| Pesaro - Urbino Province |
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In the west, early inhabitants of Cagli fought agains the rule of the mighty Montefeltro family of Urbino to keep their independence. Hidden within the town's simple exterior is a magnificent Roman arch, 15th century palaces and churches and an impressive fortress. Designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the fortress was pulled down by Guidubaldo di Montefeltro who preferred to destroy it rather than leave it to Cesare Borgia. The town also displays paintings by Giovanni Santi and Federico Barocci in the church of Giovanni Battista. South of Cagli, high on a plateau sheltered by Mount Catria, is L'Eremo di Fonte Avellana which grew from the simple hermitage founded in 980 by San Romualdo. |
| Over the centuries, it attracted those seeking spiritual peace and understanding, then in the 17th century, the Camaldolite order took over the abbey, where they remain to this day. Several small towns nestling below the western mountains should not escape the visitor's attention. Piobbico has an interesting natural history museum and the Castle Brancaleoni from Carpegna, the ideal starting point for mountain walkers, it is a six mile spectacular and brethtaking drive around Monte Carpegna to Pennabilli, a town well-known for its summer antiques exhibition as well as its ancient buildings. |
| At Sassocorvaro,
visit the fortress Ubaldinesca by the architect Francesco
di Giorgio Martini (1500c). On the northern boundary of Le Marche, on a rocky outcrop above the Marecchia river, is the famous fortress town of San Leo. The town has a long history behind it; dominions, seiges and even a period as the capital city of Italy under the King Berengario II. It was originally known as Montefeltro (from Mons Feretrius) but the name was changed in the 10th century in honour of the Dalmatian monk Leone. The rocky vantage point above the town is crowded with one of the most important fortresses built in the Middle Ages and Reinassance, which now houses collections of old documents and weapons and holds regular art exhibitions. In the town itself there are buildings dating back to the 9th century. |
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