DESCRIPTION

Cagli is a town characterized by an austere appearance. it is located in the slopes of green Apennines and it boasts centuries of history, many monuments and culture. It is mentioned very often by routes of the Roman period. In the 6^th century it was one of the most important city of the ByzantinePentapolis, in the 12^th century it became a free municipality, which ruled many castles. In 1287 the Ghibellines burned it partially and the new Cagli was rebuilt on the pre-existing city (even though it was partially moved) under the project (drawing with orthogonal axis) of Arnolfo di Cambio. It looks like there are many analogies between Cagli and the “ideal city” of Laurana, however the Montefeltro surely took special care of it. In 1631 Cagli was donated to the Papal States, such as the rest of the dukedom of Urbino. During the Napoleonic era it was sacked. When the Nazis destroyed its railway station it began to be isolated gradually, so that it started to lose its importance as road connecting, although it has remained one of the most important “jewels” of Montefeltro.

MONUMENTS - ARTWORKS - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Just like other towns of this area, Cagli has a great tower designed by one of the most important architects in the world, i.e. Francesco di Giorgio Martini. The tower was built in 1489 under the request of the Duke Federico.

Since 1989 the tower has been turned into a Centre for Contemporary Sculpture and it contains works made by artists renowned all over the world, like Alamagno, Coletta, Gastini, Icaro, Kournellis, Lorenzetti and many others.

Besides, in Niccolò IV Square there is the City Theater, where it is possible to spend a very nice night, even if you are not an opera lover. The Theater preserves authentic theatrical machines of the 19th century, but also backdrops and scenes of Girolamo Magnani, who was one of the most famous scriptwriter of Giuseppe Verdi. Nowadays, Cagli’s Theater is one of the most important theater of the region concerning theatrical activities, indeed in every part of the year event schedule is very rich and interesting.

As far as “civil” architecture, there are two historical buildings, whose visit is very recommended. One of them is Palazzo Pubblico, situated in “Maggiore” Square and containing many feudal and municipal evidences, medieval ceramic elements. The other one is Palazzo Berardi Mochi-Zamperoli containing the Cultural Centre of Excellence on the ground floor and exhibition rooms on the first floor.

As far as old churches, we recommend to visit the Church of St. Francis (1234), the Church of St. Mary of Mercy (1301), the Church of St. Angelo (1560), the Church St. Domenico (1289) and the Cathedral (1646). You will see many paints, sculptures, low relieves and stuccos.

“Mallio” Bridge represents a testimony of the Roman period, and it surprises because of its efficacy from technical point of view, and for its magnificence.

NATURE AND LANDSCAPE

Cagli raises on the scope of the Petrano Mountain (1108 m) and it is very close to the Mountains of Nerone (1525 m) and Catria (1701). All of them are the ideal place both for sport lovers and for those looking for wonderful sceneries. In winter it is also possible to go skiing, since either the Catria or Nerone are equipped with ski lifts and ski slopes suitable with all skills level.

It is possible to plan tours either independently or with local guides, this area indeed is full of paths recommended by the proper entity called CAI. If you follow paths you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, even very different among each others.

The plateau of Petrano with its “flat hat” is known as one of the best place to fly in the Centre of Italy, since there are winds that allow to launch acrobatic kites. Besides, it is possible to practice trekking and guided mycological excursions thanks to expert guides who will introduce you to many kinds of  mushrooms typical of our forest. For horse-riding lovers, tours on horseback are planned. Moreover, courses for people who want to try for the first time this sport are held in riding schools of this area. in particular, the name of the most covered itinerary is “Horseshoe”.

However, mountain bike represents the best vehicle to discover country towns and nature in this special area. Indeed, while biking you can see castles, abbeys, rivers, and so on.