Sistus V, from Felice Peretti to Tough Pope

Sistus V, from Felice Peretti to Tough Pope Felice Peretti was born in Grottammare on 13 December 1521. His father Piergentile, known as Peretto, had taken refuge in this fishing village after being sentenced to exile for ten years by the ecclesiastical authority, perhaps for having shown sympathy for the Duke of Urbinoduring the war with Pope […]

Sistus V and justice

Sistus V and justice In Montalto in 1586 Sistus V established the Presidato, that is a territory of 17 municipalities and lands headed by a ruling Governor with full powers in the administration of justice, including theiussanguinis*. Following this institution, it was necessary to provide a prison facility suitable to cope with the new and wider […]

Sistus V and art

Sistus V and art Portraits of the Montaltese Pope are scarce and, for this reason, their value, rather than artistic, is to give us at least one image of Felice Peretti. In his most famous portrait, by an unknown painter from the Marche region, he is represented with the cardinal’s trappings and a severe expression, worthy […]

Sistus V and Town Planning

Sistus V and Town Planning Although short, the Sistine Pontificate gave a strong impetus to social and economic reorganization, which culminated with a modern, radical renewal of the layout of Rome, seat of the papacy and capital of the Catholic world. Rome had remained a medieval city and had to change. Sistus V himself embodied […]

Curiosities about Sistus V

Curiosities about Sistus V Have you ever heard the saying “better a dead man in the house than an inhabitant of the Marche regionoutside the door“? The saying, particularly known in the regions of Central Italy, refers precisely to the papacy of Sistus V. The Pope chose his own fellow citizens from the Marche regionas tax […]

HISTORIC CONTEXT – THE CENTURY OF SISTUS V

HISTORIC CONTEXT – THE CENTURY OF SISTUS V Sistus V lived in a century characterised by strong religious tensions. In fact, in the 16th century with Alexander VI Borgia as Pope, Savonarola had railed against Si and of the hegemonic* aims of Duke Valentino, son of the Pope. The corruption of ecclesiastical circles, political upheavals and antagonisms led […]

Sistus V and Town Planning

Sistus v and the Mint in Montalto delle Marche

Sistus v and the Mint in Montalto delle Marche Sistus V, an energetic man and, later, was a Pope aware of his pastoral and political mission. He became Pope in a difficult and depressed socio-economic climate. Finance, the treasury and money represent the sectors in which the versatility of the Piceno Pope was most evident. […]

Sistus V and his family

Sistus V and his family Sistus V was very attached to his family, which was notable for its illustrious representatives but also by tragic events. In particular, Felice showed special attention tohis elder sister Camilla (1519-1605) who was described by Pope Clement VIII as a “woman of high sense and capable of governing peoples”. It is evident that spiritual […]