Territory
Itineraries and surroundings
Gradara
Gradara is an ancient fortified village located in the hinterland of the Marche-Romagna coast not far from Cattolica and the sea. The background is a pleasant hilly landscape. It is known for its historic Rocca Malatestiana which can be visited and contains, in addition to the armory, a torture room, a chapel and some rooms with original furniture from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
San Marino
The State of San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe and the oldest republic in the world. San Marino located on the slopes of Mount Titano has its own Mint, its own stamps, a football team and an army. Not to be missed are the three stupendous fortifications connected by walkways to the underlying citadel enclosed by a triple circle of walls. In any part of the territory, especially from the top of its mountain, you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable panorama, between the countryside of Emilia Romagna and the hills of the Marche and Montefeltro, up to the Adriatic Sea.
Urbino
Located at an altitude of 485 metres, Urbino has maintained its nature as a center of art and culture over the centuries. Its Renaissance heart is the Palazzo Ducale, symbol of the city and now home to the National Gallery of the Marche which houses many masterpieces including paintings by Piero Della Francesca and Titian. Other points of interest are the Casa di Raffaello where the artist was born and where one of his youthful frescoes can be admired, as well as the fifteenth-century rooms and furnishings, the cathedral, in neoclassical style, the university building, the church of San Domenico, San Francesco and San Sergio.
San Leo
In Val Marecchia, about 30 km from Rimini, stands San Leo on an enormous rock mass, reachable by a single road cut into the rock. On the highest point of the rocky spur stands the Rocca, an impregnable fortress which was enlarged and around 1600 adapted as a prison for illustrious convicts such as the Count of Cagliostro and Felice Orsini. The panorama that can be enjoyed from San Leo is one of the most beautiful and characteristic of the region: the view extends over the surrounding mountains and along the Marecchia valley to the sea.
Frasassi
The Frasassi caves which are located within the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi regional natural park, in the province of Ancona, represent with their 30 km of extension one of the grandest and most fascinating underground paths in the world. They are underground karst caves whose discovery dates back to 1948. You can opt for a tourist itinerary, accessible to all, or experience the thrill of a speleological tour.
Loreto
A place of worship and pilgrimage for millions of faithful since the Middle Ages, it contains within the imposing Basilica the most important relic of Christianity, the House inhabited by the Holy Family in Nazareth, the one where Mary was born and where Jesus lived until 30 years.
