Fascinating, mysterious and full of tradition and culture - these are only a few ways to describe Santarcangelo di Romagna. The historic center is divided into two parts: one part dates back to the Middle Ages which sits atop of Monte Giove, where there are over 150 tuffaceous caves considered to be one of the most intriguing mysteries of the entire Romagna region. The other part of Santarcangelo, which extends to the base of Monte Giove, is from the 17th century.

The first impressive architectural structure that greets visitors as they enter the town is the Arco Trionfale in the Ganganelli square, erected in 1777 in honor of Pope Clement XIV. If you continue along the characteristic steps and the typical narrow streets of the historic center you will soon come to the church Chiesa Collegiata (1744 - 1758), which houses many famous works of art, including the painting of San Giuseppe, Sant'Eligio e il Bambino Gesù (1635) by Santarcangelo native Guido Cagnacci, one of the most important figure painters in Emilia Romagna during the 17th century.
The town, surrounded by a continuous wall that was restructured by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta during the 15th century, has a fascinating network of narrow streets and walkways called ''contrade'', all of which lead to the wall of the Rocca Malatestiana, a fortress built on top of Roman ruins which, over the centuries, was transformed into a noble residence where - as legend would have it - the story of Paolo and Francesca (Dante's Inferno) took place.
Next to the Rocca is the watchtower, the Torre dell'Orologio also known as the Campanone , which dates back to the 1800s and is a symbol of the city's layman tradition.
Not far from the center is the Romanic Pieve, or parish church, one of the oldest churches in the territory. Also just outside the center of the town is the museum "Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente di Romagna" where you can go back in time and see things that used to be a part of the culture and civilization of Emilia Romagna's agricultural past.

Strolling around the characteristic cobblestone streets of the old center, you will feel the unique atmosphere of Santarcangelo, praised in the verses of poets such as Tonino Guerra, Raffaello Baldini, Nino Pedretti, just to name a few.

Santarcangelo is alive with events all year long - there are shows and festivals that range from gastronomy to arts & crafts such as the Fiera di San Martino (11. November) the Balconi Fioriti (flower-filled balconies on display in the middle of May), the Fiera di San Michele (29 September), and the Casa del Tempo (the first Sunday of the month).

For more information about events, go to: Santarcangelo di Romagna