Santarcangelo di Romagna - Driving itineraries

Santarcangelo: Romagna of artists
Santarcangelo is one of the most lively cities of Romagna: a city of artists and poets which is situated halfway between the glamorous city of Rimini and the intimate Valmarecchia. Santarcangelo is the homeland of the most important "Sant" from Romagna: Sangiovese wine, whose name derives from the local Giove Hill. The city centre gathers outstanding monuments, churches and streets, and is totally pervaded by a magic atmosphere.

Santarcangelo's most important monuments are the Malatesta Fortress and the popular Bell tower, which was erected in the XIX century just in the heart of the old town. The impressive structure and imposing profile of the so-called Campanone, which is the city's most representative landmark, can be admired even from a distance. Commissioned by the Malatesta Family, in the XIV century the fortress was flanked by a high tower which was subsequently downsized in 1447 since its materials were used to build stronger outer walls. The outer structure and inner halls of the medieval fortress are open to the general public

The old town develops between the Campanone and the Fortress. It is characterized by picuresque squares, narrow streets and mysterious nooks and crannies, and gives visitors the possibility to go for pleasant walks, sip some coffee or taste delicious ice-cream. The city's main square is dominated by a big arch, which was built in 1796 to celebrate Lorenzo Ganganelli, Pope Clement XIV.

Santarcangelo also boasts a mysterious side. The eastern slope of Giove Hill is dotted with caves, wells and tunnels, which were dug out in ancient times. Researchers think they were realized by the Etruscans or in the Pre-Christian Age. Some caves are open to the general public, and the local authorities often arrange interesting guided tours.

In the second half of the Twentieth century, Santarcangelo's dialect was widely used by aritists and poets. Santarcangelo is the native town of three nationally renowned poets: Tonino Guerra, Nino Pedretti and Raffaello Baldini, the latter being regarded to be one of the most important authors of the Contemporary Italian Literature.

Santarcangelo is also famous as a land of famous stage directors. Tonino Guerra was one of Fellini's art directors, and also contributed to the realization of Amarcord, which is one of the most famous masterpieces of the Italian cinema. Not to be missed is the famous comedian Fabio De Luigi, who was born here. Every July, Santarcangelo stages the popular "Santarcangelo dei Teatri" festival, which attracts large numbers of people who flock here to attend outstanding performances and amazing theatrical representations.

From Rimini, take the SS9 A-road. Santarcangelo is situated only 11 kilometres far from Rimini.