In Emilia Romagna, and discover the beautiful cultural heritage in the villages between Emilia Romagna and the Marche.
URBINO
In Urbino you can visit the impressive Palazzo Ducale. The building is a magnificent example of Renaissance architectural style. The palace was built at the end of the fifteenth century from the union of two anterior buildings, later its complex was extended many times over the years. The stunning facade has the two Torricini on the sides, while inside the large yard is enclosed by a porch with Corinthian columns. The rooms of the Palazzo Ducale host the National Gallery of the Marche, and among its sections you can see the one most renowned and dedicated to the Renaissance.
Together with other excellent artists, the city of Urbino gave birth to Raffaello in 1483. Today we can visit Raffaello’s birthplace home which also includes the shop of his father, an artist at the court of Urbino. The house is used as a museum and hosts temporary exhibitions.
Urbino’s Duome
RIMINI
The city of Rimini was founded by the Romans in 268 BC and is rich of interesting monuments. Among the most important we can admire the Arch of Augusto, one of the oldest existing Roman arches. The arch has two semi-columns with Corinthian capitals and sculptures of the divinities Jupiter and Apollo, Neptune and Rome.
The Tiberius Bridge is another beautiful testimony of the Roman period. Formed by five arches, it crosses the Marecchia River. Once was named as the Devil’s Bridge because of the signs alike goat prints on the balustrade. The bridge is perfectly in use and open to traffic.
The Surgeon’s House is a Roman villa built in the 2nd century AD. Its name is due to the findings of surgical instruments. To attest the living standards of the rich inhabitants of the villa we have several beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
Tiberius Bridge
GRADARA
The Castle of Gradara, also known as the Fortress of Paolo and Francesca, is a perfectly preserved medieval castle. It has been the place of the tragic events of Paolo and Francesca, described in the Divine Comedy. Francesca was married to Giovanni Malatesta who killed her when he discovered she was in love with his brother Paolo. The castle, as well as a magnificent example of medieval architecture, is also a place surrounded by charm and legends of courtly love.
Castle of Gradara
MONTEFIORE CONCA
Montefiore Conca is a small town built around the medieval castle. The medieval fortress, built in the 14th century, rises on the hill from which the Malatesta family could control all their territory. Today the fort hosts several exhibitions and events dedicated to the Middle Ages.
MONTEGRIDOLFO
Montegridolfo is a small medieval village completely fortified and surrounded by the walls. Its construction started around the year 1000. In the village you can visit the Church of San Rocco with various paintings and frescoes, the clock tower, the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin and the Museum of the Gothic Line, rich in finds and documents of the Second World War.
FIORENZUOLA DI FOCARA
Fiorenzuola di Focara is a beautiful village that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Located on a promontory nearby the border between Emilia Romagna and Marche, it offers a beautiful sandy beach. The medieval village is characterized by small alleys and the remains of the medieval walls with the towers and the archways.
