Palazzo Pianetti: A rococo treasure in the heart of the Marche

In the heart of the Marche region, nestled among gentle hills and just a few kilometers from the blue Adriatic, lies the city of Jesi, home to a jewel of rare beauty and harmony: Palazzo Pianetti. More than a historic building, it is a sumptuous Rococo residence that tells centuries of history, art, and noble splendor — today serving as the guardian of a precious art collection and a living testament to 18th-century elegance in the Marche.

Palazzo Pianetti takes its name from the noble Pianetti family, one of Jesi’s most influential lineages, who commissioned its construction between the late 17th and mid-18th centuries. The aim was clear: to create a residence that would not only reflect the family’s prestige and wealth but also stand as a statement of taste and culture. The result is an architectural masterpiece that blends grandeur and refinement, making it one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture in the region.

With its imposing façade overlooking Via del Fiume, the palace welcomes visitors into an atmosphere from another era. Every room and decorative detail evokes stories of opulent banquets, elegant dances, and the lives of notable figures who once inhabited or frequented these halls.

The Gallery of Stucco: the Beating Heart of Palazzo Pianetti

The undisputed jewel of Palazzo Pianetti is its Gallery of Stucco, an environment of monumental proportions and breathtaking beauty. Stretching approximately 76 meters in length, it is one of the largest and most magnificent Rococo galleries in Italy — a true hymn to the grace and lightness typical of this style. White and gilded stuccoes, crafted with incredible skill, adorn every surface: walls, ceilings, frames, and allegorical statues. Flowing scrolls, dancing cherubs, floral garlands, and mythological figures create a vibrant, continuous arabesque that captures the eye.

Natural light streams through large windows overlooking a charming Italian garden, enhancing the depth and richness of the details and making the experience almost dreamlike. Here, Jesi’s nobility would gather to stroll, converse, and admire art within an atmosphere of refined magnificence.

More Than Stucco: a Civic Museum Inside the Palace

Beyond its architectural beauty, Palazzo Pianetti now houses the Civic Art Gallery of Jesi, enriching the visitor experience with an outstanding collection of artworks ranging from the 15th to the 19th century. The collection offers an overview of art history in the Marche region and beyond.

Among the highlights are masterpieces by Lorenzo Lotto, the great Venetian painter who left a profound mark on the Marche. His works — including the celebrated Pala di San Francesco al Monte and Deposition — allow visitors to admire his refined technique, masterful use of color, and deep psychological insight.

Viewing these paintings within the historical setting of Palazzo Pianetti creates a unique dialogue between pictorial art and its architectural frame. The gallery also features works by artists such as Francesco Mancini, Domenico Peruzzini, and Giovanni Andrea Lazzarini, offering a diverse and engaging exhibition that completes the palace visit.

The Garden and Panoramic View

The charm of Palazzo Pianetti extends beyond its interiors. The building opens onto a lush Italian-style garden, an oasis of tranquility and beauty that invites peaceful strolling. Geometric flowerbeds, classical statues, and fountains form a serene, harmonious setting — perfect for reflection.

Built on a slope overlooking the Esino River, the palace offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley, with sweeping vistas of the Marche countryside — a landscape of cultivated fields and picturesque hilltop towns.

An Unmissable Journey in Jesi

Palazzo Pianetti is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Marche — a place where art, history, and architecture merge into an unforgettable experience. It stands as proof that the Baroque and Rococo styles, with their exuberance and love for the marvelous, created residences that continue to enchant and inspire today.

Address: Via XV Settembre, 10, Jesi (AN)

Opening Hours:

• Monday: 10:00 – 13:00
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00

Tickets:

• Full: €5.00
• Reduced: €3.00

Contacts:

• Phone: +39 0731 538439

Useful Link: http://www.palazzopianetti.it/

Cover photo credits: Sailko (Wikimedia Commons)