Montappone

Montappone is a small medieval town where the ancient tradition of handmade hats is still alive.
In order not to lose this tradition, a Hat Museum was created in Montappone. Through projections, pictures, and ancient machineries, visitors can learn how hats where traditionally produced. Since 2013, in July, the event “Il Cappello di paglia”- whose realisation involve s more than 200 people – offers to visitors the chance to observe the different phases of the production of straw hats.
This artisan activity is of fundamental importance for the economy of Montappone. The town was built on top of a hill and its economy has always been linked to straw hats production. In the 18th century, sharecrop farmers already used straw to produce a variety of items, such as baskets, hats and brooms. During the centuries, the manufacture techniques improved and a real industry was created.
Since the ancient times, the small medieval town was dominated by the powerful noble family Brunforte, under the influence of the city of Fermo. The artistic heritage also includes S. Maria and S. Giorgio Church and SS. Sacramento Oratory, with its 13th century, cotto tile gate with the brotherhood emblem on top of it.