gabicce mare
Natural
Park
of Monte
San Bartolo
gabicce
monte
gradara
pesaro
tavullia
san leo
Natural
Park
of Sasso
Simone e
Simoncello
fano
monte
cerignone
montecopiolo
macerata
feltria
pennabilli
mombaroccio
pietrarubbia
sassocorvaro
carpegna
frontino
urbino
piandimeleto
Gola
del Furlo
Nature
Reserve
fossombrone
sant’angelo
in vado
fermignano
mondavio
urbania
borgo pace
mercatello
sul metauro
acqualagna
piobbico
pergola
apecchio
cagli
frontone
serra
sant’abbondio
cantiano
LS INTERNATIONAL CARTOGRAPHY - MILANO
Province of
Pesaro and Urbino
Marche Region
ItalY
Destination
nature
Natural Park
of Monte
San Bartolo
Natural Park
of Sasso Simone
e Simoncello
Gola del Furlo
Nature Reserve
Map of the Parks
3 parks 1 province
Natural Park
of MONTE SAN BARTOLO
Natural Park of SASSO SIMONE
E SIMONCELLO
Gola del Furlo
Nature Reserve
www.turismo.pesarourbino.it
Province of
Pesaro and Urbino
ItalY
Marche Region
Natural Park
of Monte San Bartolo
Pesaro
Natural Park of
Sasso Simone e Simoncello
marche
region
Urbino
Gola del Furlo
Nature Reserve
Park of San Bartolo is a treasure
chest of natural settings, landscapes
of rare beauty and important
historical, cultural and archaeological
patrimony. The park stretches along
12 km of coastline between Gabicce
Mare and Pesaro with towering cliffs
and a succession of outcrops up to
200 metres high that drop down to the sea, and small valleys that open out onto
the flat beaches of the Adriatic. The protected zone, which includes an area that
slopes gently inland dedicated to agriculture, has numerous natural attractions
of particular interest: the fossil site of Monte Castellaro, the nesting of birds of
prey and migrant birds monitored by the international centre for the ringing and
studying of birdlife, monumental trees, woods, copses, areas of wild flowers and
sloping meadows spotted with Spanish broom.
These important aspects of nature sit alongside others of historical, archaeological
and scenic value: from the archaeological digs of Colombarone that have
unearthed a domus romana (Roman house) from the late
imperial age, over which an early Christian basilica was built
in the VI century A.D., to what remains of the ancient Greek
doors of Santa Marina and Vallugola; from the renaissance
frescoes and sumptuous hanging gardens of Villa Imperiale
to the fountains of Villa Caprile. The constellation of medieval
villages such as Fiorenzuola di Focara, Casteldimezzo and
the nearby Gradara can only add to the historical cultural
interest and charm of the entire area. Nature and culture
live together in Park of Monte San Bartolo in perfect harmony. You can relax
on the small natural beach of Fiorenzuola di Focara or stroll between the
walls of its Dantean setting, accompanied by expert guides and tour operators;
or allow yourself to be seduced by the breathtaking views of the sea from the
overhanging rock faces, maybe even visit the rather suggestive Jewish cemetery,
the monastery of Beato Pietro Gualcerano, the churches of Santa Marina and
Casteldimezzo and the Museo Paleontologico (Paleontological Museum) of
Fiorenzuola. While travelling along the panoramic road that links Pesaro with
Gabicce Monte, a stop at one of the local restaurants is a must to enjoy the taste
of the Adriatic fish and the fine wines produced in the Park, or even a truffle
flavoured dish at San Bartolo. You can even take part in concerts, poetry readings
and literary encounters, not to mention the educational initiatives and workshops
on the environment for children. There are also plenty of opportunities for sport
lovers in a park which, during the
summer, becomes a large natural
open-air gym, much frequented by
cyclists, bikers and trekkers.
Sport and activities
in the park:
walking, cycling, trekking, mountain
biking, swimming, motor boat trips, snorkeling, teaching workshops, themed
excursions and guided tours, recreational and educational tourism.
