The nominated property includes the blocks located near the Teatro Giuseppe Persiani and those fronting onto Piazza Giacomo Leopardi. Near the theatre is the Church of San Michele. Further along Via Cavour, at the highest point of Recanati town centre, is Palazzo Venieri, part residence, part castle. Opposite Palazzo Venieri is one of the city’s most important green spaces, Parco Beniamino Gigli. This park is spread over three levels and provides stunning panoramic views of the Apennines and the Marche hinterland. Among the main buildings overlooking Piazza Giacomo Leopardi is the neoclassical Palazzo Comunale (town hall). This structure was built in the late 19th century to mark the 100th birthday of the poet Giacomo Leopardi. In the centre of the square is a monument dedicated to Recanati’s famous poet, around which a new square and arcaded walkway were built. On the south side of the square is Torre del Borgo, with its swallowtail merlons. Other notable buildings include Palazzo Galamini, which retains elements of its 16th-century architecture. The Church of San Domenico was constructed after the arrival of the Dominican Fathers in 1272 and has undergone several remodels over the centuries.
The Teatro Giuseppe Persiani in Recanati preserves some of the stage equipment used histor-ically that contributes to its cultural significance and heritage: a thunder machine for sound effects; wooden winches; wooden sets; a historic backdrop. All rigging is operated manually. Heavy loads are lifted using fibre ropes secured to the floor with cleats. The head blocks on the wooden grid are designed for manual fly lines. This equipment is essential for the continued operation of the theatre and an example of historic technology that is still in use today.
The Teatro Giuseppe Persiani is managed by AMAT – Associazione Marchigiana Attività Teatrali. The theatre’s programme includes a season of live performances promoted by the City of Recanati in partnership with AMAT and with support from Regione Marche and the Ministry of Culture. Audiences can enjoy a variety of cultural events and performances, including drama, comedy, dance, and musical theatre. La Domenica al Persiani (Sundays at the Persiani) is a programme of theatre performances for children held on Sunday afternoons. Other activities include: opera concerts (Memorial Gigli); abridged opera (Gigli Opera Festival); concerts (Musicultura); theatre workshops (XsianiXnoi); artist-in-residence programmes; matinee performances for schools. Schools, organisations, and private individuals can rent the theatre as a venue for conferences, concerts, dance recitals, amateur theatre performances, and audio-visual productions. Additionally, the Teatro Giuseppe Persiani encourages participation in theatrical events by offering ticket discounts to students of several local educational institutions.
On the second floor of the theatre is the Beniamino Gigli Museum, dedicated to the great tenor and native of Recanati. It houses a collection of stage costumes, scores, documents, long play re-cords, and other exhibits related to the great singer. Along with the MUM music museum, these three esteemed cultural establishments make Recanati an innovative and vibrant city of culture.
