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Province
The
province of Pesaro and Urbino is the larger province of the Marches; it
extends from Romagna and little state of San Marino, to north, to the
left river of the Cesano (province of Ancona) to south, and from the Apennine
chain to the Adriatic sea: 2.893 km²; 338.812 inhabitants (117 for km²),
distributed in 67 municipalities. The territory, mostly hilly and
mountaineous (mount Catria, 1.702 m), embraces the basins of the Foglia
and the Metauro rivers, and (in part) those of the Marecchia and the Conca,
nearly comprising the whole Montefeltro. The river valleys are separated
by rounded off hills usually topped by ancient and pictoresque centers.
The coast (42 km) is of alluvial origin and includes Pesaro, the administrative
center and presents a continous urbanization. In the primary field, the
principal activities are vegetables, fruit, beets and grape cultivations
as well as the live-stock. In the industrial field we can find chemical
plants (fertilizers), mechanical and metallurgal factories, clothes and
ceramic manufactures, extractive industry (methane) and above all the
wood working, which has had an excellent development. Of remarkable importance
the tertiary field, principally in the commercial and touristic field.
Municipalities
Pesaro - Stands
on the alluvial coastal plain of the Adriatic, at the mouth of the River
Foglia, between the hills of Colle Ardizio to the south east and Colle
San Bartolo to the north west. Of ancient origin, it entered the Roman
sphere of influence in 184 BC. with the name of Pisaurum and became an
important trading centre during the Imperial period. It was then invaded
by Goths, Byzantines, Lombards and Franks, who gave it to the Church in
774 together with the other Penthapolis towns. During the Middle Ages
it was the scene of struggles between Emperors and Popes, though ruled
in fact by various overlords: Malatesta, Sforza, Borgia, Della Rovere,
Medici and again Della Rovere (12th-14th-15th-16th centuries) until annexed
to the Papal Dominions in 1631. Pesaro then shared the vicissitudes of
the Papal States until it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Its urban structure developed within successive circles of walls and has
now spread widely along the coast and on the inland hills. The
monuments include: the Palazzo Ducale (15th century), Costanza
Fortress (14th century-Laurana work) an
important example of military architecture, St. Francis Church
(14th century), St. Augustine Church (15th century) with beautiful
portals, St. Domenico
(1395), Palazzo Olivieri (now the home of the Conservatorio
Musicale "G. Rossini"). Remarkable the splendid historical collection
of ceramics which is now housed in the Museo delle Ceramiche -
this forms part of the Musei Civici, together with the Art Gallery which
includes that great masterpiece, "La Pala di Pesaro" (the Pesaro Altarpiece)
by Giovanni Bellini ("Giambellino"). Another important place to visit
is the small museum in the house where Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
was born. In the surrounding area (4 km) the Imperial Villa-Castle
(15th-16th century, with a beautiful park). The ancient walled towns of
Novilara (215 m) and Candelara (204 m) also stand in the Pesaro
district, on the hills to the right of the Foglia Valley, and look out
from their battlements over the fine panorama. An early necropolis, of
Piceno origin and dating back to the 8th-6th Century BC, came to light
near Novilara during the last century.
The economy of the town is based on a flourishing
trade in cereals, vegetables and cattle (for meat, milk, cheese) from
the interior, and on lively industries in the metallurgical and engineering
(motorbikes, agricultural machinery),
furniture, carpets, clothes, shipyard, housing construction and food manufacturing
sectors. The
business activity is favorite by the presence of the port-channel that,
dug in the 1614 along the terminal area of the Foglia river. There
is considerable tourism particularly along the coast. Traditional crafts
are majolica and pottery making.
Events:
International Exhibition of New Cinema, Rossini Opera Festival (August-September),
National Festival of Drama; Furniture Exhibition (May).
Famous People: Gioacchino Rossini (composer,
1792-1868), Terenzio Mamiani (scholar, 1799-1885), Antonio Cecchi (explorer,
1849-1896), Simone Contarini (artist, 1612-1648).
