In the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance, Romagna was long disputed between two powerful families of those times: the Maltestas and the Montefeltroes. The dispute left different marks on the territory, such as the numerous fortresses that dominate the valleys. The imposing fortress of Montefiore Conca, surrounded by the same name village, will amaze you with its tales and the breathtaking view on the Romagna coast. Another village worth your visit is San Giovanni in Marignano, which during the Renaissance was called as “the granary of the  Malatestas” for the fertility of its lands: today it is a lively village, hosting many events.

Once you enter the walls of Gradara, you will have the impression of going back In time: Medieval streets, imposing walls, houses all around the castle.. You will even be able to walk along the walls of the fortress and let yourself be enchanted by the view on the hills and the seaside. According to some legends, the fortress halls were the background to the tragic love of Paolo and Francesca, sung by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Of course, they were the scene of countless events taking place between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: you can relive them in the town’s History Museum, from which you also access mysterious underground caves.

In Santarcangelo, tradition and creativity interweave: the village still keeps its structure as a medieval hill town, looking out to the valley. The ancient streets will take you to the castle, which was an exceptionally strategic stronghold for the Malatestas. Quite close, the fortress of Montebello tells a mysterious tale: in 1375, the daughter to the local lord disappeared and was never found. For century the legend has been passed on, according to which her ghosts would be wandering in the castle.. and still nowadays some people swear they have heard her voice…

Verucchio is at the core of a very ancient tale, dating back from far earlier than the Medieval battles or the Roman conquests. In IX century a.C. the hills were inhabited by the Villanovans: a charming people, on which you can learn more by visiting the Archaeology Museum. Hundreds years later, here rose the power of the Malatesta family, which would dominate Rimini for a long time: the fortress of Verucchio is one of the best kept ones in Romagna. After the visit you can stop at Cantina della Gea, a tavern that keeps the tradition of wine and the best territory specialties.