Natural Park of Monte San Bartolo
Viale Varsavia, Pesaro tel. +39 0721 400858
parcosanbartolo@provincia.ps.it - www.parcosanbartolo.it www.facebook.com/parcosanbartolo - twitter.com/ParcoSanBartolo
Park of Sasso Simone e Simoncello
is located in the heart of the historic
region of Montefeltro between the
municipalities of Carpegna, Frontino,
Montecopiolo,
Piandimeleto,
Pietrarubbia and Pennabilli. It lies in
the northernmost zone of the ToscoMarchigiano Romagnolo Apennines,
in an area bounded by the rivers Marecchia, Conca and Foglia.
An area that invites visitors to experience the evocative power of a landscape
rich in outstanding natural features and historic-artistic attributes, dominated in
ancient times by the Montefeltro, Malatesta and Medici dynasties.
From a geomorphological point of view, the most outstanding features are the
picturesque Sasso Simone and Simoncello and the massive Monte Carpegna,
which rises to 1415 m. The countryside is dotted with ancient towns and villages,
monasteries and convents, and castles built to dominate an area stretching from
Tuscany to the hills of Urbino, San Marino and the Adriatic coast. Centuries old
beech woods, fields and meadows and waterfalls alternate throughout the area
as if part of a Renaissance painting.
Walking and relaxing horse rides or even a ride on a mountain bike are just three
of the numerous opportunities available for living and getting to know the park.
In winter, the snow-capped peaks of Monte Carpegna provide unforgettable
memories for lovers of skiing and other winter sports thanks to the modern
and fully-equipped ski slopes. The numerous events held at these locations also
provide the opportunity to learn more about the area and its tastes through the
products of its traditional gastronomic culture: from Carpegna ham with Protected
Designation of Origin to mushrooms, from cheeses to honey, from pulses to
meats, there isn’t a season that doesn’t allow the full enjoyment and pleasure of
these outstanding tastes. History and its monuments, from as early as the year
one thousand, tell a story of Romanesque parishes, of convents and monasteries
that still exist today, and trace the XIII century footsteps of the passage of Saint
Francis. Defensive towers and palaces add emphasis to the military vocation and
strategic functions of a borderland.
The Natural Park of Sasso Simone e
Simoncello is a privileged place with
all-year round tourism. This is where
nature educates man in his discovery
of history and imparts emotions
jealously guarded between the folds
of the earth.
Sport and activities
in the park:
walking, cycling, trekking, mountain
biking, horse-riding, skiing, Nordic
walking, teaching workshops,
themed excursions and guided tours,
recreational and educational tourism.
Natural Park of Sasso Simone e Simoncello
Via Rio Maggio - Carpegna (PU) tel. +39 0722 770073 fax +39 0722 770064
info@parcosimone.it - www.parcosimone.it - twitter.com/ParkSassoSimone
www.facebook.com/ParcoSassoSimoneESimoncello
Tourist office
Via Montefeltresca 157 Loc. Pontecappuccini - Pietrarubbia (PU)
tel. +39 0722 75350 fax +39 0722 75350 centrovisite@libero.it
Province of
Pesaro and Urbino
Natural Park
of Monte San Bartolo
tel. +39 0721 400858
www.parcosanbartolo.it
tel. +39 0722 770073
Natural Park of
Sasso Simone e Simoncello www.parcosimone.it
Gola del Furlo
Nature Reserve
tel. +39 0721 700041
Freephone number Italy
only 800 028 800
www.riservagoladelfurlo.it
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
IAT - Pesaro
Piazzale della Libertà, 11 - 61121 Pesaro (PU)
tel. +39 0721 69341 fax +39 0721 30462
iat.pesaro@provincia.ps.it
IAT - Urbino
via Puccinotti, 35 - 61029 Urbino (PU)
tel. +39 0722 2613 fax +39 0722 2441
iat.urbino@provincia.ps.it
IAT - Fano
via Cesare Battisti, 10 - 61032 Fano (PU)
tel. +39 0721 803534 fax +39 0721 824292
iat.fano@provincia.ps.it
IAT - Gabicce Mare
viale della Vittoria, 42 - 61011 Gabicce Mare (PU)
