Hinterland

Hinterland and excursions

Many people are unaware that besides the sparkling life on the coast there is another dimension to Riccione: the splendid nearby countryside. Just a very short distance away you can find breathtaking scenery and fascinating castles and fortresses rich in history, where the epic deeds of the ancient Malatesta lords still live on.

Casteldelci

An area rich in perennial springs, it reached its greatest splendour in the Middle Ages when its strategic position favoured the building of fortresses and castles.
Today, the Mediaeval part of Casteldelci can be visited by walking along the Ponte Vecchio and admiring the Gattara towers, the del Monte tower and the bell tower. A stop at the museum will take visitors on a journey from pre-history to proto-history, the Roman period and the Middle Ages.

Coriano

Coriano lies among historic farms rich in olive groves and vineyards, the ideal place for relaxing walks in the Marano River Park and in Rio Melo Valley. Local products are celebrated in the Sangiovese Red Wine Festival in August and the Olive Fair in autumn.

Gemmano

The place for lovers of healthy living in a natural environment abounding in fascinating walking routes through the Conca Valley. Don’t miss the Onferno caves, of outstanding geological and wildlife interest. And for a rest, test the Sangiovese and Trebbiano wines that go well with the delicious roast meat of local cuisine.

Maiolo

Maiolo still retains its old boroughs, farmhouses and small squares. The dazzling beauty of the sunsets and views that span from Mount Fumaiolo to the Alpe della Luna, Mount Carpegna, the turrets of San Leo, the towers of San Marino and as far as the sea make Maiolo a unique place from which to observe the entire Montefeltro area.

Gradara

Immortalised in the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca narrated by Dante, Gradara owes its fame to the magnificent fortress which during the third weekend in July is the setting for the mediaeval recalling "Seduction in the Castle". The typical local dish is "bigol", hand-made spaghetti with porcini mushrooms or meat sauce.

Mondaino

The jewel of this village is the market place, Piazza Maggiore, semi-circular and surrounded by a neo-classical portico. Visit the church of San Michele and the monastery of the Poor Clares and St Francis. The most important event is the “Palio del Daino” (3rd week in August) a historic re-enactment which recalling the Middle Ages. On the table: ravioli with ricotta cheese and nettles, and roast meat with plum sauce.

Montecolombo

The historic village of Montecolombo huddles around its famous 11th-century castle. Don’t miss the 18th-century painting by Brancaleoni in San Martino church. In July you can find local specialities at the “Tripe and Strozzaprete pasta festival”.

Montefiore Conca

Fine works of art and traditional crafts can be found while strolling the narrow streets of Montefiore, where the magnificent, imposing Malatesta fortress dominates the village. “Rocca di Luna” cultural event and "Chestnut Festival" are happenings not to be missed. On the table: passatelli in broth, roast chestnuts and new wine.

Montegridolfo

Among all the mediaeval villages in the Rimini area, Montegridolfo best captures the atmosphere of past times in the famous 14th-century Malatesta castle. There is also a very fine painting by Cagnacci in San Rocco church. On Good Friday, a picturesque pageant in costume takes place. Specialities to taste: numerous different types of olive oil.

Montescudo

Montescudo, an ancient Malatesta fortress, still shows the traces of it past. A wooden Crucifix of great historic and artistic interest is preserved in the 12th-century parish church of Saints Biagio and Simone. The "Potato Festival" takes place in August.

Morciano di Romagna

Since a long time ago Morciano has been a meeting place for markets and trade, whose memory lives on the ancient "San Gregorio Fair" in March. On the table: spaghetti according to the traditions of the ancient Ghigi pasta factory.

Novafeltria

The town was founded in 1907 following the union of small outlying villages that left the Municipality of Talamello under its original name of Mercatino Marecchia, in reference to the important weekly markets held there. Its name changed to Novafeltria in 1941, but the original part of the village dates back to around the year 1000.

Pennabilli

Pennabilli stands on the western slopes of Mount Carpegna that drop towards the River Marecchia. Built on rocky outcrops called the Rupe (rock) and Roccione (big rock), it is a characteristic village with a Mediaeval imprint. It owes this urban layout to the union of the ancient castles of Billi, which stood on one rocky spur, and Penna, which stood on the other.
Today, as a large part of the territory lies in the Natural Park of Sasso Simone and Simoncello, Pennabilli is the centre of environmental and cultural tourism.

