DESCRIPTION

Macerata Feltria is a town of 2121 people, which is located in the province of Pesaro-Urbino. It is situated in the valley that comprehends Foglia and Conca rivers and it is in an equidistant position from Urbino, San Leo and San Marino (i.e. the most important towns of Montefeltro).

Like most of Montefeltro’s towns, Macerata Feltria is developped both by the creek and by the top of a hill. In the lower part of the town there is the village, which is characterized by commercial and handicraft activities. Besides, there is a spa, where therapeutic properties of sulphurous waters are exploited thanks to appropriate accommodation facilities.

During the Roman time instead of Macerata Feltria there was the town of “Pitinum Pisaurense” (where now Macerata Feltria stands), which probably was raised during Celtic period, since this area was populated by the Galls in Pre-Roman times. It was a center of wood cutting and trade. These activities allowed people to enjoy a good level of wealth.

MONUMENTS - ARTWORKS - TOWNS AND VILLAGES

In the 6^th century A.C. Pitinum Pisaurense was completely destroyed by the Ostrogoths during Greek-Gothic wars. Archeological evidences show that in the following centuries people were impoverished a lot comparing to Roman time.

In the 11^th century ruins of Roman city (hence the name “Macerata”) were used to create the current historic centre, including the huge castle that can be still seen from the road leading to Certalto. In the Middle Ages the town was ruled by the Malatesta family from Rimini. In 1463 Federico da Montefeltro conquered and occupied it.

We recommend to visit the castle, which is a very important and beautiful monument. It consists of some buildings raised between the 12^th – 14^th centuries. They are surrounded by fortified walls of which remain many traces. One of the most important monuments of Macerata Feltria is the Church of San Francesco (1300) with a fantastic Gothic doorway. Besides, there are the arch of Pelasgi (from the name of people who created the town), Evangelisti Palace (16^th century), and the Church of San Giuseppe (14^th century). It is interesting to visit also the “Palazzo del Podestà”, which is used as Archeological and Paleontological Museum; and the Civic Tower. Some kilometers far from the town there is the Parish Church of San Cassiano, which was built by the 1000 A.C.  

NATURE AND LANDSCAPE

Close to sport facilities there is the artificial lake of Macerata Feltria. It is equipped with a playground and it represents the ideal place for a walk with family or for a picnic with friends. In 2004 the “Associazione Pescatori Macerata” (Association of Fish men of Macerata Feltria) was born, which organizes activities of fishing. Fishing is permitted only to members. However, it is possible to obtain daily or weekly permits. Besides, there is the ecological route equipped with exercise machines and places to take a rest.