Mercatino
della Calzatura
The
shoemakers in Monte Urano
“...Slippers
are an other handcraft. They are grossly said ciocie or chiochiere
[...].The export figures are extraordinary and their strength against
competition is simply astonishing [...] The variety of the production
makes the difference. Monte Urano shoemakers are not limited to the
typical production of common slippers. They range from the elegant
footwear for ladies, to the summer shoes and lucid leather slippers for
the beautiful town-girls”
(Giuseppe
Branca, Fra i Sibillini e l’Adriatico, 1896).
The
memories of a man that had a look around in the alleys of Monte Urano a
century ago outlines the character of the village. It was already
distinguished for the quality and variety of its products.
The international notoriety that Monte Urano boasts nowadays is the
result of a long handcraft tradition. Since the beginning of 1800 the
first shoemakers made their appearance in the area. A Ministerial
survey held in 1808 showed in fact the presence of small shoemaker
laboratories. They produced “chiochiere”, plain slippers or
with a weave.
Women
started to contribute to the production when the first mechanic sewing
machines were produced at the end of the nineteenth century. They would
fringe the outsoles often working at home. After the Second World War
the shoe production increased in the area of Monte Urano. The factories
began to focus on youngster footwear
The
success of Monte Urano firms is all given to the entrepreneurial
disposition and creativity
together with an always increasing degree of industrialization. Shoes
made in Monte Urano are worldwide appreciated for their design and
comfort and for the quality of the products used.
Every
Friday night in July
and the first in August see
Monte Urano becoming an open air show room. Piazza della Libertà,
overlooked by the Medieval Civic Tower (XIX century) hosts the Mercatino
della Calzatura. The event is longed for because of the
novelties presented and for warehouse prices.
High quality products at low prices are in fact on display on the stalls
in the square. Artistic exhibitions and music make the atmosphere
relaxing and enjoyable for all those who want to stop for a pizza or an
ice-cream.
The
Mercatino could be a chance to visit the village of Monte Urano. It is
perched on a hill, and is characterized by a net of typical alleys. The
Tower is embellished by a Nineteenth century clock, that is still
perfectly working. Porta del Sole, so called because of its exposition
to the South, offers a wonderful view of the Tenna Valley, beautifully spotted by
little sparkling lights at night. The park boasts the same beautiful
view that could be enjoyed while having a walk through the handcraft
market on the same July nights as the Mercatino della Calzatura.