Poggio Berni

Poggio Berni is located mid-way between the Uso and Marecchia rivers, dominating two beautiful valleys. Worthy of note, a number of historic water mills and the imposing Palazzo Marcosanti. In August music, entertainment and good food are to be found at the Summer Festival.

Republic of San Marino

Perched high on Mount Titano stands San Marino, a land of ancient traditions and warm hospitality. An attractive walk is the route linking the Three Towers, on the highest point of the hill, and the Basilica del Santo in neo-classical style (19 th century). Fine art exhibitions take place in the former Santa Chiara Monastery. The Saint's day falls in September and is feted with a famous cross-bow display, Palio delle Balestre Grandi. Indulge in duty-free shopping in the narrow streets of the historic core.

Saludecio

For lovers of natural products, Saludecio offers the Salus Erbae Festival (late April), while during the first week in August the town is enlivened by the Ottocento Festival (19th-century festival) where music and theatre entertainment goes hand in hand with food and traditional products stands.

San Clemente

Surrounded by its Malatesta walls, the village of San Clemente encloses a small jewel: the Parish Church designed by Luigi Poletti, architect of the Pope. For those who love Sangiovese wine, an interesting event is the Wine Festival in May.

San Giovanni in Marignano

San Giovanni was known as the "granary of the Malatestas". Visit the 19th-century Massari theatre, Santa Lucia church and San Pietro church. A unique event, full of magic atmosphere and charm, takes place on June: the Witches' Sabbath, devoted to mysterious popular traditions.

San Leo

Impregnable and mysterious San Leo charms you with its magnificent Fortress where the notorious Count Cagliostro was imprisoned. Officially designated as Art Heritage City, San Leo owes its renown to a monumental religious complex, the only one of its kind, and to the delightful square lined by 16th- and 17th-century mansions. A "must": taste the liqueur known as "Elisir del Conte di Cagliostro".

Sant'Agata Feltria

The town is situated between the valleys of the Savio and Marecchia Rivers. Its origins date back to the pre-Roman period when some ancient Umbrian tribes of farmers, shepherds and hunters settled here in the forests of the Apennines.
Sant'Agata is a splendid, well-preserved old village that has various complexes of considerable historic value.

Santarcangelo

Santarcangelo has two faces, one mediaeval and one modern. The mediaeval part of the town, dominated by the Malatesta Fortress, huddles on top of the hill known as Monte Giove, while the modern part of the town is on the plain; here, the Folk Museum, Museo degli Usi e Costumi, is worthy of a visit. In November the traditional San Martino fair takes place, while in July the town hosts an International Theatre Festival.

Talamello

The village, which stands on the off-shoots of Mount Pincio, was owned by the Della Faggiola family and then the Malatesta. In 1390, the castle was sold to Galeotto Malatesta and in 1416 to Carlo Malatesta. Pius II enfeoffed it, along with other nearby villages taken from Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the Guidi di Bagno and the Malatesta of Sogliano. Thus “began” (1490) the production of gunpowder in the mills of Talamello that ended in the second half of the 20th century after around 500 years of activity.

Torriana Montebello

Among green hills covered with olive groves you can find the little town of Torriana; from here the road climbs up to the ancient Mons Belli, crowned with a massive castle, a fine example of feudal fortress. Local natural products can be sampled during the Honey Festival at the end of August. Rustic atmosphere and good traditional cooking are to be found at the nice "trattorie" in the area.

Urbino

It is impossible to sum up in few lines all the splendours of the city which gave birth to the great Raffaello Sanzio. Don't miss Piazza del Mercatale, the Cathedral founded by Federico da Montefeltro, Piazza Rinascimento, the Ducal Palace and the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche the foresmost museum in the region, with a fine collection of Renaissance art; the Oratorio of San Giuseppe and the magnificent view from Piazzale Roma.

Verucchio

The small town of Verucchio, situated on a huge rock, is the oldest capital of the Malatesta dynasty. Verucchio has a large old town centre that is dominated by two fortresses.
The "Rocca del Sasso" is one of the most important Malatesta buildings still standing. The town museum houses precious archaeological treasures.