tel. +39 0541 954424 fax +39 0541 953500
iat.gabicce@provincia.ps.it
Freephone number Italy only 800 563 800
facebook.com/pesarourbinoturismo
for further information
www.turismo.pesarourbino.t
For excursions and activities in the
parks:
CEA Centre for Environmental Education
tel. +39 0721 208085
La Cordata Escursionismo
cell. +39 348 0430358
www.lacordataescursionismo.it
Travel Agency “Il Ponticello”
tel. +39 0721 482607 - www.ilponticello.net
Isairon tel. + 39 338.2629372 - www.isairon.it
Pesaro Treck and Bike Experience
tel. +39 377 2840450 - www.trekmtb.it
ASD Atletica Banca Pesaro Centro Storico
tel. +39 0721 26331
www.atleticacentrostorico.it
Sub Tridente tel. +39 0721 23338
www.subtridente.it
UISP Comitato Territoriale Pesaro e Urbino
tel. +39 0721 65945 - www.uisp.it/pesaro
CAI Sezione di Pesaro
tel. fax +39 0721 390792 - www.caipesaro.it
Consorzio Terre Alte tel. +39 0721 700224
www.consorzioterrealte.it
ASD Gruppo Ciclistico Carpegna
tel. +39 333 6870019
www.carpegnaciclismo.com
How to reach the province
of Pesaro and Urbino
• Motorway A14 (Bologna-Canosa)
Exits: Cattolica - Gabicce, Pesaro Urbino,
Fano, Marotta - Mondolfo
• Rail: Milano - Bologna - Ancona Lecce - Roma - Falconara - Pesaro
• Airports:
Ancona Falconara - km 45 from Pesaro
Miramare di Rimini - km 25 from Pesaro
Fano (air taxi only) - km 12 from Persaro
The “Gola del Furlo” Nature Reserve
is an area of over 3000 hectares of
outstanding scenic, naturalistic,
historic and archaeological value. The
sides of the Gorge constitute an openair atlas covering millions of years of
petrified history. The mountains of
Pietralata (889 m) and Paganuccio
(976 m) provide an impressive backdrop of woods, rock faces and meadows,
with an abundance of fossils, an extraordinary concentration of vegetal species
that live in the most diverse habitats and the presence of numerous animal
species, some of which of immense faunistic value, such as the golden eagle. The
fascinating traces left by man over thousands of years bear witness to the difficult
and rugged nature of the craggy gorge. Furlo has been the location of historic and
legendary events, in that it was an obligatory route for travellers on via Flaminia
who were subsequently forced to cross an almost impassable rocky projection.
The name itself tells the story: from Saxa Intercisa meaning “Pietra Spaccata”
(broken stone), to Petra Pertusa, i.e.“Pietra Forata” (perforated stone) up to the
present-day name of Furlo, which derives from the Latin Forulum (“small hole”)
commemorating the roman tunnel dug in 76 A.D. on the wishes of Emperor
Vespasiano. A visit to the Furlo nature reserve signifies going on an exciting
journey of discovery, in a protected environment where natural and human history
have become intertwined and conditioned over time to give life to a precious blend
of man-made and natural landscapes. Museo del Territorio “Mannozzi-Torini”
(“Mannozzi-Torini” Museum of the Territory) situated on via Flaminia illustrates
the geographical, geological and paleontological aspects of the reserve, as well as
the history, architecture and culture of the protected area. Not far from the Gorge
it is possible to admire the pre-970 A.D. Abbazia di San Vincenzo al Furlo (Abbey
of Saint Vincent in Furlo), an ancient Benedictine coenoby built over the remains of
an ancient pagan temple. Furlo, the privileged destination of naturalists, historians
and tourists in search of fascinating and unforgettable landscapes, is also the
land of enogastronomic excellence and “noble” products of the earth such as the
Truffle. An exciting place in which
to enjoy recreational and socialeducational experiences available to
all, thanks to the numerous activities
offered by Bosco di Pan (Woods,
Precious Corners of Nature), the
nature and archaeological trips and
to the various options for sporting
and open-air activities in support of a
sustainable and responsible tourism.
