DESCRIPTION

Fermignano is a small town built during the Roman age, which rises on the left bank of Metauro river and it is surrounded by soft and hill scenery of Monteltro. Since Fermignano is close to Urbino, its history was influenced by it. According to some documents, Count Guido Antonio Montefeltro at the end of 1300 required to build the castle by the bridge crossing Metauro river.

Fermignano is famous because of its beauty under a monumental and landscape point of view, but also for being birthplace of Donato d’Angelo (called Bramante), who actually was born in 1444 and became a famous painter and architect. He gained importance in Milan firstly, and later in Rome, where he died in 1514.

Besides, in Fermignano there was one of the most important paper mills of Montefeltro, which was desired even by the Dukes. Nowadays, there are still the factories located near the river and damaged very much in 2012 by snowfall.

Nowadays the town draws many visitors during two special and famous events: Palio della Rana (Frog Palio) and Gran Premio del Biciclo Ottocentesco (Grand Prix of 19^th century Byciclo), which allow people to live important historical commemorations in a modern and vibrant atmosphere.  

MONUMENTS - ARTWORKS - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

Monuments merge with urban fabric and represent history flow. The three-arched bridge that crosses Metauro river was built in Roman age. It is composed of stone blocks arranged in low rows with some brick parts due to a subsequent restoration. Close to it (probably to protect this important transit place) there is the Medieval tower, which is a huge building erected to control the ford on the river, to protect the town and as toll station.

At the foot of the tower there is the public fountain called “Mascherone” (Big mask) datable around 1886. In the middle of the bridge there is a small aedicule required by Duke Federico in the second half of 1400 where a Madonna with Child is located.

At the opposite end of the bridge with respect to the tower there is the ex slaughterhouse built in the second half of 1800. Next to it there is the paper mill, which is an interesting example of industrial architecture datable in 1300.

The factory was built by master papermakers of Fabriano, and it was rented by Guidantonio da Montefeltro to Antonio di Venanzo from Fossombrone. It produced paper of any quality for over five hundred years.

In Addition to “civil” architecture, in Fermignano it is also possible to visit some churches that contain “small treasures”. Probably the parish of San Giovanni Battista (Romanesque) represents the point around which the first outpost of Fermignano grew. It functioned as Baptismal font and in 1600 it was incorporated into the adjacent farmhouse. Inside there is a stone portal made of beautiful local stone from Cesane and worked with diamond tip. In the church of Santa Veneranda (built in 16^th century) there is a paint made by Rondelli (plastic and decorator), which is dedicated to San Francesco di Paola.

Along the provincial road between Urbania and Fermignano there is a wonderful villa, it is Villa Gentilizia Isola, which was the country residence of Federico Bonaventura, where Torquato Tasso wrote the “Canzone del Metauro”.

 

NATURE AND LANDSCAPE

Fermignano is very close to Urbino, therefore it is an ideal starting point for a tour to discover Montefeltro both from historical point of view and naturalistic point of view. For those who love to practice outdoor sports, it is easy to find routes for trekking, mountain biking, and horse riding, which are suitably marked by the CAI. Following them you can admire wonderful landscapes typical of the Marche countryside, characterized by colors and charming different species of flora in any season. Thanks to public sport centers you can practice your favorite activities, such as tennis or swimming. The “Gola del Furlo”, partly belonging to Fermignano territory, is a unusual place. In fact it is a rocky cliff eroded by  Candigliano river flowing inside its walls, where rare species of birds make their nests. It is worth to visit this place in depth, also together with specialized guides.