From: 15/04/2012 To: 01/10/2012 Summer Events 2012 in Cattolica, preview

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Malatesta Fortresses

This medium difficulty 121-kilometre-long itinerary features plenty of lovely stopovers.
From Cattolica, climb to Gradara and its impressive Malatesta Fortress, which was once the venue for the harrowing love story between Paolo and Francesca. Not to be missed are the inner rooms of the castle and the breathtaking views they offer over the underlying landscape.

Head to Monteluro, which once set the stage for fierce fighting between the Malatesta and Montefeltro families, that is strategically situated 289 metres above sea level. Not to be missed are the ruins of the castle of Monteluro, which once gazed across the countryside from on high.
Go down to the small villages of Tavullia, Trebbio and Montegridolfo, the latter cherishing a charming old town which was completely destroyed during the war between the Montefeltro and Malatesta families and subsequently rebuilt in 1300 with a rectangular plant and impressive towers.

Next step is Mondaino, situated only one kilometre far; this is one of the most difficult stretches of the itinerary, since it features a 15%-gradient hard climb leading to the top of a charming hill situated 400 metres above sea level.

This lovely village is dominated by the Malatesta Fortress, built between the XIII and XV century and provided with a beautiful terrace overlooking the lush valleys of Romagna and the compelling coastline of Pesaro and its province.
After the visit to the small and intimate old town of Mondaino, turn left in the direction of Tavoleto (420 metres above sea level), which is situated 10 kilometres far from it. Go down again for 10 kilometres up to Montefiore, which was once chosen by the Malatesta family as one of their most important outposts in Valconca.

Go down to Morciano and then turn left to Taverna and Mercatino Conca, both situated on the slopes of the impressive Mount Titano. Turn right in the direction of  San Marino, follow signs to the clearway and turn in the direction of Acquaviva and Arezzo at Borgo Maggiore roundabout. After a kilometre, turn right to Ventoso.

A 5-kilometre-long descent (18% gradient) leads to the charming old town of  Verucchio, an ancient village which gazes across Marecchia valley from on high. Mount Verucchio is topped by the Malatesta Fortress, the so-called “Rocca del Sasso”, one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses of the Malatesta family.
After the visit to the Fortress and the surrounding landscapes, head to Rimini. At the crossroads, turn right to Santa Cristina and San Paolo.

At the crossroads to Sant’Ermete, turn right in the direction of Ospedaletto. Once reached the plain and crossed Gaiofana, turn left in the direction of  San Salvatore and left again at the traffic lights to Riccione and Coriano. This last 12-kilometre-long stretch crosses the lush countrysides of the hinterland. Not to be missed in Coriano is the visit to the ruins of the ancient Castle which was commissioned by the Malatesta family around 1440.
At Coriano's traffic lights, turn left to Misano Monte, which is situated about 8 kilometres far from here. The Malatesta Castle of Misano Monte still retains its original entrance gate and part of the tower.

Misano Monte boasts breathtaking views over the beautiful landscape of the Riviera; go down to Misano Cella and, once reached the traffic lights, head to Santamonica. The descent continues up to the final step of our itinerary, Cattolica's sea front.