the or nuè technique (in this technique the gold is applied to the canvas support with the design marked out upon it, before being covered by silk threads in various colours and shades).
TRAVEL TIPS
Accomodation
Agriturismo Dolci Marche
Contrada Moglie, 32, 0736828427; gem.agostino@yahoo.it – www.agriturismo-dolci-marche.it
Terre Vineate
Via Sant’Alberto, 8; 0736828823; info@terrevineate.it; www.terrevineate.it
Eating out
Agriturismo Dolium
Contrada Valle, 2; 335 6887152; info@dolium.it www.sibillinivacanze.com
Agriturismo Cerquatonda
Contrada Cerquatonda, 4; 3396288959; info@agriturismocerquatonda.it www.agriturismocerquatonda.it
What to see
Museo Sistino Vescovile, Piazza Sisto V
Christmas – Easter – Summer Scheduled opening
Entrance fee €1.00
Musei Civici, Piazza Umberto I, 12
October – June 3 pm-5 pm (Sat-Sun)
June – September 5 pm-7 pm (Mon-Sun); 6 pm-midnight (during public holidays)
Entrance fee Free
What to buy
Azienda Agricola I Sapori dei Monti – Preserves and bottled fruit
Contrada Montecantino, 20, Massignano; 3889421289; info@isaporideimonti.it; www.isaporideimonti.com