Cultural Institutions: Library and
Oliveriani Museum (archeology), Rossini Museum, Academy of Music, Municipal
Museums (Paintings and Pottery Museum), Rossini Theatre, House of Rossini.
Urbino - Original
capital of the Duchy of Montefeltro, it is situated on the ridge of a
hill (485 m. a.s.l.) separating the Metauro Valley from the Foglia. It
was founded by the Romans (Urbinum Metaurense) and later dominated by
the Byzantines and Lombards until the Franks gave it to the Papal States;
together with the other Penthapolis towns (774). However for centuries
the power of the Church was nominal and the town was often an ally of
the Emperors. From 1155 to 1508, its history was that of the Montefeltro
overlords; it was under Federico II da Montefeltro, Count and then Duke,
that Urbino reached its greatest period of artistic splendour. Later it
was ruled by the Della Roveres until 1631, when it finally became part
of the Papal States, it was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860. This
is one of the major art towns in the world, both because of its history
and for the many buildings and works of art which are housed here. The
urban layout of Urbino is particularly interesting; the town is surrounded
by a circle of ramparts built for Duke Francesco Maria I in 1507. Its
houses and churches are built down each hill as far Porta Lavagine on
the north-east slope and Porta Valbona to the south-west. Although not
always of artistic interest, the palatial buildings in the old centre
date back to the 15th-16th centuries and give the town an architecturally
homogeneous character, not easily found in larger towns. An
outstanding monument is the Palazzo Ducale, seat of the Montefeltro
family, an important example of Renaissance architecture; the buildings
surround a beautiful courtyard, and the famous facade, with its twin towers,
is the symbol of the town. Other remarkable monuments are the Oratorio
di San Giovanni Battista (14th century, with outstanding frescoes),
the Oratorio di San Giuseppe (16th century) with its famous Presepe'
(Nativity Scene) by Brandani, church of San Francesco (14th century,
Romanesque-Gothic) with its fine pointed Gothic bell tower and great altar-piece
by Federico Barocci, Palazzo Albani (15th-18th centuries) and the
nearby Church of Santo Spirito (16th Century), the House of
Raffaello (15th century) which now houses the Accademia Raffaello
Sanzio, founded in 1869, the Gothic Church of St. Domini (14th
century).
In the town's economy, industry is of limited importance
(building materials, metal casting, textile factories) as is agriculture
(cereals, vegetables, wine), while tourism, and cultural activities associated
with the local university, are highly developed.
Events: Various art exhibitions, Kite
Day (September). Urbino celebrates La Festa del Duca each August - this
is an historical procession in period costume through the streets of the
town centre, in which acrobats and fire-eaters take part, and which culminates
in a tournament held in the presence of the Ducal Court.
Famous People: Girolamo Genga (artist,
sculptor and architect 1476-1551), Raffaello Sanzio (artist, 1483-1520),
Federico Barocci (artist, 1535-1612), Antonio Viviani (artist, 1560-1620),
Alessandro Vitali (artist, 1580-1640), Federico da Montefeltro (military
leader, 1422-1482).
Cultural Institutions: National Gallery of the Marches (one of
the most important art galleries in Italy, in the Palazzo Ducale, with
paintings by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Tiziano, Paolo Uccello, Luca
Signorelli, Melozzo da Forlì, Guercino, and others), the Raffaello Academy,
State School of Art, Sanzio Theatre, School of Fine Arts, University,
Raffaello House-Museum.
Acqualagna -
Stands at 204 m a.s.l., alongside the ancient Flaminian Way, south-west
of Furlo Gorge (35 km from Fano), where the River Burano joins the Candigliano.
