Not far from San Marino there is Monte Cerignone, formed by a small village and a castle that every year are animated by a palio and a historical parade. This place offers art, culture, nature but also genuine and appetizing gastronomy.
Exploring Monte Cerignone is an experience out of the ordinary; upon entering this small village you do not abandon the world, but you cross a door that leads to another dimension...The unique character of the place is revealed to the eyes of visitors like the pages of a book that unfold among the narrow streets of the country. Anyone curious to savor the ancient atmosphere and local stories can admire the majolica illustrations climbing the steps towards Santa Croce. Those who are fascinated by the millenary history can undertake the journey through the alley of the Rocca Feretrana, where Uguccione watches over the Faggiola. Travelers, like pilgrims and adventurers of times gone by, can immerse themselves in the embrace of the lush nature that surrounds the area, with the Blessed of Fontebona blessing them. Lovers of good food can give in to the temptation to get dirty with fresh flour ground in the centuries-old water mill, and let themselves be enveloped by the scents of freshly baked bread, milk, honey and coffee... The unique character of the place is revealed to the eyes of visitors like the pages of a book that unfold through the streets of the town. Walking through its cobbled streets, you come across wonderful murals that color the facades of the houses, while history materializes before your eyes. The house that hosted the sculptor Canzio Bardozzi tells of talent and passion, while the evocative Templar Church of Santa Caterina is transformed into a fascinating setting for pictorial exhibitions. But the surprises don't end there. The Rocca's Hanging Garden offers a breathtaking panoramic view, to be admired through panoramic binoculars that will give you moments of pure contemplation. The peasant and photographic museums reveal the secrets of ancient local traditions, giving you a unique perspective on life in the past. Furthermore, to make exploring the village even more engaging, a treasure hunt app is available that allows you to discover the hidden beauties of Monte Cerignone, adding an element of fun and adventure to the experience. Every street is a page... every page is a story... a reality that reveals itself when we feel the need and is silent when we desire silence. Some time ago, Umberto Eco, an illustrious fellow villager, stated: "Whoever does not read, at 70 years old will have lived only one life: his own. Whoever reads will have lived 5000 years: he was present when Cain killed Abel, when Renzo married Lucia, when Leopardi he admired the infinite... because reading is an immortality in reverse." Living in Monte Cerignone means leafing through his pages... ... and leafing through, after all, means nothing else other than collecting... with your eyes, hands and heart...
The Rocca di Monte Cerignone represents the pulsating heart of this fascinating village, just as Monte Cerignone itself has been the vital center of the Province.
Once the seat of the Feretrano Tribunal, the Rocca now houses the Farmer's Museum, the Mochi Museum, and the Municipal Archives, also offering a breathtaking panoramic view from its Hanging Garden, through a panoramic binoculars.
Located on a majestic tuff cliff, the Rocca di Monte Cerignone presents itself as the command bridge of an imposing ship.
Originally composed of two impressive towers, one polygonal in shape facing Faggiola and the other rectangular overlooking the village, the two towers were connected by a narrow covered passage. It is believed that the soldiers were stationed in the first tower, while the Castellan resided in the second.
The Rocca di Monte Cerignone was restored on the orders of Federico I, Duke of Urbino, and for centuries it hosted the Feretrano Tribunal, including the figure of the Maleficiario, the Inquisitor tasked with identifying and recording the responsibilities of the guilty.
In the Hanging Garden, one can admire the sculpture created by Maestro Canzio Bardozzi: the Bust of Uguccione della Faggiola, a valiant Dantean character from Feltro, who managed to return from the Battle of Cerone with four lances and thirteen crossbow bolts still embedded in his shield...
The Rocca di Monte Cerignone is a living witness to the history and art that has shaped this unique place. Strolling through its walls, one can sense the energy of a bygone era and immerse oneself in the events that have made Monte Cerignone an unforgettable place.
The keyword? Taste!
In 2020, the Marche region ranked second in the special list of the top 10 regions to visit worldwide, according to the renowned magazine Lonely Planet. Among the reasons, it states:
"And if you prefer picturesque towns over large urban centers, where time seems to have stood still, you'll be spoiled for choice: the Piceno, the Fermano, or the Montefeltro will be rich mines of endless discoveries. But the Marche region is not only art, culture, and nature; it is also genuine and appetizing gastronomy that offers ever-changing delicacies depending on the places and seasons."
If you truly want to get to know Monte Cerignone, you have to taste it! This is the motto of the Via del Gusto, and indeed, eating the typical dishes and savoring the unique flavors of the region is a fundamental moment of every journey.
There are few things that speak so authentically about the culture of a place like food... It has the power to tell the territory from an anthropological and traditional point of view: through typical dishes and local products, you can satisfy the desire to transform an experience into an unforgettable memory.
The keyword? Taste!
In 2020, the Marche region ranked second in the special list of the top 10 regions to visit worldwide, according to the renowned magazine Lonely Planet. Among the reasons, it states:
"And if you prefer picturesque towns over large urban centers, where time seems to have stood still, you'll be spoiled for choice: the Piceno, the Fermano, or the Montefeltro will be rich mines of endless discoveries. But the Marche region is not only art, culture, and nature; it is also genuine and appetizing gastronomy that offers ever-changing delicacies depending on the places and seasons."
