FERMO, the ancient Firmum, an archiepiscopal city of central Italy, capital of a cognominal delegation in the Papal States, 34 miles S. by E. of Ancona. The city is surrounded by old walls, and has besides the cathedral numerous churches and convents, a university, and two fine collections of statuary and paintings. Lactantius and Galeazzo Sforza were born here. The port, Porto di Fermo, is situated on the Adriatic, about four miles from the town. The harbour is small, but has some trade in corn, silk, and woollens. Pop. 7000.