Monsano is historically noted in 1197 as a dependency of the abbey of Valfucina (St. Vicino). Up to the end of the 13th century it was the Villa connected to the parish church of San Giovanni (the church of S. Giovanni would continue to exist until 1897 as a ‘burial’ church); it became a castle possibly from 1340 once Jesi, under the direct rule of the Holy See, lost Monte San Vito which passed to Ancona. As well as being an important industrial and commercial hub, Monsano is known for its typical 15th century walls, very original in their shape and layout in the form of a regular rectangle which can be seen nowhere else in the Esino valley. In the historic centre stands the Church of the Sacrament, formerly known as Santa Maria del Soccorso. Constructed in the 16th century, it was the residence of the Apostolic Brethren, and was rebuilt from the foundation up in 1701. Inside there are some paintings by Domenico Luigi Valori, dating from 1736. Near the Castle can be found the Church of St. Peter the Apostle, the nucleus of which dates back to the 12th century. Inside it conserves an interesting ‘pala’ (single-panel altarpiece) by Claudio Ridolfi depicting a ‘Madonna and Child and the Saints Francesco and Stefano’, dating from the 17th century, and a painting by Valeri. Outside the town, in a picturesque setting that has remained unchanged over time, stands the Church of S. Maria degli Aròli, in Romanesque-Gothic style. In the district of S. Maria there is a Sanctuary of the same name, the construction of which began in 1471, the year of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in the area. Inside the Sanctuary visitors can admire a splendid fresco of the Madonna, recently discovered in its original form and which has been painstakingly restored. In the locality of Sant’Ubaldo the 18th century Villa Pianetti can be found, with its impressive architecture and the magnificent park. The most important event of the year takes place in August, the Monsano Folk Festival, an international itinerant celebration of original and revival folk music.