Sport and activities
in the reserve:
walking, cycling, trekking, mountain
biking, teaching workshops, the
med excursions and guided tours,
recreational and educational tourism.
Gola del Furlo Nature Reserve
via Flaminia, loc. Furlo di Acqualagna tel. +39 0721 700041 fax +39 0721 700057
Freephone number Italy only 800 028 800
riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it - www.riservagoladelfurlo.it
www.facebook.com/riservagoladelfurlo
Tourist office tel. +39 0721 700041
Freephone number Italy only 800 028 800 - riservafurlo@provincia.ps.it
Pesaro
and
Urbino
is
the
northernmost province of the Marche
Region and is home to three natural
parks of outstanding environmental
importance. Natural Park of Monte
San Bartolo, Natural Park of Sasso
Simone e Simoncello and Furlo Nature
Reserve. A unique and extraordinary,
safeguarded and expertly managed
naturalistic patrimony, combined
with an exceptional landscape rich in
form, colour, history, art and tradition,
that reveals a majestic past, the ideal
destination for travellers in search of
an authentic and protected environment. As a place of culture and creative genius,
and the home of prodigious names such as Raphael, Rossini and Bramante, the
province of Pesaro and Urbino restores unblemished images of the Renaissance
and medieval hamlets. The beautiful landscape of Pesaro and Urbino, rendered
immortal in the paintings of Piero della Francesca and Raphael, lives to be
discovered at the leisurely pace that it transmits, meandering through friendly
settings in a context of infinite opportunities for a holiday that
is so different and so unforgettable.
NOT TO BE MISSED
A few kilometres from
the Natural Park
of Monte San Bartolo
Gabicce Mare / 1 km
A coastal town and well-known
popular seaside resort. The
hamlet of Gabicce Monte
stands on a hill just 2 km from
the centre of Gabicce Mare and
offers a splendid panorama of
the Adriatic coast.
Pesaro / 3 km Together with
Urbino, the provincial capital.
Once the ancient Roman town
of Pisaurum, it subsequently
became the dominion of the
Malatesta, Sforza and Della
Rovere families. The hometown of the famous composer
Gioachino Rossini. Places to visit: City Museums in Palazzo
Mosca, Rossini’s house, Archaeological Museum, Ducal
Palace, Cathedral, Sanctuary of the “Madonna delle Grazie”,
Church of Sant’Agostino, Church of “nome di Dio” Diocesan
Museum, Museo della Marineria (Maritime Museum).
Gradara / 5 km Ancient fortified hamlet, residence of the
Malatesta and Sforza families. This is the location of the
tragedy of the two lovers Paolo and Francesca, rendered
immortal in the famous lines written by Dante Alighieri.
Places to visit: Gradara Castle, medieval fortress and hamlet.
Fano / 15 km Town of Roman origin, Fanum Fortunae was
one of the most important municipalities built along via
Flaminia and subsequently became part of the dominion
of the Malatesta family. Places to visit: Arch of Augustus
and Augustan walls, Cathedral Basilica, Church of “Santa
Maria Nuova”, Church of “San Pietro in Valle”, Church
of San Domenico, City Museum and Picture gallery in
Palazzo Malatestiano, Malatesta Courtyard and Tombs,
Fortuna Theatre.
Tavullia / 17 km A small hill town and birthplace of the
world motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi.
Mombaroccio / 23 km Ancient castle standing in the
Pesaro countryside dating back to the XIII century. Places
to visit: Church of San Marco and Museum of sacred art,
Museo della civiltà contadina (Museum of country life),
Sanctuary of “Beato Sante”.
a few kilometres from Natural Park
of Sasso Simone e Simoncello
Pennabilli / 1 km Town of ancient origins in a dominating
position overlooking the river Marecchia. Places to visit:
Museo diffuso “I luoghi dell’anima” (Open-Air Museum),
Cathedral, Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, Diocesan
Museum.
