A brief history of the town
Prehistory
The presence of man during the Eneolithic (Copper Age) is widely documented by numerous archaeological finds discovered in the Capannilico village located in the Ripabianca di Santa Paolina area, on the last small hill on the right bank of the Musone river before it flows into the plain.
From the Piceni to the Roman Empire
Subsequently, in the 6th century B.C., the Senoni Gauls settled even in Santa Paolina, where a very important necropolis, among the most significant in Italy, was found. The customs, traditions, and everything concerning the culture of the Gauls are described by Julius Caesar in his Commentarii de bello civili, in which the narration of military events sometimes gives way to true "ethnographic excursus" following the model of the greatest ancient historians, such as Herodotus and Thucydides. In Roman times, the colony of Veragra was built near the current Fratte, but the settlement was sacked and destroyed in 568 A.D. by the Ostrogoths.
Middle Ages
The first certain sources regarding the foundation of Filottrano date back to 1187 by Pope Gregory VIII, confirming the real existence of Filottrano already in those years. Etymologically, "Filottrano" is the synthesis of the formula "Mons Philiorum Optrani" (Mount of Optrano’s Sons), whom legend holds to be the city's Longobard founder. The people of Filottrano erected a statue in his honor in the post-war period and placed it in the main square, Piazza Mazzini. Initially, Montefilottrano was just a small oppidum, which was gradually enlarged over the centuries. During the Early and then the Late Middle Ages, the city's dwellings and fortifications were expanded; note in this regard the castle walls from approximately the 14th century. At that time, the economy was based on agriculture, as demonstrated by the dense network of caves beneath the town, which served to store provisions during times of famine, war, or particular drought. The caves are not open to visitors, although in some places the entry point can be seen. Also during the medieval period, Filottrano was involved in the conflict between the Guelfs and Ghibellines and, due to both border issues and political-religious interests, was linked to the nearby Cingoli (Cingulum) and Osimo (Auximum), as attested by the famous medieval festival of the "Stivale" (Boot), which brings to life the very suggestive and fascinating atmosphere of those times.
Of considerable importance is the large monastery of Storaco (12th–13th century, though perhaps the first settlements date back six centuries earlier), which no longer exists today, but sources confirm that it was an important pilgrimage site for the neighboring populations. Legend has it that the castle and the monastery were torn down to obtain the bricks needed for the construction of the town. Due to military events, the remaining church was partially damaged and has now been completely abandoned, neglecting its historical and artistic value. Montefilottrano was surrounded by many other "castles," which transitioned from being autonomous to being subjected to the largest castrum due to its importance and favorable higher position.
Modern Era
The town's location holds significant strategic importance, so much so that it was a stronghold that allowed the Allies to advance towards the liberation of Central and Northern Italy. In fact, between July 1st and 9th, 1944, the "Nembo" fought there in the Battle of Filottrano, which was undoubtedly one of the most outstanding operations of the Italian Liberation Corps and remains vivid in the minds of the inhabitants. With the first post-war period and the age of prosperity, the town grew from every point of view: demographically and economically.
The family of the poet from Forlì, Aldo Spallicci, originates from Filottrano.