Pollenza lies in a panoramic position on a ridge between the valleys of the Chienti and Potenza rivers. The town was built in medieval times and was originally called Montemilione and it still preserves the town layout from that period including the defensive wall, modified several times, with the ancient gateways. Its current name, Pollenza, was adopted in 1962 and comes from the Roman "Pollentia".

The oldest traces of human presence date back to the Iron Age and they were discovered near Monte Franco, to the north of the modern town. Several old communities lived in this area and this is documented by the discovery of a large necropolis with tombstones dating back to the 8^th century b. C.

Worth visiting is the abbey of Rambona, very powerful in the upper Middle Ages, whose Lombard origins date back to the 8^th century; Palazzo Cento, a 16^th century palace owned by the Count Moroni from Rome and, from 1935, by the Cento family. Here stayed Giacomo Leopardi’s family from Recanati.  At present it’s the seat of the Town Museum, of the Library and the Picture Gallery, and last but not least, of the Vespa Museum, one of the very few museums in the world with original scooters, unique exhibits and exclusive materials.

Near Porta della Croce gate you can find the collegiate church of St. Biagio, with Green cross plant, built on a design by the architect De Mattia from Treia. It’s named after the doctor and bishop from Sebaste who was put to death because of his faith. Among the various works, there’s a 16^th century crucifix in polychrome wood. Through a nice cloister, joint to the very interesting Giuseppe Verdi local theatre,  you get to  the church of Saints Francis and Anthony. In the 13^th century it was controlled by the abbey of Rambona and in 1215 it hosted St. Francis from Assisi during his travel to Loreto. Inside it houses a very precious altarpiece representing St. Anthony from Padua, painted on a gold background by the painter called Lorenzo D’Alessandro da San Severino.

Pollenza boasts a 500 year production of artistic craftsmanship, starting from pottery, majolica and then wood, which has turned into antique trade and furniture conservation and restoration. For this reason, every year, in mid- July, there’s an event called “Exhibition of Antiques, restauration and artistic craftsmanship”.

The historic center, the monuments and the museums of the town are partially accessible. For information please write to Toll-free Number Marche Tourism (numeroverde.turismo@regione.marche.it) or contact the phone numbers listed below.