Described as 'burgo aqualania' in a parchment of 1292, it was first built
as a small valley settlement for the ancient castle of Monfalcone. Typical
products are wine, cereals, but above all truffles. The famous National
Truffle Fair takes place here each year. There are several interesting
places to visit as the Romanesque Abbey of San Vincenzo at Furlo,
built prior to 970. Next to the church are the remains of a viaduct, built
with vast blocks of stone and with buttresses dating back to the time
of Emperor Augustus, and constructed to support the ancient Flaminian
Way. Another interesting church is the Sanctuary of Pelingo which
holds a painting ("Our Lady of the Rosary") by Girolamo Cialdieri. Along
the road leading to Piobbico and the Apennine pass of Bocca Serriola,
there is the church of the Madonna del Pietriccio whose entrance
loggia is decorated with 14th Century frescoes. The waters of the River
Candigliano cut through the spectacular Furlo Gorge, between the
steep cliffs of Monte Pietralata and Monte Paganuccio. Here, you can still
drive through the tunnel which was carved through the rock during the
time of Emperor Vespasian (79 AD).
Cagli - Stands
at 276m a.s.l. at the foot of Monte Petrano (1163 m), where the mountain
torrent of the Bosso joins the Burano. Principal agricultural cultivations
are cereals, grape, fruits and forages. Of relief also the cattle breeding.
Industrial activities are above all in the building field, furniture and
glass munfacturing. The handicraft regards mainly the iron working. Still
today it retains its Roman grid plan, all roads leading to a proper central
square with a florid fountain, a steely medieval town hall (Massara
Gate). It was Duke Federico da Montefeltro who commissioned Francesco
di Giorgio Martini in 1481 to build the imposing Fortress on the Colle
dei Cappuccini which has now unfortunately disappeared, except for a few
ruins. This was linked by an underground passageway to the impressive
elliptical Torrione below it, which still survives and now houses
the recently established Contemporary Sculpture Centre. The medieval Palazzo
Pubblico (which today houses the Town Hall and the Archaeological
Museum) was also converted during the Montefeltro period into a residence
for the Duke. The romanesque churches of San Francesco and San
Domenico survive from the Medieval period. The interiors of each of
them are in the form of a single hall, decorated with paintings and frescoes.
Other churches worthy of mention are the Cathedral (almost entirely
rebuilt in the 18th Century), Sant'Angelo Minore, San Pietro, Santa Maria
della Misericordia, San Giuseppe, Santa Chiara, San Filippo and San Bartolomeo,
all of which are richly decorated with works of art, including several
paintings by the noted Cagli artist Gaetano Lapis (1706-1773). One of
the Roman monuments of great importance is the Mallio Bridge crossing
the River Bosso.
In the surrounding district is the interesting sanctuary of Santa Maria
delle Stelle at Monte Martello. To the east of Cagli stand the twin peaks
of Monte Catria (1700m) and Monte Acuto (1527m), an untouched wilderness
with breathtaking views.
Carpegna
- Situated at 748m a.s.l. on the border between the Province of Pesaro,
in the Marche, and Tuscany. It is situated in a picturesque valley which
rises up from the town to the peak of Monte Carpegna (1415m) from which
it takes its name. Agricultural cultivations and breeding (cattle and
trouts) are the main activities. Carpegna is famous for its prosciutto
crudo, or raw, cured ham. The old centre has some fine buildings but the
main attraction of the place is its setting. The Palazzo dei Principi,
at the very centre of the town, stands witness to this noble past and
is still occupied by descendants of this ancient family. Among the town's
religious buildings are the church of San Sisto with its fine Romanesque
crypt, while two kilometres outside the town we find the Romanesque parish
church of San Giovanni (1181) on to which has been built a splendid
Renaissance loggia. The mountain that dominates the countryside offers
great opportunities for trekking and winter sports. In particular, at
around 1000m we find the Cantoniera Pass, with its meadows, woods, ski
slopes and hotel accommodation, which make the area well known for its
winter and summer tourism.
