Page 244 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

242 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

VISITING URBINO
5 San Leo
Tourist Information Rimini, Emilia-Romagna; 61018
Located just inside the main city gate. This spectacular town enjoys the
Via Vittorio Veneto, 4, 61029; 0541 964 reputation of being the most impreg-
115; www.gradara.org
nable fortress in Italy, built as it is on a
WHERE TO STAY IN URBINO near vertical cliff. Settlement began in
the 8th century and its buildings are
Hotel Raffaello moderate variously Longobard, Romanesque
In the very old part of town (ask for and from the Renaissance. For many
parking directions when booking), this
old seminary has been transformed years it was part of the Papal States,
into a convenient, modern hotel. and its impressive castle became a
Vicolino Santa Margherita 40, 61029; prison for miscreants such as Count
0722 4784; www.albergoraffaello.com Cagliostro, an infamous charlatan
Albergo Italia moderate and necromancer. It is now a lovely
With smart modern interiors and little place with two simple but
a central location close to the lift and beautiful Romanesque churches. Emanuele II, with its red-brick Chiesa
car park in Piazza Mercatale, this hotel
makes a convenient city stopover. ª From San Leo turn right towards di Sant’Antonio Abate, sits between
Corso Garibaldi 32, 61029; 0722 2701; Carpegna. Turn right onto SP6 towards the two forts. It is a charming town
www.albergo-italia-urbino.it Novafeltria/Maiolo – great views – do of medieval streets and squares
Albergo San Domenico moderate not take right turn to Novafeltria but bright ened up in summer by crimson
Beautifully restored monastery head down to the Marecchia Valley and geraniums in terracotta pots.
opposite the Palazzo Ducale, complete SP285. The turn left to Pennabilli is on ª Take SP1 to exit from town, then
with cloister and Roman cistern, but all a dangerous corner so carry on to the turn left on SP84 towards Carpegna.
modern conveniences as well. roundabout and return. Park in town.
Piazza Rinascimento 3, 61029; 0722
2626; www.viphotels.it 7 Carpegna
6 Pennabilli Pésaro, Le Marche; 61021
Top right Rocky outcrops of Simone and Rimini, Emilia-Romagna; 61016 A brief heyday in the late Middle Ages
Simoncello Below left Fountain in Piazza The two fortresses of Penna and Billi gave Carpegna just one impressive
Dante Aligheri, San Leo Below right Façade were joined into one in the 14th building. Planned, but not built until
of the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate, Pennabilli century and the remains of the castles 1675, Palazzo dei Principi di Carpegna’s
Bottom Countryside around Pietrarubbia, are visible above the still united town. main claim to fame is that it was used
looking towards San Marino The main square, Piazza Vittorio to hide much of Italy’s art collection
during World War II. Carpegna is also
the headquarters of the Parco
Naturale Sasso Simone e Simoncello.
Sasso means “rock” or “stone” in
Italian, and the two rocky outcrops or
“sassi” are visible to the west on the
road into Carpegna. For infor mation
on walking or trekking, pop into the
Visitor Centre (Via Rio Maggio, Carpegna;
0722 75350; www.parcosimone.it).
ª Take SP1 east and follow signs to
Pietrarubbia. On a hairpin bend on the
right, a white road signed “Petrelle”
leads to the rock. Either drive or walk.
8 Pietrarubbia
Pésaro, Le Marche; 61023
A monumental outcrop suddenly
emerges on the road from Carpegna
to Pietrarubbia like a huge thumb
raised to the heavens – locals call it
the “Giant’s Finger”. Pietrarubbia itself is
a good place to survey the Montefeltro
region, from San Marino in the north-
east and the Adriatic to the Apennines.
The ruins of the medieval town and
castle on the hill above town can be
seen and visited from Pietrorubbia.
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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