Point 7: schools
In the past, in the building where we are now, there were schools and there were only three classrooms: one for first elementary class, one for second elementary class and one for third elementary class. In another building nearby, where now there is the San Vito Giovani Association, there was the fourth elementary class.
Until 1935 in San Vito sul Cesano the fifth elementary class didn’t exist, therefore those who wanted to continue their studies had to necessarily go to Pergola.
Between the 1940s and 1950s, above the arch, there was a dance hall, only used during Carnival period for about four or five Saturday nights per year.
Going up the stone made staircase, at the top, there was the shop to buy food and drink.
During the winter period, when there were less works to do in the countryside, many people went to evening schools, the so-called multi-classes.
They could attend a sort of continuing education and brush up on the lessons learned in previous years.
In the 1960s, the new school was built next to the Parish Church, and one of the rooms of the old school was used as the headquarter of the Mutual Aid Society.
The new building just inaugurated included only the elementary school and was divided into only three classrooms. Then, in the 1970s, the kindergarten was built and it was located on the first floor of the building between the public gardens and the Parish Church, now used as low-income housing.
In 1984 the kindergarten was definitively closed, because of the demographic decline in many small villages: there were only 8 children left and the minimum number to keep it open was 13.
In this point it is also possible to see a commemorative plaque dedicated to Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher, writer and Dominican friar who lived in the 16th century. The plaque was placed here by the inhabitants on August 28th in year 1910, during the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the fall of the temporal power of the Pope.
A newspaper of September 10th in year 1910 wrote as follows: “On August 28th, a marble memorial realized by Mr. Francesco Nicoletti from Sant’Ippolito was inaugurated in our village in the name of Giordano Bruno, the martyr of the free thought “.
The Epigraph written by Prof. Giulio Grimaldi is the following: “Oh Giordano Bruno, let your name be here in the sun that saw you to the stake.”
It is not a coincidence that the plaque was affixed above the main entrance of the village and on the external wall of the school. It has a symbolic meaning.
It remember the farmers’ awareness of their social and economic condition, of exploitation by the bourgeoisie, but above all by the clergy. This awareness increased after the spread of anarchist, socialist and anti-clerical ideas during the Risorgimento, in Marche region and above all in the territories subject to the Papal State.
It has a strong emotional impact of revenge.
Point 8: the temple of SS. Sacramento
We are now in front of an ancient door and in front of the Temple of the SS. Sacramento, belonging to the Confraternity of the Sacrament, one of the most important and active in our area.
Go to point 8