Santarcangelo di Romagna

Castrum Sancti Arcangeli has existed ever since 1037 along with the main boundary, which is visible near the ancient door of the Campanone Vecchio. In the second half of the XIII century the Castle of Santarcangelo was conquered by Rimini. In the XIV century Carlo Malatesta took command of it. In 1386 he built the new Fortress and Sigismondo Malatesta, his successor, enlarged the building and in 1447, built a new outer wall. Pope Leone XII granted the title of "città" to Santarcangelo. The famous Colle Giove Grottoes are attractive and mysterious. About one hundred were dug up between the tuff and clay and have been distributed on three levels. The historical medieval centre is worth visiting, too. Along its  lanes, there are characteristic and picturesque houses with  balconies full of flowers: Piazzetta delle Monache, Celletta Zampeschi, the Campanone and Porta Cervese. Nearby the Fortress you can find the convent of Cappuccini and S. Maria Immacolata church where some ancient paintings, dating from the XVII century, are kept.

Some interesting works of art coming from the 300’s Rimini school are kept in another church,  the Collegiata in Piazza Balacchi. Following along Via Cesare Battisti, the Sferisterio is, situated just below the Malatesta walls. 

Entering Piazza Ganganelli , there is the Arco dedicated to Pope Ganganelli by his fellow townsmen in 1777. Not far from the centre of Santarcangelo there is a Romanesque church, San Michele Parish Churhc, one of the most important examples of Ravenna Romanesque buildings in  Romagna.

How to reach it

The shortest car route is from Zadina Pineta to Santarcangelo

Distance: 20,3 km     Time: 14 minutes