The Hills around Riccione

Riccione is crowned by lots of hills, from the rocky rugged Valmarecchia in the North to the green pleasant Valconca in the South, between Romagna and Marche. This area is known as the historic region “Signoria dei Malatesta” (Malatestas Lordship).
The Malatestas reigned over this area during the centuries between Middle Ages and Renaissance and left anywhere on the area important traces of their domination.
The former capital of the “Signoria dei Malatesta”, Rimini, boasts the magnificent Malatesta’s Temple and the Sismondo Castle.

Here you find the list of the 15 towns that make up the Malatesta Lordship, presented in alphabetical order:
 
CORIANO
Coriano is situated between Riccione and Rimini, a few kilometres far from the sea.
In the past it was highly coveted for its fertile land. To the Malatesta goes the credit for its strong fortification, but later Coriano came under the domination of the Sassatellis from Imola. They rebuilt the castle and gave to Coriano a unique emblem which is still displayed at the entrance of the castle. World War II unfortunately hit hard Coriano and most of its historic past traces has been destroyed.
Since 2011 Coriano is sadly famous for being the birthplace of Motogp Champion Marco Simoncelli, whose death during the race turned the town centre into an emotional open air sanctuary.
Website: www.comune.coriano.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: about 5 km

GEMMANO
Gemmano is a little village on the hills in the heart of Valconca.
The original settlement dates back to Roman ages, but during medieval times was enriched by a strong fort. Unfortunately most of the witnesses from these periods were destroyed during World War II.
The pride of Gemmano is the incredible beauty of its nature, still unspoiled and wild. The Onferno Caves and their Natural Reserve are the main attractions: people can take a tour inside the tunnels dug into chalk and experience a close encounter with the many bats that live here.
Website: www.digiartweb.com/gemmano and www.grotteonferno.it
Distance from Riccione: about 19 km



MONDAINO
Mondaino is a small village perched on the hills of Valconca, near the border with the Marche region. From this particular position derives its strategic importance as a military outpost and the subsequent massive fortification.
Among the landmarks that worth a visit we find the Rocca Malatestiana (Malatesta fortress) and Piazza Maggiore with its characteristic semicircular shape, the Convent of the Franciscans and the Church of San Michele.
In August an event not to be missed takes place in Mondaino: the Palio del Daino, an exceptionally accurate and involving reconstruction of the life in the village during the Middle Ages.
Website: www.mondaino.com and www.paliodeldaino.it
Distance from Riccione: 28 km

MONTECOLOMBO
Castled on a hill that overlooks a green valley, Montecolombo combines the massive Malatesta’s fortification and a harmonious  natural landscape rich in vineyards and olive groves.
Some landmarks to visit: the Church of San Martino, which houses a painting of Brancaleoni and the San Savino Castle, located in a small hamlet also famous for its therapeutic water springs.
Website: www.comune.montecolombo.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 20 km

MONTEFIORE CONCA
Montefiore is the medieval capital of Valconca and one of the best preserved and most charming malatestian villages .
its name derives from the latin word “Mont Floris” (Flower Mountain) and it’s inspired by its wonderful setting, among forests and a lush countryside.
You can't miss a visit to the stunning Rocca Malatestiana (Malatestian Fortress) with its robust walls and gates enclosing a 14th century pit and a room decorated with magnificent frescoes.
Website: www.comune.montefiore-conca.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 20 km

MONTEGRIDOLFO
Montegridolfo is a small town on the border between Romagna and Marche, in a strategic position always contended between Malatestas and Montefeltros.
Its name is due to the family of Gridolfi, who reigned over this area during the XII century.
Among the landmarks we find the 14th century Malatesta’s Castle and the Church of San Rocco, which houses a precious painting of Cagnacci.
Also charming is the Sanctuary dedicated to Virgin Mary where, it is said, there were some apparitions in the XVIII century.
Website: www.montegridolfo.eu
Distance from Riccione: 29 km


MONTESCUDO
Montescudo maintains many traces of Malatestian domination, including the massive walls, the 14th century civic tower, an unusual icehouse and lots of tangled secret passages.
Montescudo's history is also closely linked to the Napoleonic domination, during which it reached its peak.
In fact, the colours of French flag are represented in the gonfalon.
Moreover, in the small hamlet of Trarivi you can visit the ancient romanic Pieve (now Church of the Peace) and the Museum of the East Gothic Line, rich of witnesses from World War II.
Website:www.comune.montescudo.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 21 km

MORCIANO DI ROMAGNA
Morciano di Romagna arose as a commercial town durino the Middle Ages, when it depended on the ancient Abbey of San Gregorio in Conca (later destroyed by the floods of river Conca).
In its history, trade has always been the most  prosperous business in Morciano.
The main event is the Ancient Fair of San Gregorio, where people trade livestock, agricultural products and technologies for agriculture.
Website: www.morciano.org
Distance from Riccione: 15 km
 

POGGIO BERNI
The first settlements in the Poggio Berni area, in Valmarecchia, date back to the Bronze Age.
Nevertheless, the main visible witnesses date back to Middle Ages and Renaissance, when the area was fiefdom of Malatestas .
Among the interesting monuments we find the ruins of the Malatestian Castle and the 15th century Palace Marcosanti, an imposing fortified farm.
In the countryside near Poggio Berni, along the Marecchia river, it is possible to admire the Moroni Windmill with its ancient grinders room.
Website: www.comune.poggio-berni.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 28 km
 

