Discover Smirra: Via Flaminia, Burano and Historic Traces

Smirra between the Via Flaminia and the Burano

Smirra lies on the ancient Via Flaminia between Acqualagna and Cagli, on the left bank of the Burano. This creates a clear thematic arc for you, spanning ancient transport routes, historic buildings and the river environment.

Traces of Antiquity and the post-classical period

In the Caselle-Muracci area, remains of walls, opus spicatum floors and a fragment of a column were found; these probably belonged to a Roman villa rustica. The remains on Il Casalino hill are interpreted as a defensive stronghold or tower and are generally dated to the post-classical period. Villa Fontalba lies on the ancient Via Flaminia; its former route was incorporated into the garden after a change in course. Its central tower dates from the first half of the 6th century, during the Gothic–Greek Wars, and served to defend the ancient Roman bridge.

Churches, Mills and Technical Heritage

The parish of San Severo, officially Parrocchia San Severo in Smirra, is located in Smirra. The Chiesa di San Severo lies near Pigno and Smirra di Cagli and has been restored. The Mulino di Smirra is a large, segmented stone building that has preserved its various structural elements despite being out of operation; it was also known as the Mulino del Ceppo. The Smirra hydroelectric power plant was built in 1911 and has a 40-metre-long weir on the Burano, partly made of masonry and partly of wood.

The Burano as a River Landscape

The Burano Valley in the Smirra area features terraced alluvial deposits from the Upper Pleistocene as well as younger alluvial deposits from the Holocene. Upstream from the Smirra bridge, the Burano forms a meander; willow bushes grow by the water, while the riverbank is densely covered with trees. Here, nature observation combines with orientation around a historic river crossing.

Bridges and Routes in the Surrounding Area

The passage of the Via Flaminia on the outskirts of Smirra is considered the best-preserved passage on the Marche section of the route. The Ponte di Smirra crosses the Burano at the level of the Smirra settlement. In addition to the new reinforced-concrete bridge, two tall limestone piers from the old bridge have survived. The road across the Ponte di Smirra leads towards Pigno and Monte Martello. A road branching off from Smirra towards Pigno leads to the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Stelle in Monte Martello. The sanctuary was built by the municipality of Cagli around a votive shrine in 1495.

Routes, Running and Outdoor Sports

One route leads left from Smirra across the Burano and crosses the stream at an old mill. The Cammino dei Cappuccini has an alternative route that descends to Smirra when the crossing of the Fosso Screbia is impassable. CorriSmirra is associated with the 37th edition in 2019 and the 40th and 41st editions in 2024 and 2025, respectively; in 2025, the 41st edition was advertised as a 10.1-kilometre run. Since 20 July 2024, the Parco Giochi di Smirra on the Via Flaminia Nord has included an outdoor sports area supervised and managed by the municipality of Cagli.

Further destinations for travel planning: Monte Porzio, Cagli, Borgo Pace, Montesoffio, San Michele, Sorbolongo, Gallo and Montemaggiore Al Metauro.

For the broader travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.