If you truly want to get to know Monte Cerignone, you have to taste it! This is the motto of the Via del Gusto, and indeed, eating the typical dishes and savoring the unique flavors of the region is a fundamental moment of every journey.
There are few things that speak so authentically about the culture of a place like food... It has the power to tell the territory from an anthropological and traditional point of view: through typical dishes and local products, you can satisfy the desire to transform an experience into an unforgettable memory.
Taste the products of Monte Cerignone: it will be like taking a bite of our enchanting village.
In addition to being the chosen location of the internationally renowned "Caffé Pascucci," the village of Monte Cerignone is part of the "Strade della Birra" (Beer Routes) itinerary, which aims to enhance and promote territories with a brewing vocation, characterized not only by the presence of craft and agricultural breweries but also by natural, cultural, and historical excellences. The project offers an integrated offer and a loyalty tool, the "Passaporto delle Strade della Birra" (Beer Routes Passport), which allows tourists and beer enthusiasts visiting the affiliated municipalities of the "Città della Birra" (Beer Cities) to obtain numerous discounts at breweries, restaurants, bars, accommodations, museums, and attractions.
Erected on a high tuff ridge, the Rocca looks like the command bridge of an impressive ship.
In every place resides a unique story, made up of both big and small events... The Path of Anecdotes is a trail that winds through the streets of Monte Cerignone, collecting the narratives that make up the very fabric of this community. As you venture along the staircase that connects Via Santa Croce to the Borgo, you will be fascinated by the splendid illustrations on ceramics that tell local anecdotes with the help of an audio guide.
These tales do not focus on monumental history, but rather reflect on the unique character of a bygone era, where dignified poverty blended with a deep thirst for rebirth and a close connection to the land.
Some stories will make you smile, while others will make you reflect on a time when ideals were deeply rooted and values were of fundamental importance.
The Path of Anecdotes is a symbol of pride and belonging to the local community, but it is also an invitation to open doors and share these stories with the outside world...
Discover the captivating charm of the Mochi Museum, a hidden gem within the evocative Feretrana Fortress of Monte Cerignone. This museum exudes a magical atmosphere, transporting you back in time to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Immersed in the historical beauty of this ancient village, the Mochi Museum is an extraordinary tribute to a photographer who captured the essence of a bygone era. Through fascinating photographic reproductions and engaging multimedia experiences, the museum allows you to fully immerse yourself in the unique vision of this artist.
As you walk among the walls adorned with his images, each photograph whispers a silent story to you. The faces of the era's protagonists come to life before your eyes, and the sharp details of everyday scenes transport you to a distant world. Touch screens enable you to explore the collection interactively and delve deeper into the aspects that captivate you the most.
The Mochi Museum is a tribute to the power of imagery and the magic of photography. It invites you to travel through time and connect with the emotions of a past era. The mastery of this photographer will leave you speechless as you immerse yourself in his artistic vision and his ability to capture the authenticity of every single moment.
Step into a fascinating and timeless world at the Small Museum of Rural History, a precious treasure housed within the thousand-year-old walls of the Rocca di Monte Cerignone. This museum encapsulates the life and traditions of a bygone era in a small room, offering an exciting journey into the past.
As soon as you cross the threshold, you will be enveloped in an intimate and evocative atmosphere. The ancient stone walls preserve agricultural tools, artisanal objects, and artifacts that bear witness to a simple yet inherently valuable way of life. Each exhibited object tells a story, a part of the legacy left by our ancestors who worked these fertile lands with dedication and passion.
The scents of the countryside intertwine in the air, while dim lights illuminate the objects that marked the working and daily lives of the farmers of yesteryear. Despite its modest size, the museum exudes an evocative power that captivates you and transports you back in time.
Here, you can admire traditional agricultural implements, feel the rough wood of old plows, and imagine the sound of skillful hands weaving baskets and fabrics. Each exhibited piece is a tangible testament to the commitment and resilience of those who shaped this land and their community. Enter a fascinating and timeless world at the Small Museum of Rural History, a precious treasure nestled within the thousand-year-old walls of the Rocca di Monte Cerignone. This museum encapsulates the life and traditions of a distant era, offering an exciting journey into the past.
As soon as you step across the threshold, you will be enveloped in an intimate and evocative atmosphere. The ancient stone walls safeguard agricultural tools, artisanal objects, and artifacts that represent a simple yet inherently valuable way of life. Each exhibited object tells a story, a part of the heritage left by our ancestors who worked these fertile lands with dedication and passion.
The scents of the countryside interweave in the air, while soft lights illuminate the objects that marked the working and daily lives of the farmers of yesteryear. Despite its modest size, the museum exudes an evocative power that captivates and transports you back in time.
Here, you can admire traditional agricultural implements, touch the weathered wood of old plows, and imagine the sound of skilled hands weaving baskets and fabrics. Each exhibited piece is a tangible testament to the commitment and resilience of those who shaped this land and their community.
The Small Museum of Rural History invites you to explore the wisdom of past generations, to understand the beauty of simplicity, and to rediscover a deep connection with the land. Here, in the heart of the Rocca di Monte Cerignone, you can immerse yourself in ancient history, allowing yourself to be carried away by the emotions emanating from the objects and the stories they tell.
Come and visit this jewel of history, where modesty transforms into greatness and the small room expands into a universe of meaning. The Small Museum of Rural History awaits you to provide an experience that will stay with you, nourishing your soul with the depth of an authentic story.