Fossombrone Between History, Landscape and Enjoyment

Fossombrone between the Metauro and Via Flaminia

Fossombrone lies in the middle Metauro Valley along the route of the ancient Via Flaminia. The combination of a historic transport route and a river landscape provides a clear setting for days when you want to combine architecture, history and nature.

Historical traces in the townscape

The Chiesa di San Filippo represents Baroque architecture: the Baroque church was built between 1608 and 1613 and decorated with lavish stucco work. The Casa Museo e Quadreria Cesarini comprises five rooms with paintings by Anselmo Bucci and works by Angelo Biancini.

The Rocca Malatestiana was begun in the 13th century during papal rule over the city, expanded by the Malatesta family and later reinforced by Francesco di Giorgio Martini on behalf of Federico da Montefeltro. The Biblioteca Passionei has long been a centre for cultural activities, conferences, exhibitions and publications on its bibliographic holdings and the cultural and monumental heritage of the municipality of Fossombrone.

Corso Garibaldi is a historic street with a double row of arcades and the façades of noble palaces along the former route of the Via Flaminia. This means that the history of the town can be experienced not only in individual buildings, but also along a continuous streetscape.

The Metauro, viewpoints and trails

The Ponte della Concordia has a single, exceptionally wide arch. Its reflection in the Metauro River forms a perfect circle known as the "Eye of Fossombrone". The Convento dei Padri Cappuccini on San Giovanni hill offers panoramic views over Fossombrone.

For experiences in nature, the view extends beyond the town: the Foresta delle Cesane stretches across a plateau between the municipalities of Fossombrone, Urbino and Isola del Piano. In nearby San Lazzaro di Fossombrone, the Marmitte dei Giganti form a gorge crossed by the Metauro River, which can be navigated by canoe or inflatable boat in some seasons.

The Cammino dei Cappuccini begins at the Capuchin monastery in Fossombrone and leads through 17 stages and 400 kilometres to Ascoli Piceno. The Sentiero per Tutti is a 590-metre-long, level circular trail that facilitates use by wheelchair users as well as by blind and visually impaired people.

Festivals with a historical and regional character

The Trionfo del Carnevale takes place in Fossombrone every year on the second weekend of May. More than 1,000 Renaissance performers bring the three thematically decorated streets of Fossombrone’s historic old town to life with a Renaissance market, historic craft stalls, archers, music, fire shows and jesters.

The culinary profile includes the Festival del tartufo Bianchetto e del vino Bianchello DOC. It is a festival in Fossombrone celebrating the Bianchetto truffle and, for more than 35 years, showcasing it as a DOP product of the Marche region. During the Bianchetto truffle market exhibition, the truffle can be sampled at numerous stalls on Corso Garibaldi and in the restaurants of the town of Fossombrone.

The Casa Museo e Quadreria Cesarini can be visited by prior arrangement through the Punto IAT.

Further destinations: Pesaro, Cartoceto, Urbania, Peglio, Bargni, Ca' Romano I, Montevecchio, Sassocorvaro Pu

For the overview of the wider region: Pesaro - Urbino.