Fano - Stands
on the Adriatic coast (12 km south of Pesaro) at 14 m a.s.l.. The old
town was built on the flat coastal area, about 3km north of the mouth
of the River Metauro. Fano, originally known as Fanum Fortunae, took its
name from a noted temple to the goddess of Fortune that once stood here.
In Roman times the place was both an important port and crossroad where
the Flaminia Way from Rome met the main coastal route. Today Fano is an
alluring small seaside resort that doubles as a busy fishing port with
an attractive old centre. It is still now an agricultural-commercial center
(vegatables, oil,wine, fruits). Textile and metallurgical manufactures
as well as production of shoe, clothes, furniture and building materials
are important activities in the industrial field.
Fano is a city in which every building bears witness to a particular period.
Some stretches of the roads which intersected each other to form the original
street plan still survive today in the oldest part of the town. This historical
nucleous, fortified by a sturdy wall (a part of which still survives)
with defence towers and the Arch of Augustus (9 AD), was extended
towards the south-west by an area known as the "Addizione Malatestiana"
(14th and 15th Centuries). From the
period of Malatesta rule, the city still retains its Rocca Malatestiana
(or fortress), the splendid sarcophagi which today stand together under
the entrance porch of San Francesco, and the monumental Corte
Malatestiana (courtyard of Malatesta Palace) with its fine late-Gothic
double windows and airy Renaissance loggia, which was rebuilt after a
fire in 1544. The palace holds the town's Museo Civico and Art Gallery,
a carpetbag collection including some fine Renaissance medals and paintings.
After the Malatesta rule, the city had been part of the Papal States for
several years (Fano
is the native land of Pope Clemente VIII), though surrounded
by the lands of the Duke of Urbino, and had suffered domination by Cesare
Borgia and Lorenzo de Medici. From these stormy years there remain within
the city walls the new abbey of San Paterniano
(1547) with bell tower by Jacopo Sansovino, together with
the church and convent of Santa Maria Nuova (into which the magnificent
altarpieces by Santi and Perugino were moved some time after 1488), the
convent and church of San Michele with its splendid entranceway
by Bernardino da Carona (1512) and the austere bastion by Sangallo,
built to defend the city and the coast against the threat of invasion
from the Turks and Saracens. Among other noteworthy works are the sumptuous
Baroque interior of the Philippine church of San Pietro in Valle,
the Cappella Nolfi in the Cathedral, the Biblioteca Federiciana
established by Abbot Domenico Federici in 1681, the Romanesque Cathedral
(12thC.), with its splendid sculpted pulpit, the 14th Century Palazzo
del Podestà, which now forms the facade of the 19th Century Teatro
della Fortuna, and also the former churches of San Francesco, San
Domenico and Sant'Agostino. The Porto Borghese harbour is also worthy
of mention - this was the basic structure which has been enlarged right
up until today around the port and the canal, with a new harbour presently
in the process of completion.
It now accommodates the town's marine and fishing fleet
as well as providing space for leisure boats. To the west and east there
are two separate beaches - the Lido and Sassonia beaches - which provide
a popular tourist destination during the summer. There are also many other
resorts along this stretch of the coast from Fosso Sejore to Torrette,
Ponte Sasso and Marotta, as well as a modern hydrotherapy centre at the
resort of Terme di Carignano. The Monastery of Monte Giove is one of the
points of interest in the surrounding district. Traditional
it is for Fano the festival of "The Adriatic carnival", with
parades of allegorical charriots.
