Isola di Fano between Castle History and the Tarugo Landscape

Historic Centre and Medieval Traces

Isola di Fano draws attention to its historic centre and the landscape along the Tarugo. The centre originated as a fortified village established in the 13th century at the behest of Pope Honorius III.

Location between the Adriatic and the Tarugo Valley

Despite its name, Isola di Fano is located on the mainland, about 20 kilometres from the Adriatic. The town lies at an elevation of 160 metres in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino, in the middle valley of the Torrente Tarugo. The Tarugo is a right-bank tributary of the Metauro River. Those who combine Isola di Fano and the Adriatic on the same trip can use the approximate distance from the coast as a spatial reference when planning their days, without equating the town with a location directly by the sea.

Churches, Tower and Palazzo

The Chiesa di S. Maria has an architectural layout derived from the medieval development of the castle of Isola di Fano. The parish church also preserves distinctive historical details: its bell tower dates from the 13th century, and inside there is a wooden crucifix dated to between the 12th and 13th centuries. Construction of the Torre civica began in 1761. Behind this tower stands the Palazzo del Capitano, which was renovated and expanded during the same period.

Tarugo Trail and Itinerario dei Borghi

The Tarugo Trail is the focal point for exploring the landscape. It leads from Isola di Fano to the Fosso delle Rave and passes marl outcrops eroded by rainwater. In addition, Isola di Fano is included in the circular route “Itinerario dei Borghi”, which can be travelled by car or bicycle. The circular route continues from Isola di Fano to Torricella, a small castle situated in the woods. The ruins of an ancient small tower dating from the 11th or 12th century are located there; the small castle was recently restored. Route planning therefore involves two different options: a route by car or bicycle and a path to the Fosso delle Rave that passes the marl outcrops.

Landscape and Cultural Surroundings

The nearby surroundings of Isola di Fano include Monte Raggio and the Fondazione Villa Del Bali' museum. Monte San Lorenzo is also located in the surrounding area, while Monte San Bartolo and Monte Rotondo are situated farther afield in the wider region. The wider regional area also includes the Museo della Civiltà Contadina, Grotte, Arte Sacra museum, the Museo Nori de' Nobili and the historic Palazzo Ducale.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to consider additional destinations in the same wider region alongside Isola di Fano, here is a compact selection: Montemaggiore Al Metauro, Tavoleto, Belforte All'isauro, Fratte Rosa, Ca' Romano I, Petriano, Santa Maria Dell'arzilla and Acqualagna.

For the wider travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.