Artistic Itineraries in Romagna

by Michele Mancini , published on 06/11/2015
Categories: Guest post / Disclaimer

Romagna is a land rich in authentic artistic treasures that offers tourists cultural sites of great interest. Cities of art, evocative medieval fortresses and the works of great artists are part of itineraries that have Cattolica as their starting point and can be enjoyed within a single day.

Pesaro and Urbino are 20 and 40 kilometers from Cattolica’s hotels, respectively, and allow visitors to learn about precious Byzantine mosaics. Interesting artifacts dating back to the Picenum period can be seen at the Pesaro Archaeological Museum, while the ancient mosaics are located at the Cathedral. The vast mosaic floor covers early Christian churches from the 4th and 6th centuries and can be observed through special windows. Also in the province of Pesaro Urbino, in S.Angelo in Vado, the Domus del Mito can be seen: the floors were made with polychrome mosaics in the 1st century AD. Getting to Ravenna takes about an hour by car: among the many artistic beauties of Byzantine origin, the Mausoleum and the Neonian Baptistery, also decorated with precious mosaics, are enjoyable.

Medieval fortresses

In the province of Rimini is the small and charming town of S.Agata Feltria, known for the historic Rocca Fregoso fortress. The construction from the year one thousand was built on Sasso del Lupo. Inside the structure is housed the museum “La rocca delle Fiabe” characterized by themed rooms, where books, multimedia devices and moments of animation are usable.

In the hamlet of Torriana in the hinterland of Rimini is Montebello, a splendid village that stands at 436 meters and shows a breathtaking view of the Marecchia and Uso Valleys. The military building, created for strategic reasons, is located on the mountain peak and allows visitors to appreciate not only the military architecture but also the ancient furniture that dates back to the 1300s as well as a chest that may belong to the time of the Crusades. The fortress is also known for the legend of Azzurrina, daughter of Ugoccione di Montebello, who disappeared during a storm on the summer solstice. According to legend, the ghost’s presence still hovers in the castle.

Also in the province of Rimini, between San Marino and Urbino, is the fortress of San Leo, a military structure where in the days of the Inquisition the Count of Cagliostro died. The ancient village of Montefeltro, now San Leo, is located in the Marecchia Valley and can be reached by following a path traced in the rock. The fortress, considered impregnable, is built on two levels that include the keep tower and two round towers, according to an architectural design that is as complex as it is fascinating.

Art in Pesaro

Music lovers can spend a day in this beautiful city, visiting the Rossini Theater, where the well-known composer had performed La Gazza Ladra. Also of great interest is the Foundation Library where various encyclopedias of music and Rossini’s operas can be consulted. Tourists present in August can attend the Rossini Opera Festival, a major classical music event in Italy.

Art is also sculpture, and right in Pesaro, in Piazzale della Libertà, there is the Sfera Grande. A 1998 bronze composition executed by Arnaldo Pomodoro, it is placed on a pool that gives a highly suggestive scenic effect. The Sfera, a meeting point for the people of Pesaro, is shiny on the outside while the inside shows, through the splits, fascinating and complex gears.

The oldest Republic: San Marino

To get to the Republic of San Marino from Cattolica, one travels about 40 kilometers. The story goes that the founder was a Dalmatian stone cutter named Marino who was forced to live on Mount Titan for a long time to escape Diocletian. From a historical point of view, San Marino was able to defend its autonomy as early as the 16th century against Cesare Borgia and in the 18th century from Cardinal Alberoni. The long history also involves figures such as Garibaldi, who found refuge from the Austrians in this land, and U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who was given honorary citizenship in 1861. Known for generosity and hospitality, the small republic warmly welcomes the many tourists who visit, showcasing architectural beauties such as the Palazzo Pubblico, in Piazza delle Libertà. The ornate building features a bell tower depicting St. Leo, St. Agatha and St. Marino while, inside, there is the imposing and valuable Council Chamber.

An evocative walk leads to the three ancient towers, located on Mount Titano. The fascinating route winds toward the upper area, where the Guaita Tower is encountered first. Erected in the 11th century, it has two imposing defensive walls and a bell tower from which there is a spectacular panoramic view. The tour includes a visit to the ancient prisons and the striking Chapel of Santa Barbara. The discovery of the fortresses continues by climbing up to the Cesta Tower, built in the 14th century, inside which the Weapons Museum can be visited. The last and smallest is the 13th-century tower, known as the Montale Tower.

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