Castles Lower Valmarecchia
Tourist itinerary across the Malatesta Castles of Rimini's hinterland. The most important castles of Lower Valmarecchia are: Verucchio, Torriana, Montebello and Santarcangelo.
Castles Lower Valmarecchia - Province of Rimini
This itinerary leads to the discovery of the impressive castles that rise both on the right and left bank of the river Marecchia, a short distance from Rimini's city centre. These fortifications were all commissioned by the members of the powerful Malatesta Family, who dominated Lower Romagna for the whole of the Middle Ages.
Verucchio Fortress
Verucchio is one of the most important medieval towns in Romagna. It was the cradle of the members of the Malatesta Family, who built their fortress here and then began extending their power both in Rimini and across the whole Romagna. The castle still retains the peculiar architectural patterns commissioned by Sigismondo Malatesta in 1449. It is the ideal destination for the lovers of both history and nature, since it boasts breathtaking views over the underlying landscape.
Its inner halls host an interesting museum which is dedicated to the history of the Malatesta Family and its most illustrious members. The most important halls are the wide central lounge and the small room which is often regarded to have been the place where Paolo and Francesca were killed by Gianciotto Malatesta. Not to be missed are the enchanting inner courtyards and the outer communication trenches, the latter boasting sweeping views over the underlying landscape.
Once they visited the fortress, tourists will have the opportunity to browse around Verucchio's old town, which is one of the best-preserved fortified villages of the surrounding area. Not to be missed are the Collegiate Church and the Civic Archaeological Museum, the latter gathering outstanding Villanovan finds.
Castles of Montebello and Torriana
Once they visited Verucchio, tourists will have the possibility to reach the opposite bank of the river Marecchia to explore the majestic fortresses of Torriana and Montebello. Commissioned by the Malatesta Family, they are situated on the top of privileged, panoramic positions overlooking the glorious countryside of the surrounding area.
Torriana is not open to the general public, while Montebello hosts an interesting museum gathering plenty of ancient memorabilia. Visitors will also have the possibility to get to know the famous legend of Azzurrina, a little girl who disappeared in the castle dungeons in the XIV century. Legend has it that every five years, during the night of the summer solstice, she mourns and cries. Since 1990, mourning have been registered at least three times, and recording can be listened by visitors.
Malatesta Fortress in Santarcangelo
The last stop of the wonderful itinerary across Lower Valmarecchia is the lovely village of Santarcangelo, which is one of the most fascinating towns of Romagna. Commissioned in 1447 by Sigismondo Malatesta, the city's fortress develops on one side of the ancient medieval village.
It is not always open to the general public, so those interested in visiting it will have to check the opening times. Anyway, visitors will have the opportunity to browse around Santarcangelo, a city of poets, artists and great traditions.
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