A small town in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, its territory, which reaches a maximum altitude of 300 meters above sea level, is situated in a dominant position between the surrounding green hills on the border with region of Emilia Romagna. The town, known for being the birthplace of Giovanni Santi, the father of the more famous artist Raffaello, is a great departure point for memorable excursions in the surrounding area, such as Montefabbri, a small fortified medieval town; Coldelce; Monte di Colbordolo, a popular Summer resort.
From the remains found it seems that the first inhabitants of the area were the Umbrians (an antique Italic population). Colbordolo developed during the Middle Ages and for its location, it was cause of disputes etween the noble families of Malatesta and Montefeltro; in 1446, during one of the historic siege against the latter, Sigismondo Malatesta destroyed the town. In a following period, the town was incorporated into the Duchy of Urbino and shared the same historical events. In the XVII century it submitted the domain of the Papal States.
Interested in a decisive way by the phenomenon of banditry and, again because of the special position occupied, the town suffered considerable damage during the Second World War.
Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria in Morciola is in Romanesque-Gothic style with a beautiful arched portico and a Bell Tower with mullioned windows;
- the Church of San Gaudenzio Martyr in Montefabbri characterized by the presence of several marbles and a crypt of the XII century;
- the Parish Church of Sant'Eraclio at Codelce, of which only ruins remains;
- the Parish church of San Giovanni Battista;
- the Roman bridge over the river Foglia in Pontevecchio, approx. 100 feet long and twenty high;
- the documentary exhibition of Giovanni Santi;
- the surrounding towns and villages.