Marche

Giro d'Italia arrives in Fossombrone on 13 May 2023: the finish line of the eighth stage awaits you for an exciting weekend!

Giro d'Italia returns to the Marche region. On Saturday 13 May there is the 207-kilometre race from Terni (Umbria) to Fossombrone, in Pesaro – Urbino area (Marche). It is a mixed stage of the race, with the walls of the Marche that will decide the victory in the finale. Indeed, the 60 km before the finish practically enclose the entire altitude difference, which stands at 2,500 metres. First you meet the ascents of the Cappuccini - with about 3 km on slopes up to 19% - then Monte delle Cesane, for a stretch of about 7 km with slopes up to 18%, and finally the Montefelcino tear. Then you climb up the Cappuccini again, the top of which, 5 km from the finish, is the springboard that leads to victory in the stage. It will be exciting to see the arrival of the cyclists, enjoying the wonderful panorama view of Fossombrone and valley of the Metauro river up to the sea.

Riding a bike on the Marche Outdoor rings

If you decide to stop for a few days and you are a trained biker lover, you can take two circular routes of about 130 kilometres, in a still and unspoilt setting. Indeed the Fossombrone area is a stop on one of the 24 cycle paths of Marche Outdoor (marcheoutdoor.it), the project launched by the Marche Regional Governement in 2019 and dedicated to biker lovers. It is available both in the form of website and app: here you can also find thorough information on specialized accommodation and activities for cyclists. The itineraries are divided into the 3 large rings of Marche Rebirth, a witty idea by artist Michelangelo Pistoletto, representing the rebirth of culture, economy and society in the area, also through slow tourism and art. You can reach Urbino and Cagli, if you choose the first ring remaining in the inland areas, or Pesaro and Fano, if you prefer the route from the mountains to the sea.

Trekking along the Cappuccini route

If you love trekking, the " Capuchin route” offers a path of almost 400 km that retraces the places of origin of the Order of friars starting from Fossombrone’s Capuchin convent and passing through the splendid Gola del Furlo, with a stop at the ancient monastery of Fonte Avellana. Crossing the horn of Monte Catria you easily Cagli.

Fossombrone between art and nature

If you wish to to take a tour combining art and food and wine, you can visit Fossombrone, a picturesque town whose centre recall traces of Imperial Rome. The 25-hectare area on which the ancient Forum Semproni once stood bears witness to this glorious past. But the heart of the historic center is Corso Garibaldi, a place of commerce par excellence with many ancient shops and taverns. This central road boasts a double portico, historically divided into 'loggias of the rich', which housed the Municipality and the Churches, and the rest, called 'of the poor'. Fossombrone is also known as the town of the three courts: Alta, Bassa and Rossa (High, Low, Red). The Upper Court includes the ancient Renaissance palace, residence of the Dukes of Montefeltro, lords of the city, which today houses the Archaeological Museum, with numerous finds from the Roman era, and the Civic Art Gallery. Here, splendid wooden ceilings boast masterpieces of art, including works by Federico Barocci and Francesco Guerrieri, ambassador to Fossombrone of the novelties of Caravaggesque painting, together with the portraits of Francesco Podesti. During the sixteenth century the Della Rovere family built the Corte Bassa and Corte Rossa, a set of connected buildings that percectly matches with the town’s architecture. In the evening, especially at sunset, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ponte della Concordia, with its wonderful colours; the reflection of the round arch on the clear water of the river, therefore called the Eye of the city, gives an awesome geometry, creating an almost perfect circle.

Canoeing on the Metauro river

If you are in the area, you can plunge into the extraordinary and unspoilt environment of the Marmitte dei Giganti, a paradise for canoeing. It’s a long canyon, 30-metre-high, with turquoise waters reflecting the blue sky; it is surrounded by verdant vegetation flanking the river banks. It is a fascinating natural formation, with characteristic ponds created by the powerful erosion of the Metauro river on the iridescent rocks over the millennia. Equipped with a life jacket and a paddle, it is possible to cross the canyon in canoes and kayaks amid crystal clear water, sprays and gushes, enjoying breathtaking views, amazing light, shadows and infinite echoes.

At the Duke's court

A few kilometers from Fossombrone , Urbino, capital of the Renaissance, surprises the visitor with its fairy-tale towers, making Palazzo Ducale unique. Indeed it is one of Italy's most beautiful Renaissance palaces. "Palace in the form of a city" defined it Baldassarre Castiglione, impressed by the palace where Federico da Montefeltro used to live. Today it houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, boasting one of the most beautiful and important art collections of Italian Renaissance, including masterpieces by Raphael, Piero della Francesca - of which the famous Flagellation of Christ stands out - Paolo Uccello, Titian and Melozzo da Forlì. The small study of Duke Federico, inside the Ducal Palace, is awesome: the lower part is covered with inlaid wood by Baccio Pontelli upon Sandro Botticelli’s design, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Donato Bramante. The sumptuous past of the Duchy is also witnessed by the mighty fortifications, masterpieces of military architecture that tower around Cagli, such as the imposing Torrione Martiniano, an elliptical structure that still exists; now it is home to the recent Center for Contemporary Sculpture, an architectural masterpiece by Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

Don't call it Piadina

For a quick and tasty break, the “crescia sfogliata” from Urbino is the right choice; it has a refined taste and a robust and crumbly consistency. Similar to piadina, crescia was particularly appreciated by wealthy gentlemen, who used to have it during special occasions and celebrations. It is made with eggs, pepper, a precious spice that only the nobles could afford; its flavor is enhanced when accompanied by cooked vegetables, cold cuts and cheese.

Related destinations:

Fossombrone

Convent Shrine of Blessed Benedetto Passionei or of the Capuchins

The Route of the Capuchins

Marmitte dei Giganti

Urbino

Cagli

Find out more:

turismo.marche.it/Must-See-places

camminodeicappuccini.it