Fossombrone -
Stands at 115 m a.s.l., midway up the Metauro Valley along the route of
the ancient Flaminian Way and between the spurs of the Cesano hills and
the steep northern face of the Colle dei Cappuccini. It's an ancient town
of Roman origin, standing a little way above the river plain in which
the Roman settlement of Forum Sempronii, was built. Agricultural and commercial
center (vineyards, vegetables, beets, oliveyards). In the past the silkworm
breeding was much flourishing, now practically disappared. Industrial
activity in the field of furniture, metalllurgy and cement. The town is
topped by the wide backdrop of the Montefeltro Corte Alta palace, with
its airy loggia (15th-16th Century). Today, it is the Civic Museum
with a fine archaeological section and the Pinacoteca Comunale
(the civic art gallery) which houses a magnificent group of paintings
by the noted local painter Gianfrancesco Guerrieri (1589-1657). Higher
still, the view is dominated by the Fortress, built during the
time of the Barbarian raids, and, on the summit of Colle di San Aldebrando,
by the Malatesta-Montefeltro fortress with its vast keel-shaped bastion
which overshadows the surrounding houses. Lower down, along the porticoed
main street, or corso, are the Baroque church of San Filippo, the
church of Sant' Agostino which was rebuilt in the 18th Century
and, a little further along, the Cathedral, which was rebuilt in the late
18th century. Among the town's palaces are the Town Hall (16th
Century), the Bishop's Palace with its elegant rusticated facade (15th
Century), Palace Seta-Cattabeni (16th Century), the Corte Rossa
(16th Century), which was one of the ducal headquarters, and the Corte
Bassa (16th Century). Still further down we find the Church of San
Francesco, restored in the 18th Century, and the fine Biblioteca Civica
Passionei, founded in 1784. A short distance from the centre, along the
ancient via Flaminia, are the remains of the ancient settlement of
Forum Sempronii. Excavations have brought to light the remains of
a domus, or family house, with thermal heating system, and a long stretch
of basalt paving running parallel to the Flaminian Way. Other archaeological
finds are displayed in the Civic Museum in the Corte Alta Palace above
the town. Remarkable also the roman bridges of Traiano and Diocleziano
and 'La Pineta delle Cesane', a pine wood and nursery that stands on a
small upland plain (580m) to the left of the Metauro Valley, above the
town's Fortress.
Gradara
- Stands on a hilly ridge at 142m a.s.l., with its conspicuous sturdy
wall and towers and the imposing profile of its famous castle, providing
a picturesque scene for vehicles travelling up and down the Adriatic motorway
or along the coast road. The imposing 14thC wall which encloses the town,
with its crenellated battlements and bristling towers, is one of the most
attractive landmarks to be seen from the northern Marche coastal strip.
The fortress which dominates the town was owned by the Malatesta
family. It was here, according to tradition, that the murder of Francesca
da Rimini and her lover Paolo, the lovers immortalised by Dante, took
place in 1289. After the period of Malatesta rule, the castle passed to
the Sforza family who left their mark with the construction of the internal
loggia, staircase and frescoes which still decorate some of the rooms
today. The town itself, built between the inner and the outer walls, conserves
its original houses. The church of San Giovanni Battista holds
a fine 15th Century wooden Crucifix while the church of the Sacrament
has an altarpiece ("The Last Supper") by Antonio Cimatori (1595). Inside
the Castle itself there is a fine altarpiece ("Madonna enthroned with
Child and Saints") which was painted by Giovanni Santi in 1484 for the
original parish church of Santa Sofia.
