Verucchio has something to offer all year round and the imposing rock on which it stands makes it even more fascinating. Between the 9th and 7th century BC it was the nerve centre of the so-called Villanovan civilization, which is thought to be of Etruscan origins. Many exhibits were brought to light in the necropolises excavated around the village and are now on display in the Municipal Archaeological Museum. The area of the digs and the museum are part of the Verucchio Archaeological Park. The small town is also known as the “cradle of the Malatesta family” not because this is where the family originates from, but where it came to power, thanks to Giovanni della Penna dei Billi (1150-90), known as Malatesta. Structured as a mediaeval village and full of historical buildings, Verucchio stands on two hills, once crowned by imposing fortresses, Passerello Fortress - on whose remains a monastery now stands - and Sasso Fortress, now the Rocca Malatestiana, one of the best-preserved in the entire seignory and built to dominate the village, valley and plains below.