We followed our own good advice and arrived in Ostra Vetere at about 10 or 10.30, while it was still lively. It is a pleasant small town with a welcoming atmosphere.
We soon found ourselves in the main piazza which was quite delightful. It is dominated by the former cloister of the church of San Francesco, in Piazza della Liberta, which is now a meeting place for old people where they can chat and play with their grandchildren.
Ostra Vetere: ex-cloister of San Francesco
Ostra Vetere: ex-cloister of San Francesco
The cloisters are decorated with frescoes – photos below.
Ostra Vetere ex-cloister of San Francesco; part of a series of frescoes of Franciscan miracles.
Ostra Vetere ex-cloister of San Francesco; another miracle
Ostra Vetere ex-cloister of San Francesco; another miracle this time performed by St Francis himself, judging by his appearance
Ostra Vetere ex-cloister of San Francesco; St Francis performs another miracle
Ostra Vetere ex-cloister of San Francesco; an angel appears to St Francis
There is also a caffè in the piazza, though you can’t sit outside in summer in the earlier part of the morning as the sun is too strong. We coincided with the visit of the greengrocer’s van and bought some local tomatoes. They were ok, but generally tomatoes were a bit disappointing this August – any comments, Giulia (Valle Nuova)?
Walking uphill from the piazza, we passed this fine portal.
Ostra Vetere; church of San Severo; 13th century portal from the church of San Francesco del Mercatale
Details of the portal are shown below.
Ostra Vetere; church of San Severo; 13th century portal detail with winged beast
Continued in Ostra Vetere Part 2
Hill towns of Le Marche, Italy 