This life of this town revolves around the memory of one of Italy's leading poets, Giacomo Leopardi, as well as the more recent and perhaps more affectionate memory of tenor Beniamino Gigli. Recanati became important during early Middle Ages and the centuries that followed: the Commune was established in the twelfth century to defend the inhabitants from the raids of the Osimans. Frederick II gave the city the right to build a port (modern-day Porto Recanati). The city was also involved in the struggle between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. When the bishop's see was united with the one of Loreto in 1952, however, the city rapidly declined.In the centre of Piazza Leopardi, there is a monument to the great poet, the 1898 work of Panichi to commemorate the centennial of the poet's birth.Torre del Borgo is on the left. Built in the twelfth century, it is fairly well preserved and the Ghibelline merlons are visible at the top of the tower.
The wide and impressive Palazzo Comunale is quite dramatic. The top floor holds the Picture Gallery, which also dates from 1898 and has several outstanding works of art.The Romanesque Church of San Domenico is also in the square, and it was built during the fourteenth century. Art-lovers must be sure to see the Diocesan Museum. Needless to say, a visit to Palazzo Leopardi, at no. 5 Via Antici, is not just a cultural experience but a spiritual one. The famous Leopardi study centre is located next to the family home, and it has a library with microfilm or copies of all the writings of the great poet born in Recanati.