Montefeltro

The Montefeltro territory is a historical region that extends into the Marche region (in the northern part of the province of Pesaro and Urbino), Emilia-Romagna (in the western part of the province of Rimini), the Republic of San Marino, and Tuscany (in the eastern part of the province of Arezzo). This vast geographical area, characterized by a hilly and mountainous landscape, is home to the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Regional Natural Park.

Montefeltro has not always existed; it was formed with the division of land between the end of Roman times and the Middle Ages, in the Italy of the Seignories, when it was the noble families who drew the boundaries between territories; the same ones still apply today. There were the Montefeltro of the Duchy of Urbino, the Malatesta on the lands towards Rimini and Cesena, and the Carpegna, ancient nobility of the high lands with its possessions towards the Apennines and Tuscany.

Today, Montefeltro is a popular tourist destination for the beauty of its medieval villages, fortresses and castles, as well as for the variety of its nature, which offers many opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. Some of the area's main attractions include Urbino, the fortress of San Leo, the archaeological area of Montecopiolo Castle in Montecopiolo, the Towers of San Marino, the Fregoso Fortress in Sant'Agata Feltria and more.

In addition, Montefeltro is also known for its culinary tradition, which includes the use of local products such as truffles, Fossa cheese, Casciotta di Urbino DOP, Cartoceto DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Prosciutto di Carpegna DOP and many other specialties. The region is also famous for its fine wines, including Bianchello del Metauro DOC, a wine that together with the Colli Pesaresi DOC constitutes the oenological pride of this area. Sangiovese di Romagna and Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

The Montefeltro territory represents one of the most fascinating and evocative areas of central Italy, rich in villages and natural beauty that make it an ideal destination for those who want to spend a vacation dedicated to discovery and relaxation.

Villages in Montefeltro

The villages in Montefeltro are a testimony to the medieval and Renaissance history of this region. They are small towns where life flows slowly and is still imbued with the values of tradition. The villages of Montefeltro are characterized by stone houses, narrow winding streets, ancient churches and medieval castles. Their beauty has remained intact over time, thanks to the care with which its inhabitants have preserved the historical and cultural heritage.

We cannot talk about Montefeltro without mentioning Urbino, in the Marche region, a city of great historical and cultural importance. It was the capital of the Duchy of Montefeltro in the 15th century, under the rule of the family of the Dukes of Urbino. The city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its Renaissance architecture and artistic heritage.
The Ducal Palace is one of Urbino's most important monuments; it was built between the 15th and 16th centuries at the behest of Federico da Montefeltro to the glory of his household. It houses numerous works of art, including paintings by Raphael Sanzio, Titian, Piero della Francesca and other great Italian artists, and today represents one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Italy.

Among the most famous villages in Montefeltro is San Leo, the hub of the area. A wonderful capital of art, the town is situated on a huge rocky boulder, behind the Republic of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera, in the Marecchia Valley.
Listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," San Leo is best known for its majestic Fortress. This village was built during the Middle Ages and has kept its original appearance intact until today.

Another very charming village is Pennabilli, in the province of Rimini, a small town that has held the title of Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club since 2010. Strolling along the small streets of the center, you can admire the ruins of the Malatesta Castle, the ancient curtain wall, some access gates and several representative buildings built in the 16th century.

Another must-see is Sant'Agata Feltria, set in the hills inland from Rimini. This town stands out for its beauty and fairy-tale appearance, making it one of the most characteristic towns in Montefeltro. The castle, lent by the classic iconography of fairy tales, is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. The founding legends of Sant'Agata Feltria date back to the medieval period, when the town was an important strategic center for the communication routes between northern and southern Italy. Today, this ancient village still preserves many vestiges of the past, such as the Church of San Francesco della Rosa, the Collegiate Church of Sant'Agata and the Angelo Mariani Theater, one of the oldest in Italy built entirely of wood and housed inside the Palazzone, the current seat of the town hall.