Pennabilli -
Stands in the Upper Valley of the River Marecchia, in an rugged area (550
m a.s.l.) at the foot of the western slopes of Monte Carpegna (1415 m),
between two rocky promontories. Its name comes from the union of the two
castles that top the town's two peaks the Roccione (Penna) and the Rupe
(Billi). It's a commercial, agricultural and cattle breeding center, but
also a holiday resort. Around the town
we find the 13th Century Porta Malatesta gate, which stands beneath
the Palazzo del Bargello (14th Century), the Porta Carboni
gate (14th Century), the Porta di Borgo San Rocco gate. Inside
the town is the church and sanctuary of Sant'Agostino (or Madonna
delle Grazie); the Cathedral, of late Renaissance origin, has a distinctive
red brick facade which overlooks the main piazza. Next to it are the Medici
Palazzo della Ragione and the Loggia dei Mercanti. The fine
Museo Diocesano has many exhibits of artistic and historic interest, while
the Biblioteca Feretrana has a rich collection of early printed books,
manuscripts and parchments. Finally, there is also the "Teatro La Vittoria"
with its delightful small auditorium with tiered boxes, which is currently
undergoing restoration. The Romanesque church of San Pietro in Ponte
Messa stands outside the town; it was built as an abbey in the 8th
Century on the ruins of a pagan temple. The remains of the fortified baronial
palace of the Scavolini family, the tower in the fortified village of
Bascio, the tower of Marciano castle (with its 16th Century Franciscan
monastery) and the 14th Century Augustinian monastery at Miratoio are
also to be seen in the area. Since 1971 Pennabilli has hosted a major
national antiques fair during the summer months which attracts large numbers
of exhibitors as well as fine quality exhibits. This has also encouraged
the growth of restoration workshops and antiques shops in the town.
Pergola - Stands
at 264 m a.s.l. on a wide promontory in the Upper Cesano Valley at its
confluence with the River Cinisco and 49.7 km away from Fano. Agricultural
and commercial center, with some factories (cement, furniture). This shapely
small town, has a surprising wealth of churches and smart palazzi, many
of which date back to the founding of the town in the 13th Century. It
was built in order to bring work and encourage trade between the inhabitants
of the various surrounding castles. Pergola, for the visitor, offers a
wealth of monuments and works of art, beginning with the earliest buildings.
These include the Gothic church of San Giacomo (13th Century),
which was later internally modified, together with the former Augustinian
convent which now houses a museum centre, and also the church of San
Francesco, with its fine 14th Century Gothic doorway. The Duomo, or
Cathedral church, formerly the Church of the Augustinian monks, has a
late Baroque interior and a 19th Century facade. Other Baroque interiors
include the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the 18th Century
Chiesa delle Tinte (Dyers' Church) built in the form of a Greek
Cross with its elegant octagonal dome. Other lesser churches include Sant'Orsola,
San Marco, San Rocco (with its fine coffered ceiling), San Vitale, San
Biagio, Santa Maria di Piazza and, outside the town, Santa Maria dell'Olmo,
the church of the Cappuccine monks, Sant'Antonio da Padova and the Oratorio
dell'Ascensione at Palazzolo. Many of these churches house important paintings,
including several by the Pergola artist Gianfrancesco Ferri (1701-1775).
Among the civic buildings are the Palazzo Comunale (town hall -
1750). Other noteworthy buildings are the original Palazzo Ducale,
Palazzo Malatesta, and the 18th Century Teatro "Angelo Dal Foco",
recently restored after years of neglect. But
above all, Pergola is famous for the Bronzi Dorati, extraordinary
gilded bronze statues of two equestrian figures and two women, which date
back to the 1st C AD. They were discovered in 1946 in pieces, buried in
a field near the village of Cartoceto in the Pergola district. There are
various theories as to who the figures represent. A long running battle
has been fought between the people of Pergola and the regional archaeological
museum in Ancona as to where the bronzes should be displayed. After a
long and difficult process of reconstruction and restoration, carried
out by the Florence 'Centro di Restauro' using the latest techniques and
materials, the Bronzes are now on display at the new "Museo dei Bronzi
dorati e della città di Pergola". The town's other attraction is a heavily
perfumed purple wine made with red vernaccia grapes and sold either as
Vernaculum or Vernacolo.
