The Malatesta Fortress is located in the upper part of Verucchio: also known as Rocca del Sasso for its position at the apex of the spur of rock that dominates the whole territory, it enjoys a remarkable state of conservation.
Verucchio
Belongs to
Valley of Marecchia
Montefeltro
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.
Worth seeing nearby
The Convent of Santa Croce stands on the place where St. Francis of Assisi, passing through Villa Verucchio on the occasion of his trip to S. Leo in the year 1213, according to tradition would have planted the stick to which he supported himself during the journey around which roots and leaves were born: the gigantic cypress tree over seven centuries old that is still visible in the cloister.
Credits:
Frati Minori - beni artistici
The Archaeological Museum of Verucchio is located in the ancient Convent of S. Agostino (dating back to the thirteenth century and expanded in the seventeenth), restored in the 80s to house a selection of finds found in the territory of Verucchio during subsequent excavation campaigns (so far 566 tombs have been excavated). They are testimonies of great historical value and in many respects unique, related to the Villanovan civilization, which represents a cultural manifestation of the region between the ninth and seventh centuries a.C. (early Iron Age).
Credits:
Museo Archeologico Verucchio