The architecture of the past

Castles

By the 8th century, this area was already known as the "region of the castles". Crossed by a number of important communication routes, it was scattered with towers, fortresses, citadels, and castles, imposing examples of military architecture. Many of these structures still stand today and can be used to host different events: seminars, exhibits, gatherings, and medieval dinners.
  • Castello di Gradara (The Gradara Castle), where (as recounted in Dante's Inferno) the unhappy lovers, Paolo and Francesca, were killed by her husband, Gianciotto.
  • Castello di Montebello (The Montebello Castle), where the ghost of Azzurrina still wanders. The Castle also has a museum and a very nice wine bar, which is perfect for intimate dinners.
  • Castello di San Leo (The Castle of Saint Leo), at the top of a storm-proof cliff where Cagliostro died in prison. Today there is an arms museum;
  • the Rocca di Montefiore Conca (The Fortess of Montefiore Conca - 1340) with its extremely valuable frescoes that can host exhibits and festivals; the imposing Fortress of Verucchio (12th century);
  • and Palazzo Marcosanti, in Poggio Berni, which can host private gatherings and parties.

Parishes and Abbeys

More discreet, but perhaps even more widespread in the hinterland of Rimini, are the testimonies of sacred art: a dense network of monasteries and small parish churches, scattered over the hills and plains.

A fine example of which is the Romanesque parish church of Santarcangelo di Romagna, which dates back to the sixth century A.D., or the sanctuary of Madonna di Saiano, along the Marecchia river, built in the seventeenth century on the ruins of a pagan temple. The bronze door is the work of contemporary sculptor, Arnaldo Pomodoro.

Visit the pre-Romanesque church of St. Leo, standing next to the Cathedral, which is in turn one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in central Italy.

The Monastery of Poor Clares in San Marino, which, besides being a refined space for exhibitions, can also accommodate conferences and seminars.

 

Villas and Palaces

The charming and elegant atmosphere of one of our villas or palaces can be the backdrop for your next event, convention, or exclusive dinner.
For example:
  • Palazzo Astolfi in Poggio Berni, holds up to 100 people and has a beautiful garden ;
  • Villa des Vergers, built in an eclectic style between Neoclassicism and the Renaissance, is surrounded by a 7 hectare park and can host up to 250 people;
  • Palazzo Viviani in Montegridolfo, the home of a Relais & Chateaux hotel, lies in the midst of a restored historic district, which is one of the best preserved examples of a medieval village in the region;
  • Villa Mattioli, near Rimini, an elegant 19th-century building immersed in natural surroundings, is a prestigious backdrop for a convention, meeting, or any special event.