San Leo - At
539 m a.s.l. in the Montefeltro, situated 35 kilometres from the sea,
on the top of a sheer cliff above the undulating plain to the right of
the Marecchia Valley. Turism is the principal activity; production of
cereals, grape (wines), forages and cattle breeding (cheeses, cold cuts)
as well as wood working are also important in the district. The town has
maintained the original medieval structure, with a unique access and developed
around the central square. The palazzo of the Counts Nardini stands
in the central piazza of the town. Near to the central piazza is Palazzo
Medici, built between 1517 and 1523 to provide a residence for Florence's
Governor of San Leo and Montefeltro during the short period in which the
Florentine Republic ruled this area. Palazzo della Rovere, which
now houses the Town Hall and the Museum of Sacred Art, dates back
to the early 17th Century. The magnificent castle which is built
on the rocky cliff above the town is a perfect example of Renaissance
architecture. Its present form is the result of work begun in 1475 by
the famous military architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, commissioned
by Duke Federico da Montefeltro. Today the castle houses a museum and
art gallery. San Leo also has two splendid Medieval churches. In the crypt
below the ancient church of Santa Maria Assunta, built between
the 9th and 11th Centuries, lies the 4th Century chapel dedicated to St
Leo. The 12th Century Cathedral of San Leone stands opposite, built
on a rocky outcrop with its austere bell tower. By the eighteenth century
San Leo's chief claim to fame was as the papal top security prison. Most
famous of all its inmates was Giuseppe Balsamo, better known as Count
Cagliostro, alchemist, fortune-teller, miracle worker, freemason and the
man who managed to persuade a large band of aristocratic followers that
he had found the secret of eternal life. Unfortunately for him, he was
arrested and convicted of heresy by the Holy Inquisition and died here
in 1795.
Urbania - Situated
at 273m a.s.l in the middle of the Upper Metauro Valley (62 km from the
sea) and edged on three sides by the river which runs beneath its ancient
town wall. From the 1294 to the 1635 named Casteldurante. Commercial,
agricultural and breeding center, with small businesses in the tobacco,
clothes and bricks manufacturing. Urbania was renowed for majolica and
ceramics, then replaced by crockery and the pottery handicraft. The layout
of the town is fairly regular in shape, with long straight streets which
are reminiscent of a Roman settlement. It contains buildings dating back
over various periods, several of which are of notable architectural interest.
Most important of all is the vast Palazzo Ducale (15th - 16th centuries).
Today it houses the Biblioteca Comunale (Town Library), the town
archives, the Museo Civico (Civic Museum) and Museo della Civiltà
Contadina (Museum of Rural Crafts). Among the town's religious buildings
is the Chiesa dei Morti, with fine Gothic portal, which contains
a macabre 'Cimitero delle mummie' (display of mummified corpses).
Other churches include the Renaissance church of Corpus Domini,
the Baroque church of Santa Caterina, the 18th Century church of
San Francesco and the Cathedral (dating from the same period).
The adjoining Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) now houses the
Diocesan Museum. Also worthy of mention is the 15th Century Palazzo Comunale
(Town Hall) and bell tower (1561), the 19th Century Bramante Theatre
with its elegant auditorium laid out with tiers of boxes, and the
Renaissance building at Barco, a kilometre outside the town, which incorporates
the 18th Century church of San Giovanni Battista.
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The
Natural Park of the Mount Saint Bartolo marks the beginning of the coastal
system of center Italy, immediately subsequent to the famous tourist resorts
of the Northern Adriatic. It stands, with a pictoresque cliff, on the
Adriatic Sea and reaches its maximum summits to Mount Saint Bartolo (m.
201), Mount Castellaro (m. 197) and to the inhabited nucleous of Casteldimezzo
(m. 195) and Fiorenzuola di Focara (m. 186). It's a very important place
for migration and wintering of several species of birds. From the archaeological
and historical point of view, in relationship to its small extension,
remarkable it is the wealth of elements as: the neolithic discovery in
the Monte Castellaro area, the archaeological discovery near Colombarone
along the ancient Flaminia Way, the ancient ports of Greek origin of S.
Marina and Vallugola now disappared, the charming reinassance villas and
gardens. (continue)
Mountain Community of Metauro
Mountain Community of Catria and Cesano
Mountain Community of High
and Middle Metauro
Mountain Community of Montefeltro
Mountain Community of Marecchia
High Valley