Calmazzo between the Via Flaminia, rivers, and Roman history

Calmazzo lies in the Metauro Valley at the confluence of the Metauro and the Candigliano. This connection is particularly interesting for you if, during your stay in Italy, you want to understand not only the landscape but also the traces of former roads, structures, and settlement history. Accommodation in Calmazzo can be chosen according to the topics you would like to explore in the town and its surroundings: the Via Flaminia, the Ponte di Traiano, Roman archaeology, contemporary sacred architecture, or nature along the Candigliano.

Historic roads in the center

A covered washhouse is located in Calmazzo’s historic center. The old Via Flaminia also runs through the same town center. In Roman times, the Vicus of Calmazzo stood here at the point where a branch road led from the consular Via Flaminia toward Urbino and Fermignano. Anyone interested in the development of Italian towns along historic transport routes will therefore find several closely interconnected historical points of reference in Calmazzo.

The Ponte di Traiano over the Metauro

Near Calmazzo, the Via Flaminia crosses the Metauro on the Ponte di Traiano. The bridge is associated with its construction commissioned by Trajan in 115 AD. It was destroyed during the Second World War and rebuilt after the war. The Ponte di Traiano had three openings: two semicircular arches with a diameter of 11.30 m and a 4 m arch near the right bank.

Roman traces and funerary culture

A Roman funerary enclosure was found immediately outside Calmazzo’s built-up area. The Cissoni funerary enclosure dates from the 2nd century AD. It is a rectangular area of approximately 135 m², bounded by an enclosure made of rusticated cippi and large slabs of local stone. Two marble altars on a stepped podium give the complex a monumental character. The funerary enclosure contains one cremation burial and two inhumation burials. The grave goods are displayed at the Museo Civico “A. Vernarecci” in Fossombrone; they include oil lamps, ceramic objects, glass vessels, and a small gold chain.

Contemporary architecture and garden culture

Santa Maria del Carmine in Calmazzo is housed in a contemporary circular building. Construction began in 1985, and the building was consecrated in 1996. The Botanical Garden of Terre di Raffaello, located in Calmazzo, offers another way to engage with culture and nature. Guided tours, courses, meetings, as well as leisure and work activities take place there. “Giardini in Movimento” is an annual competition intended to further develop the Botanical Garden of Terre di Raffaello through innovative projects.

River nature and a cycling tour

The riverside woodland along the Candigliano near Calmazzo is home to a grey heron colony. The town is also relevant for a cycling tour along the ancient Via Flaminia: the tour includes a stop in Calmazzo. After this stop, Fossombrone can be reached in approximately twelve minutes. This makes it possible to include Roman history, rivers, bridges, and regional stages in a shared travel itinerary.

Further destinations

For further regional orientation, you can also compare Fermignano, Petriano, Chiaserna, Belvedere Fogliense, Pergola, Macerata Feltria, Tranquillo and Ginestreto.

For the overarching travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.