Fossombrone between art, history and the Metauro

Fossombrone lies in the middle Metauro Valley along the route of the ancient Via Flaminia. The town combines striking architectural history and art with river and hill landscapes; cultural events and seasonal activities also offer different reasons to visit. If you are looking for a hotel in Fossombrone, you can first decide whether historic sites, art collections, events or nature experiences should be the main focus of your trip.

Historic buildings and art

The Chiesa di San Filippo is a Baroque church dating from 1608 to 1613; its lavish stucco decoration is a defining feature of the building. The Rocca Malatestiana has a complex architectural history: construction began in the 13th century, during papal rule over the town; it was expanded by the Malatesta family and later reinforced by Francesco di Giorgio Martini on the orders of Federico da Montefeltro. Corso Garibaldi also connects architecture with the history of older routes. The historic street has two rows of arcades and the façades of noble palaces along the former route of the Via Flaminia.

The Casa Museo e Quadreria Cesarini comprises five rooms with paintings by Anselmo Bucci and works by Angelo Biancini. Visits can be arranged in advance through the Punto IAT; arrange your visit before you go. The Biblioteca Passionei has long been a hub for cultural activities, conferences, exhibitions and publications about its bibliographic collection and the cultural and historical heritage of the municipality of Fossombrone. Alongside architectural history, the focus is therefore also on collections and the municipality’s cultural life.

River, hills and trails

The Ponte della Concordia has a single, exceptionally wide arch. In the Metauro River, its reflection forms a perfect circle, known as the “Eye of Fossombrone.” The Convento dei Padri Cappuccini on San Giovanni Hill offers panoramic views over Fossombrone. The Foresta delle Cesane stretches across a plateau between the municipalities of Fossombrone, Urbino and Isola del Piano.

A different kind of landscape can be found at the Marmitte dei Giganti in nearby San Lazzaro di Fossombrone, where the Metauro passes through a gorge. In some seasons, you can travel through it by canoe or inflatable raft, so this activity is seasonal. The Sentiero per Tutti is a 590-metre-long, level circular trail designed to make it easier for wheelchair users and people who are blind or have low vision to use. The Cammino dei Cappuccini begins at the Capuchin monastery in Fossombrone and runs for 400 kilometres over 17 stages to Ascoli Piceno. These figures describe two different kinds of route: a short circular trail and a long-distance route spanning several stages.

Events and when to visit

The Trionfo del Carnevale takes place every year on the second weekend of May. More than 1,000 Renaissance performers bring three specially decorated streets in the historic centre to life. The programme includes a Renaissance market, historic craft stalls, archers, music, fire shows and entertainers. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the specific event dates.

The Festival del tartufo Bianchetto e del vino Bianchello DOC puts the Bianchetto truffle in the spotlight and has celebrated it for more than 35 years as a DOP product of the Marche region. During the Bianchetto Truffle Market exhibition, you can sample the truffle at numerous stalls along Corso Garibaldi and in restaurants throughout Fossombrone. Events, the seasonal possibility of travelling through the Marmitte and the need to arrange a museum visit in advance all involve different planning requirements. Plan dates and arrangements around your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Montemaggiore Al Metauro, Fenile, Monteguiduccio, Marotta, Gabicce Mare, Montesoffio, Fano, Rio Salso-Case Bernardi.

View the broader travel guide: Pesaro - Urbino.