Carpegna / 10 km A mountain community on the slopes
of the mountain of the same name that was once part of
the estates of the Counts of Carpegna. Places to visit:
Palazzo dei Principi, Church of San Sisto and the nearby
Romanesque parish church of San Giovanni.
Montecopiolo / 15 km A mountain community at the
foot of Monte Carpegna and place of origin of the Counts of
Montefeltro. Places to visit: archaeological site in the ruins
of Montecopiolo Castle, Hermitage of “Madonna del Faggio”.
Pietrarubbia / 17 km Ancient fortified hamlet fought
over by the Malatesta and Montefeltro families. Places to
visit: the hamlet, Arnaldo Pomodoro centre for the artistic
treatment of metals.
Frontino / 18 km Ancient
medieval castle fought
over for many years by the
Malatesta and Montefeltro
families. Places to visit: the
ancient Palazzo dei Malatesta,
Church of S.S. Pietro e Paolo,
Monastery of San Girolamo
and the nearby Convent of
Montefiorentino.
San Leo / 21 km Standing
stately on a rocky outcrop, San
Leo was initially inhabited by
Umbrians and Romans and
subsequently occupied by the
Malatesta and Montefeltro
families. Places to visit: the
Rocca designed by Francesco
di Giorgio Martini where Count
Cagliostro was imprisoned.
The Parish Church of Santa
Maria Assunta and the
Cathedral.
Piandimeleto / 25 km Located in the upper Foglia valley,
the town is typically medieval and once belonged to the
Oliva Counts. Places to visit: Fortified Palace of the Oliva
Counts, Museo del lavoro contadino (Farming Museum) and
Church of San Biagio.
Macerata Feltria / 22,5 km Was founded near to the
Roman town of Pitinum Pisaurense. Today it is an ideal
place for health and wellbeing thanks to its spa waters.
Places to visit: Archaeological and Paleontological Museum,
Church of San Francesco, Battelli Theatre and the nearby
Parish Church of San Cassiano.
Monte Cerignone / 23 km A town standing at the foot of
Monte Faggiola in the upper Conca valley. Places to visit:
the XII century castle, Church of Sant Caterina and the
nearby Sanctuary of “Santa Maria in recluso”.
Sassocorvaro / 31 km Lies in the Foglia valley and
was once under the rule of the Brancaleoni, Montefeltro,
Malatesta and Ubaldini families. Places to visit: The Rocca
Ubaldinesca with annexed Museum and Theatre.
A few kilometres from the Furlo Nature Reserve
Acqualagna / 1 km Situated on the via Flaminia consular
road, the town is also known as the truffle capital, in that
each year it hosts the National White Truffle Fair.
Places to visit: Pitinum Mergens Archaeological Museum,
Palazzo del Gusto and the nearby Abbey of San Vincenzo al
Furlo, Pelingo Sanctuary.
Fossombrone / 10 km Located near to the Roman
settlement of Forum Sempronii. Today, the historic centre is
overlooked by the high court of the Montefeltro family, the
citadel and by the ruins of the Malatesta-Feltresca castle.
Places to visit: City and Archaeological Museum and Picture
Gallery, Church of San Filippo, Church of Sant’Agostino,
Cathedral, Cesarini Museum and Picture Gallery.
Fermignano / 12 km A town of Roman origins, where it is
said the famous historic battle of the Metaurus River took
place in 207 B.C., and birthplace of the famous architect
Bramante. Places to visit: Torre delle milizie (Defensive
Tower) and three-arched bridge, Church of San Giacomo in
Campostela.
Cagli / 14 km Under the ancient name of Cale, it was once
inhabited by Umbrians and Etruscans prior to the Roman
conquest. Places to visit: Ponte Mallio (roman bridge), Town
Hall, Torrione (Francesco di Giorgio Martini’s Fortified Tower
Complex), Cathedral, Church of San Francesco, Church of
San Domenico and the prestigious Theatre.
