Pinacoteca Picture Gallery

Recanati is best known for its poet son, Leopardi, but Lorenzo Lotto worked here and died in nearby Loreto. A great collection of his paintings are displayed in Recanati's civic museum called the Museo Villa Colloredo Mels. In the 1500s, the Venetian-born painter was commissioned to paint frescoes and other pieces for the church of San Domenico. Following that he was given work in the Oratorio of Santa Maria dei Mercanti. The frescoes remain in their places in the church of San Domenico, but the paintings are now housed in this museum.

The civic museum contains an art gallery that covers medieval and modern art, along with an archeological section, and a history section. It is worth a visit while you're in Recanati. There is a musical program throughout the summer, too.

Villa Colloredo Mels Museum is open from 10:00 AM til 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM til 7:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

(For Lorenzo Lotto fans: he worked extensively in Le Marche and his works can also be seen in Ancona, Jesi, Macerata, Cingoli, Arcevia and Loreto.)