Halfway between the Republic of San Marino and Rimini, Verucchio is situated on a small hill, a natural balcony from where it is possible to admire a superb view, that extends from the Adriatic coast to the foothills of Rimini. It presents the typical aspect of the medieval village, surrounded by fortified walls. The area was inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by the more than 600 graves unearthed by excavations in the nearby, dating between the X and VII centuries B.C. With the decline of the Etruscan civilization, Verucchio subdued the Roman influence, also thanks to its vicinity to Rimini (Ariminum). The town's name, in fact, has Latin roots and translated, means "real eye", with reference to its location, which allows it to control the whole valley below.
With the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent Barbarian invasions, Verucchio suffered a dark period, which ended when the dynasty of Malatesta, who, taking advantage of the favorable location of the village, made of it a defensive outpost to control of the lands of Urbino. Later it passed under the control of the Papal States and, finally, was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy.
Sites of Interest:
- the Malatesta Fortress, also known as Rocca del Sasso, which is among the largest and best preserved fortresses, built by the Malatesta, in the area. Today it is a permanent exhibition of a collection of medieval weapons and it is possible to visit several rooms, the Great Hall, the Tower with its panoramic terrace, the Secret, the XIII century Reservoir and the Gatehouse with its Clock Tower;
- La Rocca del Passarello (catwalk), on which, in the XVII century, was built the Monastery of Santa Clara;
- the Collegiate, designed by Antonio Tondini of Verucchio and embellished by Renaissance and Baroque motifs. Inside it is enriched with artworks from various churches of the area. Among them stands out a painting of San Martino (XVII century), exposed on the high altar, and two tables with crucifix shaped paintings;
- the Romanesque Parish Church, built before the year 1000;
- the Civic Tower, the remains of defensive walls and bastions.