Medieval castles :
Gradara maintains intact thè splendour of thè ancient village surrounded by thè high walls and thè castle that witnessed thè tragedy of Paolo and Francesca, as nar-rated by Dante Alighieri in his "Divine Comedy".
San Marino rises on a peak overlooking thè lower valleys and thè Adriatic Coast and is thè most ancient and characteristic republic in thè world.
The village of San Leo with its majestic fortress was thè piace where civilian and military battles were fought over more than one thousand years. Its fortress was later transformed into a prison under thè papal domination.
Ravenna was founded earlier than one thousand years B.C. and it is the most important town in Italy from a historical and cultural point of view. Its monuments of Byzantine, Gothic and Roman origin bear witness, after many centuries, to thè high standard of civilization reached by this city in thè past. The mosaics, unique through out thè world; thè Tomb of Dante Alighieri, thè poet who gave origin to thè italian language; its marvellous monuments and churches, provide thè vivid picture of an harmonious blending of styles from different epochs.
This is one of the smallest and most interesting Republics in thè world (60 sq. Km., 21.000 inha-bitants). San Marino, its capital, was built on Mount Titano, a majestic cliff 2.493 feet above sea level, from which thè plains of Romagna could be controlied and dominated. This naturai granite rock overlooks a splendid landscape: thè Appennines and thè green valleys of Romagna stret-ching to thè Adriatic sea. Worth a visit: The Government Palace, thè Three Towers and thè Basilica of San Marino, thè Saint who gave his name to thè Republic.
Delicious italian food in Romagna
Not only are there remains of prehistoric and Roman settlements, old churches, medieval towers and villages, but also modern works of art. Here life continues at a less hectic pace, in accordance with the passing of the seasons... just like it used to do.
This atmosphere can be perceived in the numerous trattorias, where you can see the noisy women sat around a table intent on cutting and mixing food. The sea offers an abundance of shellfish, prawns and fresh fish. The hinterland is more dedicated to sheep farming, collecting mushrooms and herbs and hunting game
No meal would be quite the same without a good plate of home-made pasta, piadina of Romagna and a glass of good local wine.
Piadina is a real speciality of Romagna. This unleavened bread cake is cooked on a hot plate.
Along the roads of the region, this traditional speciality is often on sale in kiosks. Piadina can be eaten as it is or filled with cheese, ham, sausage, greens or nutella.
Interesting trips
In a wonderful spot, framed by thè Appennines and with a splendid panoramic view, Urbino is one of thè loveliest italian Renaissance towns. The Ducal Falce is one of thè most outstanding examples of thè Renaissance. In its hall paintings by Raffaello, Piero della Francesca, Verrocchio, Giambellino, Melozzo etc can be admi-red. Urbino is also seat of one of thè most ancient Univiersities in Italy.
Even if you have been to this fantastic city before, it is wonderful to approach Venice from thè lagoon. The trip from Chioggia by boat is extre-mely relaxing, because thè lagoon is shallow and thè boat slides through thè water. The visit of Venice with its 3.000 little streets, 400 bridges and 150 pictu-resque canai will make this an unforgettable day.
Florence lies on thè banks of thè Arno, between thè Adriatic and Tyrrenian seas, almost in thè middle of thè italian Peninsula. Birthplace of Dante Alighieri, thè major italian poet this city is consi-dered to be cradle of thè arts from ali ages: thè greatest artists, such as Macchiavelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Masaccio, Donatelle etc., have left nere thè traces of their greatness; thè Piazza della Signoria, thè Duomo and thè Baptistry, thè Ponte Vecchio, Giotto's Beli-Tower, The Uffizi Gallery, The Palazzo Pitti and thè Palazzo Vecchio are only some of thè immortai art of Florence.
