11 Things not to miss in San Giovanni in Marignano
San Giovanni in Marignano is the gateway to the Conca valley, an area designed by beautiful, tidy countryside. Here there is a piece of history - that of the Malatesta Seignory - and good food because wine and grain are plentiful and of excellent quality.
Welcome to the 'Granary of the Malatesta'. Let yourself be conquered by one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The village, fortifications and towers
Via XX September, known as “via di mezzo”, is the main road through the village and is lined with 18th and 19th-century buildings. It is entered from the square by crossing through the ancient gateway that is in fact, the 15th-century municipal watch tower. Along the street, paved in reclaimed cobblestones, circular stone inserts mark the underground granary ditches, of which over 200 have been recorded. The village is surrounded by defensive walls dating from the 14th and 15th century. Along the western side, restoration of the paving recalls the ancient moat.
Parish church of San Pietro
Built on the municipal square around the 13th century it was renovated in the 18th century when the altarpiece with Saints Benedict and Mauro and a fine Rococo ancone were added to the main altar.
Augusto Massari Municipal Theatre
This was originally the oratory of the Confraternity of the Rosary that became a theatre in the 19th century; although small, it is a classical Italian theatre with aU-shaped layout and two orders of richly decorated boxes. It always hosts shows and cultural events.
Church of Santa Lucia In line with tradition, during the Feast of St.Lucy (13 December), hundreds of candles brighten up the image of the saint. The church has a 16th-century fresco of the Madonna and Child and a rare 18th-century organ with over 600 tin and wood pipes.
Church of Santa Maria in Pietrafitta 17th century
Just two kilometres from the centre on the road to Tavullia, it was built on anexisting structure. The fine external plaques and inscriptions bear witness to the miracles worked by the image housed here. Inside, there is an altarpiece depicting the Assumption of Our Lady, by the Rimini-born artist Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni (1750-1806) and amarble paving stone carved in the 9th century.
Church of Santa Maria del Monte 17th century
A few kilometresfrom the town is this fine 17th-century religious building constructed to house the image of a Madonna that was considered miraculous. It does not have an aisle and the exterior is quite original as it is surrounded on three sides by a portico. Built in brick, thanks to its rounded arches framed by pilasters it permits visitors to see the interesting plaques that narrate the many miracles attributed to Our Lady.
Church of Santa Maria fuori le mura
It was rebuilt in 1786, buthouses a 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna with Child.
Wine cellars
A visit to the prestigious wine cellars of San Giovanni is a must. The town has been part of the Wine City circuit for sometime, thanks to the top-quality wine produced in the entire region. Some cellars also offer very interesting cultural visits.
Riviera Horses Riding Centre
A great new centre covering almost10 hectares dedicated to equestrian events (mainly show-jumping). Includes a riding school, horse therapy facilities and stables.
Entomological Museum
Housed in the former slaughter house,the exhibition was created in collaboration with the Conca Valley Naturalistic Study Centre with the aim of identifying, studying and raising awareness regarding the naturalistic heritage of the Conca Valley, in particular through the study of insects and other terrestrial anthropods.
“Come eravamo, cum a simie” (As we were, as we are)
An exhibition of everyday objects from the 19th and 20th centuries, in the evocative location of Palazzo Corbucci, set up with the aim of discovering - or rediscovering - how people lived until a few decades ago in the Romagna countryside. Themed rooms have been set up for this purpose: the stable, the shoemaker's and blacksmith's workshop, the bedroom, the cellar, all full of objects and tools that facilitated work when machines did not yet exist. Guided tours take visitors on a plunge into the past, in an engaging and exciting journey through Romagna's farming culture and traditions. Free admission every Sunday from 9 a.m. to midday and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Taken from Malatesta [&] Montefeltro: a journey through the hills of Rimini