SALUDECIO
This village is located on the border with Marche region and deserves the nickname of “Balcony on the Adriatic sea” because of its breathtaking view that goes from Milano Marittima in the north to Monte Conero (Ancona) in the south.
The Malatestian walls enclose a charming maze of narrow streets, fortified gates and enchanting churches.
In Saludecio takes place “Ottocento Festival”, a precise reconstruction of life in the village during 19th century.
Website:www.comunesaludecio.it
Distance from Riccione: 25 km

SAN CLEMENTE
San Clemente is located in Valconca, not so far from the coast.
The impressive fortified walls, which include a round arch surmounted by a massive clock tower are the main witness left by Malatestas.
Nestled within the walls like a jewel we find the 19th century Church designed by Luigi Poletti, architect of Vaticano, which houses a valuable painting depicting the Holy Family.
The nearby hamlet of Castelleale houses another witness of the Malatestian period, a fortified farmhouse where Leale Malatesta, Bishop of Rimini, lived and died.
Website: www.sanclemente.it
Distance from Riccione: 13 km

SAN GIOVANNI IN MARIGNANO
The small village of San Giovanni in Marignano is located just 4 kilometres far from the coast and it was nicknamed the “Barn of Malatestas” because of its extraordinarily fertile land.
The picturesque old town, with its turrets, walls and caves for wheat storage is an example of perfectly preserved malatestian architecture.
An event not to be missed is the traditional “Festa delle Streghe” which evokes the mystical celebrations in the night of summer solstice.
Website:www.comune.san-giovanni-in-marignano.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 15 km

SANTARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA
The first settlements date back to Roman times, but in this town in Valmarecchia the main imprint was left from Middle Ages: the old town has plenty of narrow tangled streets, dominated by the imposing Malatestian Fortress.
Among the main landmarks of Santarcangelo we find the charming churches, Ganganelli Place with the homonym Arch erected in 1777 in honour of Pope Clemente XIV (who was born here), the mysterious tuff caves and the Ancient Tintoria Marchi, where to admire the ancient traditional art of rust printing.
Website:www.comune.santarcangelo.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 24 km

TORRIANA E MONTEBELLO
Not far from Santarcangelo is set Torriana, once known as “Scorticata” (means like “scraped”) beacause of the many marble quarries excavated on its slopes.
A few minutes from Torriana, along the only paved road on the ridge we find the ancient village of Montebello.
Its main attraction is the Castle, built as a military fortress during Roman Times (the name of the village comes from the latin word “Mons Belli” which means “Mount of War”) and enriched during Malatestas and Montefeltros domination by a manor house.
The interior is still well preserved and it’s possible to admire many original pieces of furnishing.
The best known characteristic of this Castle is the mysterious atmosphere inspired by the Legend of Azzurrina, a little girl who disappeared mysteriously in 13th century whose voice is said to be heard every 5 years during the summer solstice.
Website: www.castellodimontebello.com and www.comune.torriana.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 35 km

VERUCCHIO
Verucchio, in the heart of Valmarecchia, takes advantage of its privileged position and offers a spectacular view on the coast and on the Appennini mountains.
Through fascinating glimpses of the medieval village, the visitor embarks on a charming journey into the past of these lands, which were the cradle of Malatestas and even bifore the home of the Etruscans.
We suggest a visit to the ancient Curch, which dates back to tenth century.
Website: www.comunediverucchio.it
Distance from Riccione: 29 km


During your holiday in Riccione you can also visit:

URBINO
With an old town declared in 1998 “UNESCO World Heritage List”, Urbino is undoubtedly one of major art cities in Italy and worldwide.
Thanks to Montefeltro Family, who reigned over the town and the surrounding hills, Urbino reached its art peak in about 1400 being enriched by many masterpieces of Renaissance Art, like the Palazzo Ducale.
It is impossible to name every museum, Palace and landmark, but if you are on holiday in the area you can’t miss a visit of this magnificent renaissance town, where painter Raffaello Sanzio was born. 
Website: www.pesaroeurbino.info/urbino.php
Distance from Riccione: 52 km

GRADARA
With its Fortress nestled between the Appennini mountains and the Adriatic sea, the massive walls and the well preserved fortified old town, Gradara is actually an excellent example of medieval architecture.
The Fortress is indissolubly linked to the tale of Paolo e Francesca, the lovers named by Dante in his Divina Commedia’s Inferno, who according to the legend were killed here by Paolo’s brother.
This legend inspires many evocative events all summer long.
Website: www.gradara.org and www.castellodigradara.org
Distance from Riccione: 14 km

REPUBLIC OF SAN MARINO
Perched on Mount Titano, in the heart of a hilly land between Romagna and Marche lies the Republic of San Marino. According to the legend, the Republic was founded by a Dalmatian stonecutter who took refuge on Mount Titano to escape religious persecution and found a Christian community.
Worth seeing is the path that joins the Three Towers, from where to admire a breathtaking view, the Basilica del Santo built in XIX century and the Nine Castles that dot the territory of the Republic.
San Marino is also known for the duty-free shopping and attracts many fans of numismatics and philately..
Website: www.visitsanmarino.com e www.sanmarinosite.com
Distance from Riccione: 33 km
 

SAN LEO
The village of San Leo is built on a rugged cliff accessible through a single gate. Its founder is said to be Leone, who like his friend Marino (later founder of the namesake republic) took here refuge in order to found a Christian community.
The old town houses romanesque buings like the ancient Pieve (built on the shrine made by Leone), the Cathedral and the Bell Tower as well as some stunning renaissance palaces.
The main landmark is the massive fortress designed by the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, later converted into prison. Here, in a particularly narrow cell, the famous “Count of Cagliostro”, enigmatic and discussed character, was confined and later found dead.
Website: www.comune.san-leo.rn.it
Distance from Riccione: 45 km