If you are in Montefeltro and you are passionate about art and history you can not fail to visit at least one of these three fortresses! Let’s start with the Rocca di San Leo, in the province of Rimini. This fortress has experienced its period of maximum splendor during the fourth century, during the Lordship of the Malatesta. In 1441 it was conquered by the rivals of Montefeltro, by a very young Federico, then from 1631 it became a prison. Today it is possible to visit the fortress and especially to admire the section with the objects of divination, magic and popular beliefs dedicated to the Count of Cagliostro, Giuseppe Balsamo, a young adventurer-fraudster who spent the last five years of his life here. 5 minutes walk from the historic center of the village of San Leo and to reach it you go through a path all uphill. From the fortress the view of the surrounding valley is amazing, with the look crossing Rimini and Urbino. Then we continue with the Rocca di Gradara. The castle in the past has hosted important families such as the Malatesta, the Sforza, the Borgia and the Della Rovere, and has been the scene of great historical and legendary events. First of all the tragic love story between Paolo and Francesca, unlucky protagonists of the V canto of the Inferno di Dante. The Rocca di Gradara is one of the best preserved examples of fortification in Italy. The visit begins with a series of evocative environments, such as the courtyard of honor, overlooked by the main tower that houses the torture room, then continue with the noble floors, where there are the hall of passion, the dressing room of Lucrezia Borgia, the boardroom, Francesca’s room. Remember that after visiting the fortress, another interesting and characteristic element to include in your itinerary is without doubt the walkway. The walls that surround the castle are still practicable and from up there you can enjoy a beautiful view! Finally we suggest you to take a trip to the Rocca Ubaldinesca of Sassocorvaro, a unique masterpiece of its kind. The fortress was built by the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The courtyard of honor of the Rocca is truly elegant, with a view of the loggia and the rooms on the ground floor and the main floor. Inside the main hall there is a theater that today is a real jewel in the crown. Once in place you will realize the particular form of the Rocca Ubaldinesca di Sassocorvaro, which reminds one of the turtle. The form, commissioned by Count Ottaviano degli Ubaldini, refers to alchemic symbolism: its compact and defensive structure refers to the philosopher’s stone, the slowness of the animal refers to the slowness with which the alchemist can complete the work, while the dual nature – marine and terrestrial – of the turtle is an expression of the forces of water and earth.If you are in Montefeltro and you are passionate about art and history you can not fail to visit at least one of these three fortresses! Let’s start with the Rocca di San Leo, in the province of Rimini. This fortress has experienced its period of maximum splendor during the fourth century, during the Lordship of the Malatesta. In 1441 it was conquered by the rivals of Montefeltro, by a very young Federico, then from 1631 it became a prison. Today it is possible to visit the fortress and especially to admire the section with the objects of divination, magic and popular beliefs dedicated to the Count of Cagliostro, Giuseppe Balsamo, a young adventurer-fraudster who spent the last five years of his life here. 5 minutes walk from the historic center of the village of San Leo and to reach it you go through a path all uphill. From the fortress the view of the surrounding valley is amazing, with the look crossing Rimini and Urbino. Then we continue with the Rocca di Gradara. The castle in the past has hosted important families such as the Malatesta, the Sforza, the Borgia and the Della Rovere, and has been the scene of great historical and legendary events. First of all the tragic love story between Paolo and Francesca, unlucky protagonists of the V canto of the Inferno di Dante. The Rocca di Gradara is one of the best preserved examples of fortification in Italy. The visit begins with a series of evocative environments, such as the courtyard of honor, overlooked by the main tower that houses the torture room, then continue with the noble floors, where there are the hall of passion, the dressing room of Lucrezia Borgia, the boardroom, Francesca’s room. Remember that after visiting the fortress, another interesting and characteristic element to include in your itinerary is without doubt the walkway. The walls that surround the castle are still practicable and from up there you can enjoy a beautiful view! Finally we suggest you to take a trip to the Rocca Ubaldinesca of Sassocorvaro, a unique masterpiece of its kind. The fortress was built by the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The courtyard of honor of the Rocca is truly elegant, with a view of the loggia and the rooms on the ground floor and the main floor. Inside the main hall there is a theater that today is a real jewel in the crown. Once in place you will realize the particular form of the Rocca Ubaldinesca di Sassocorvaro, which reminds one of the turtle. The form, commissioned by Count Ottaviano degli Ubaldini, refers to alchemic symbolism: its compact and defensive structure refers to the philosopher’s stone, the slowness of the animal refers to the slowness with which the alchemist can complete the work, while the dual nature – marine and terrestrial – of the turtle is an expression of the forces of water and earth.
Spas in the Montefeltro
If for your trip in the Montefeltro you just want to relax, then we recommend two special places to stop.
