Monte Cerignone – Fortress, Churches and Trails along the Conca
Accommodation in Monte Cerignone
Monte Cerignone lies at the beginning of the upper Conca Valley, on a rocky spur at the foot of Monte Faggiola. The small village by the river and the fortress on a tuff ridge together define the town. Its location connects the history of the fortress and the village with trails along the Conca and Monte Faggiola.
Fortress, Churches and Museum
The fortress was built in the 12th century by the first Counts of Montefeltro. It was partially rebuilt at the end of the 15th century by Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The original construction and a later building phase thus stand as distinct chapters in the fortress’s history.
The churches also each have their own character. Santa Caterina was built by the Knights of Malta. Santa Maria del Soccorso houses a Madonna Enthroned and two paintings attributed to Bartolomeo Vivarini. San Biagio also preserves an Ecce Homo attributed to Bartolomeo Vivarini. While Santa Caterina is distinguished by its building history, the other two churches are notable for specific works of art.
The archaeological and palaeontological museum was founded in 1995 and is housed in the 14th-century Palazzo del PodestĂ . It thus combines its more recent founding history with a building of medieval origins.
Mons Cerignonis and Medieval Crafts
Mons Cerignonis is a historical reenactment set in a 13th-century medieval village in Montefeltro. The programme includes a procession and the Palio dell’uovo. Also featured are open medieval cellars, a 13th-century market, craft workshops, and demonstrations of traditional and historic crafts. Together, these festive events combine the historical theme with scenes of markets and crafts. If you would like to include Mons Cerignonis in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.
Trails along the Conca and Monte Faggiola
One trail starts in the square in Monte Cerignone and passes through a holm oak forest to Villagrande di Montecopiolo. Another follows the Conca River, passes through Monte Cerignone and continues via Ca’ Mazzolo and San Donato to the Santuario del Beato Domenico. To compare the routes, consider their course and destination: one takes in the holm oak forest and Villagrande, while the other follows the river and continues to the sanctuary. Along a trail by the Conca, the riverbed preserves almost untouched, typical flora and fauna. As you climb Monte Faggiola, you can also reach the Santuario di Santa Maria in Recluso.
If you are looking for a hotel in Monte Cerignone, you can begin planning around your reason for visiting: cultural history, Mons Cerignonis, or trails by the river and Monte Faggiola each offer a different focus. If travelling via the A14, the Riccione or Rimini Sud exits are options.
Discover more destinations: Borgo Pace, Urbino, Macerata Feltria, Casinina, Lucrezia, Barchi, Sant'Ippolito, Calmazzo
For the broader travel overview: Pesaro - Urbino.