Piobbico / 21 km Nestling between two mountains, Monte
Nerone and Monte Montiego, its history can be identified
with that of the Brancaleoni family from around the XIII
century. Places to visit: Brancaleoni Castle, Church of Santo
Stefano, Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Val d’Abisso.
Urbania / 22 km A flourishing centre for the production
of ceramics,
Casteldurante
changed its name
to the current
Urbania in honour
of Pope Urbano
VIII. Places to
visit: Ducal Palace
and City Museum,
Chiesa dei Morti
(Church of the
Dead), Church of
Santa Caterina, Church of San Francesco, Cathedral and the
nearby renaissance complex at Barco.
Cantiano / 24 km Founded after the destruction of the
ancient Roman settlement of Luceoli, it was placed under
the rule of the city of Gubbio and subsequently became
part of the dukedom of the Montefeltro family. Places to
visit: Collegiate church of S. Giovanni Battista, Church of
Sant’Agostino, Archaeological Museum and Geo-territorial
Museum. A few kilometres away stand two bridges dating
back to Roman times.
Frontone / 24 km Small town strategically located on
the slopes of monte Catria and historically linked to the
Dukedom of Urbino. Places to visit: Castle of “Della Porta
family”, panoramic historic centre.
Urbino / 25 km World heritage site and Renaissance
capital, the city is the birthplace of Raphael and the dominion
of the dukes of Montefeltro. Prestigious university and hub
of artistic talents and craft traditions. Places to visit: Ducal
Palace and the Marche National Gallery, Raphael’s house,
Oratory of San Giovanni, Oratory of San Giuseppe, Cathedral,
Oratorio delle Grotte (Oratory of the Grottos), Albani Diocesan
Museum, Albornoz fortress, Church of San Francesco,
Church of San Domenico, Church of San Bernardino and the
annexed Mausoleum of the Dukes.
Serra Sant’Abbondio /28 km Situated in the upper
Cesano valley, it still retains its medieval appearance.
Places to visit: historic centre with its medieval gateways,
and the nearby Hermitage of Fonte Avellana mentioned by
Dante in his Divine Comedy.
S. Angelo in Vado / 32 km A town in the Upper Metaurus
Valley of medieval origins built on the ruins of the ancient
Roman Tiphernum Mataurense. Places to visit: Palazzo
della Ragione, Cathedral, Church of “Santa Maria extra
muros”, Church of Santa Chiara, Domus del mito (a Roman
house dating back to the I century A.D.)
Apecchio / 32 km Of ancient origins, the municipality
stands at the foot of Monte Nerone and was once part of
the dominion of the Ubaldini Counts. Today, it is known as
the “città della birra” (City of Beer) due to the production of
high quality craft beer. Places to visit: Palazzo Ubaldini with
its annexed Fossil Museum, the characteristic XV century
humpback bridge.
Mondavio / 32 km One of the best-preserved historic
centres in the Marche Region, which has been awarded the
orange flag for the excellence of its hinterland. Places to visit:
Rocca roveresca designed by Francesco di Giorgio Martini,
Museum of history and armoury, Church of San Francesco.
Pergola / 33 km A small town founded in the XIII century
and ruled over by the Malatesta and Montefeltro families.
Places to visit: Museum of the Gilded Bronzes, Church of
San Giacomo, Cathedral, Church of Santa Maria Assunta,
Church of the Magi, Church of Sant’Andrea, Church of S.
Maria delle Tinte, “Angelo Dal Foco” Theatre.
Mercatello sul Metauro / 38 km A town dating back to
the XIII century, rich in monuments and awarded the orange
excellence flag of the Marche region. Places to visit: ancient
Collegiate Church, Church of San Francesco and Picture
Gallery, Palazzo Gasparini and Ducal Palace.
Borgo Pace / 42 km Small hamlet situated at the foot of
the Alpe della Luna at the confluence of the rivers Meta and
Auro, which then become the river Metauro (Metaurus).
Places to visit: nearby, Romanesque Abbey of San Michele
Arcangelo.