Recanati

Giacomo Leopardi was born here in 1798 and read his way through his father's library of some twenty thousand volumes, damaging his health and eyesight; he called the town narrow and hated it, and left when he could, but wrote the poems that fix it. L'infinito describes a hill and a hedge that blocks the view, and both are identifiable on Monte Tabor above the house, now marked. The family palace is still owned by the Leopardi family and the library is shown with the books as he left them. The tenor Beniamino Gigli was also born in Recanati and has a museum in the town.

History

The area was lived in by the Piceni in prehistoric times, and Recanati was founded around 1150 from three older castles. In 1290 it declared itself an independent republic, and in the 15th century it was famous for its international fair (Wikipedia, Recanati).

What to look for

• The Leopardi library - twenty thousand volumes as the poet used them.
• The hill of L'infinito - the slope and hedge behind the family house.
• The Gigli museum - costumes and recordings of the tenor born here.
• The town views - the Sibillini on one side and the Adriatic on the other.

When to go

April to October; the house is open year-round with reduced winter hours. Guided visits to the library run at set times. Summer brings school groups.

Things to know

The library is seen on a guided visit with fixed slots. The hill is a short walk with a view partly built over. The town is quiet with limited evening life.

Nearby

Loreto lies north; Macerata is inland.

Key facts