Riccione system
The Surrounding Area
Province of Rimini
Coriano
Among historic farms rich in olive groves and vineyards stands Coriano, the ideal place for relaxing walks in the Marano River Park and in Rio Melo Valley. Local produce is 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 when you sit down to eat, Sangiovese and Trebbiano wines accompany delicious assorted roast meats.
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 re-creates 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 strolling while through the narrow streets of Montefiore, where the magnificent, imposing Malatesta fortress dominates the village. Of note, the “Rocca di Luna” cultural event in July and “Salute in Fiera”, and in October the Chestnut Festival. On the table: passatelli in broth, roast chestnuts and new wine.
Montegridolfo
Of all the mediaeval villages in the Rimini area, Montegridolfo best captures the atmosphere of times past in the famous 14 th -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 try: numerous different types of oil.
Montescudo
An ancient Malatesta fortress, Montescudo still shows traces of it past. Of notable historic and artistic interest is the wooden Crucifix preserved in the 12 th - century parish church of Saints Biagio and Simone. In August the Potato Festival takes place.
Morciano di Romagna
Since time immemorial, Morciano has been a meeting place for markets and trade, and this ancient tradition has remained to the present day. The most notable is the San Gregorio Fair (12 th March), specialised in sheep, cattle, and pure-bred horses. On the table: spaghetti, according to the traditions of the historic Ghigi pasta factory.
Poggio Berni
Poggio Berni is located mid-way between the Uso and Marecchia rivers, dominating two beautiful valleys. 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.
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 musical and theatrical entertainment go hand in hand with food stalls selling speciality foods with nostalgic flavours.
San Clemente
Surrounded by its Malatesta walls, the village of San Clemente encloses a small jewel: the Parish Church designed by Luigi Poletti, architect to the Pope. For lovers of Sangiovese wine, there is a 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 24 th : 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 an 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 with 16th- and 17th-century mansions. A "must": try the liqueur known as "Elisir del Conte di Cagliostro".
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 worth a visit. In November the traditional San Martino fair takes place, while in July the town hosts an International Theatre Festival. If you would like to eat to the accompaniment of poetry by Tonino Guerra, try "La Sangiovesa", an institution!
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 a feudal fortress. Local natural produce can be sampled during the Honey Festival at the end of August. A rustic atmosphere and good traditional cooking are found at “I Malardot”.
Verucchio
The fortress known as Rocca del Sasso stands in a magnificent position giving spectacular views, and in its shadow is Verucchio, birthplace of the Malatesta lords and their epic deeds. The 10 th -century parish church is worth a visit. Let yourself be charmed by the mediaeval atmosphere at the August Parade and the ethnic music at Verucchio Festival in July.
Province of Pesaro Urbino
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 forms the setting for the mediaeval re-enactment "Seduction in the Castle". The typical local dish is "bigol", hand-made spaghetti with porcini mushrooms or meat sauce.
Pesaro
A city, a history, the sea and culture. These are the key words to describe Pesaro. Don't miss the Ducal Palace, Palazzo delle Poste, the Municipal Museums, comprising an art gallery and a ceramics collection, the Cathedral and the house which was the birthplace of one of Italy's must famous composers and musicians: Gioacchino Rossini . In his honour is held one of the major cultural events for classical music lovers: the Rossini Opera Festival.
Urbino
It is impossible to sum up in a 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 art gallery housed there: the region's foremost museum, with a fine collection of Renaissance art; the Oratorio of San Giuseppe and the magnificent view from Piazzale Roma.
Province of Ravenna
Ravenna
Ravenna city of art and culture, city of mosaics, an ancient city which 1600 years ago was three times a capital: of the Roman empire in the west, of Theodoric king of the Goths, and of the Byzantine empire in Europe. This magnificent period has left behind a vast number of monuments: there are 8 buildings which have been designated UNESCO Heritage of Mankind.
Repubblica di San Marino
Repubblica di 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.