10 things not to miss in Santarcangelo di Romagna

There are many reasons why it is worth discovering Santarcangelo: for its strong Romagna identity and the atmosphere of a large village marked by the right pace of life, for its architectural beauty made up of noble palaces, village houses, alleys and small squares that have given it the title of City of Art, for the international events that enliven it no less than the village festivals full of fragrances and flavours.
Welcome to beauty, culture and tradition.

Campanone Tower 
19th century Although not the original tower that overlooked the oldest entrance to the first fortification (Old Campanone Gate 11th-12th century) it remains one of the town’s symbols and an unmistakable part of its skyline. 

Piazza delle Monache 
A delightful mediaeval square surrounded by fine buildings, with a rare mediaeval well and entrance to one of the most beautiful caves.

Tufa Caves 
Visit by appointment only. The old town is built on a network  of underground caves inside which there are circular rooms, narrow tunnels, wells and communication trenches of exceptional architectural importance. The entire hillside is criss-crossed by over 200 caves, all of which have been recorded. Despite the studies carried out, neither their origins nor their function is yet clear and many theories regarding these aspects remain. Without doubt, they form a fascinating underground city.

Collegiate church
18th century This is the city’s main church and houses remarkable works of art including a wooden Crucifix by the “fourteenth-century Rimini school” and a piece dating from 1635 of St. Joseph, St. Eligius and the Christ Child by Guido Cagnacci, an artist born here in 1601.

Parish church of San Michele Arcangelo
6th century This fine, poetic building is one of the most important examples of ecclesiastical architecture from the early Middle Ages.

MET Museum of the Uses and Customs of the People of Romagna 
This is one of the leading museums in Italy dedicated to popular traditions. Its modern layout features exhibits and documents divided into various theme sections dedicated to wheat and wine production cycles, mills, printing on cloth, clothing, crafts and trades, the home, transport, the art of making stringed instruments, puppetry and much more.

MUSAS Historical and Archaeological Museum 
Housed in 17th-century Palazzo Cenci it has exhibits regarding the history and artistic expressions of the town and its surroundings including a polyptych by Venetian-born Jacobello da Bonomo from 1385.

Ganganelli Arch 
Built in his native town in 1777, this is a triumphal arch that honours Pope Clemente XIV (1705-1774) and celebrates his election to office.

Fountain of the Underground
Lawn and installations by Tonino Guerra Designed by the eclectic local poet and artist Tonino Guerra, the fountain combines cool water with poetic charm, as does his other work and installations found in various parts of the town. Called “Places of the Soul” they form an itinerary that is too beautiful and unique for visitors to miss.

Ancient Mangle
17th century Entrance fee payable. An extraordinary 17th-century working wheel press for ironing fabrics. The adjacent workshop produces traditional hand-painted fabrics using ancient “rust printing” techniques.

Taken from Malatesta [&] Montefeltro: a journey through the hills of Rimini