Mercatale: Lake, historic center and parish church

Mercatale can be explored through three distinct features: Lake Mercatale on the Foglia River, the layout of the historic center and the history of the parish church. There is also a named route, as well as offerings related to beer and olive oil. When choosing where to stay, this combination can help you sort out your priorities: nature by the water, local history or an interest in regional products.

Lake Mercatale

Lake Mercatale is an artificial lake on the Foglia River, located between Mercatale and Sassocorvaro. The wooded areas around the lake are suitable for walks and picnics. The lake is also used by rowers and anglers. This offers several ways to experience the area by the water: a walk or a picnic in the wooded areas, as well as activities on the lake. When planning your trip, you can think of the lake according to your interests, either as a scenic feature or as a place for one of these leisure activities.

Route and historic center

The Giro delle Rocche route passes through Mercatale. Near Mercatale, it runs along the Foglia River dam for a short stretch. This description gives a specific connection to the river and the route, without suggesting that the short stretch represents the route in its entirety. The historic center reveals another side of the town: its layout is typical of settlements that developed along the main transport route through the valleys. Thus, a named route and the shape of the town center offer two different perspectives on Mercatale. One relates to a route through the town, the other to the historic layout of the center.

Parish church and building history

Mercatale’s present-day parish church is dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo. It was consecrated in 1879 and built on the site of an earlier church dating from the 16th century. The two dates refer to different phases: 1879 to the consecration of the present church, and the 16th century to its predecessor. The church also houses a pipe organ attributed to the Callido school. Its dedication, building history and organ offer complementary insights into Mercatale’s religious and cultural history. If you are interested in historic townscapes, the church offers a different focus from the lake or the route.

Beer and olive oil

Birrificio La Cotta combines three functions: it is a production site, shop and brasserie. La Cotta is an agriculturally produced beer from the Marche region, made in the Montefeltro area. Olive oil can also be included in your travel plans: a tasting at Agape Oleificio Venturi in Mercatale can be arranged by contacting the mill. Getting in touch in advance is the practical first step for arranging a tasting. Beer and olive oil thus bring two different regional products into focus.

If you are looking for nature by the water, the lake is the main point of interest; for settlement and architectural history, the historic center and parish church are the clearest themes. Beer and olive oil add regional products to this selection.

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria Dell'arzilla, Calmazzo, Ginestreto, Bargni, Barchi, Orciano Di Pesaro, Monte Cerignone, Cagli

For the regional travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.