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Ostra (AN)

Ostra
Comune
Comune di Ostra
Panorama ostra.jpg
Coat of arms of Ostra
Coat of arms
Ostra is located in Italy
Ostra
Ostra
Location of Ostra in Italy
Coordinates: 43°36′53″N 13°9′33″E / 43.61472°N 13.15917°E / 43.61472; 13.15917
Country Italy
Region Marche
Province / Metropolitan city Ancona (AN)
Frazioni Pianello, Casine, Vaccarile
Government
 • Mayor Massimo Olivetti
Area
 • Total 46.59 km2 (17.99 sq mi)
Elevation 188 m (617 ft)
Population (28 February 2009)
 • Total 6,718
 • Density 140/km2 (370/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Ostrensi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 60010
Dialing code 071
Patron saint St. Gaudenzio
Saint day October 14
Website Official website

Ostra is a town and comune in the Marche, central Italy, near the modern Ostra Vetere, south-east of Senigallia.

The original name of the town was Montalboddo. In 1881 the name was changed to Ostra, like the ancient Roman city located near the modern town of Ostra.

Ancient Ostra was situated between the modern town of Ostra and Ostra Vetere and was inhabited from the 3rd century BC until the 6th century AD.

Pliny the Elder mentions Ostra with another ancient town, Suasa, 8 kilometres (5 mi) west. Neither town survived beyond the classical period. Though Ostra is little mentioned by ancient authors, excavations there have brought to light remains of various buildings and several inscriptions.

Modern Ostra lies on a hill over the Misa river valley, in a typical Italian country landscape. It is the most important town in the hinterland of Senigallia, only 14 kilometres (9 mi) from the Adriatic coast. Close by is the city of Jesi (18 km), while Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region, is 40 kilometres (25 mi) away.

The nearest railway station is that of Senigallia, while the Raffaello Sanzio Airport (Ancona-Falconara) is 30 kilometres (19 mi) away.

At the heart of the town is Piazza dei Martiri (Martyrs' square) the most important square in the town. Here is the 16th century city tower, 33 metres (108 ft) high, rebuilt in the 20th century after being bombed in World War II. Here also are the municipal building with its arches and its marble staircase and the St. Francis' Church, built in the 13th century.

Built in the late Middle Ages the wall surrounding the town is perfectly preserved for a total length of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). It still has nine great towers and two main entrances.


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