Monte Grimano Terme is another must-visit village, considered a real gateway to Montefeltro for those coming from Romagna.
Nestled in an enchanting natural setting, the town is best known for its thermal waters. In fact, the precious alkaline, salty-bromine-iodine and sulfurous curative waters that are used in the well-equipped hydrotherapy station, unfortunately temporarily closed, flow from the slopes of nearby Mount S. Paolo. The historic center of the town still retains its medieval layout, with narrow, winding streets, stone houses and small squares. Important monuments include 15th-century civic tower, which is what remains of the medieval palace. Among the most significant events that take place in Monte Grimano Terme during the year are the Black Truffle Festival in July and Il Borgo in festa - La buona carne del Montefeltro in August.

The village of Frontino, called "the living room of Montefeltro," is a pretty village in the hinterland of the province of Pesaro Urbino listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and an Orange Flag. Its territory falls within the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines and the historical region of Montefeltro and, in addition, is part of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park. The town is excellently preserved, surrounded by greenery and tranquility, and is characterized by the well-known civic tower covered in American vine, which changes color with the seasons. Its privileged position allows for breathtaking views of the Metauro valley and surrounding hills.
Notable events taking place in Frontino throughout the year include the Frontino-Montefeltro National Culture Award in October, the Black Truffle Festival in August, the Scarecrow Festival in August, and the Bean Festival in September.

In short, the villages of Montefeltro are a true cultural and scenic treasure. Each of them holds an important part of Italian history and offers a unique experience for those who decide to visit them. They are places full of charm, where one can discover an ancient and authentic reality.

Culture and traditions in the Montefeltro

Local handicrafts are an important part of the lives of people living in the Montefeltro villages. In the province of Pesaro and Urbino, in the heart of the region, one can find a wide range of traditional crafts. In Mercatello sul Metauro, a small medieval village, you have the opportunity to visit a lace-making workshop, where the skilled hands of women make wonderful lace.

In Borgo Pace, on the other hand, the trade of the charcoal maker is kept alive. This ancient craft involves the production of charcoal through the carbonization of wood. Although it is hard and tiring work, the charcoal burners of Borgo Pace are proud to keep this centuries-old tradition alive.

Pottery making is also a living art in Montefeltro, especially in Urbania. Famous for producing artistic ceramics with elegant shapes and vibrant colors, the town's artisans use ancient techniques to create unique, high-quality works of art.

Events in Montefeltro

Montefeltro is a region rich in cultural, sporting and food and wine events. Participating in these events is a way to visit the area and discover its traditions.

Some of the most important events in Montefeltro include the Valmarecchia Chestnut Festival in Talamello, the Carpegna DOP Ham Festival in Carpegna, the National Antiques Market Exhibition in Pennabilli, the Conca Valley Black Truffle Fair in Monte Grimano Terme and the Montefeltro Festival, a festival of opera and concert productions related to Belcanto.

But that's not all: Montefeltro is also home to sporting events such as the Granfondo del Montefeltro, one of the most challenging bicycle races in Italy.

Gastronomy in Montefeltro

The cuisine of Montefeltro is a blend of flavors and traditions of various influences created over time and linked to characteristic signs. The gastronomic culture is based on fresh, simple and genuine ingredients with recipes, preparations and products that have been handed down from generation to generation as a precious legacy.

For lovers of good food, one can find routes dedicated to the tasting of the numerous typical local products.

Among the typical products of Montefeltro are the Prosciutto di Carpegna DOP, the legumes of San Sisto, the Cau e Spada pecorino cheese, the Fossa cheese, the Red Potato of Sompiano, the White Veal of the Apennines IGP from the Marchigiana breed, the Casciotta DOP from Urbino, and the black and white truffles of Sant'Agata Feltria.

Finally, one cannot fail to mention the local DOC wines, such as Verdicchio di Matelica, Bianchello del Metauro, Sangiovese di Romagna, Trebbiano di Romagna and Albana di Romagna DOCG.

In short, Montefeltro offers a wide range of opportunities to discover local culture and traditions. If you have the opportunity to visit this area, do not miss the chance to discover all its beauties and taste its traditional dishes and fine wines