Visit the Magnificent Montefiore Conca and the Majestic Malatesta Fortress

by letygoeson30, May, 2024Emilia-Romagna, Italy

What will stand out to you from several kilometers away, before reaching your destination, is the majestic Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca, towering over the landscape of Romagna from the summit of the hill… and this is just the beginning!

Montefiore Conca is a charming historical village located in the province of Rimini, at an altitude of 385 meters, in the heart of the picturesque Conca Valley, crossed by the river of the same name. This ancient village is renowned for its majestic Malatesta Fortress, a castle that symbolizes the power of the Malatesta family during the Middle Ages, guarding the border with the Marche region.

The name Montefiore Conca comes from the Latin “Mons Florum,” meaning “Mountain of Flowers,” reflecting its splendid geographical position.

Here, you’ll find the typical scenario of romantic medieval villages suspended in time, with narrow alleys, winding streets, a medieval wall, and the Malatesta Fortress that preserves timeless charm. The village reached its peak of power and glory under the Malatesta dynasty, who made the castle their summer residence, hosting popes and sovereigns.

Montefiore Conca is one of the most interesting destinations in the Rimini hinterland, alongside San Leo, Montegridolfo, San Giovanni in Marignano, and Verucchio, and is one of the five most beautiful villages located in the Rimini hinterland, making it an ideal stop for a weekend trip to Romagna!

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The Malatesta Fortress

The Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca stands on a hilltop and stands out for its imposing architecture, visible from several kilometers away. I remember, when I saw it from a distance, I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was so squared and intimidating; it felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie… or Azkaban!

Built in the 14th century by Malatesta III Malatesta, the fortress symbolized the power of the Malatesta family until 1459, when it was conquered by Federico di Montefeltro, later passing between various lordships. While the exterior is imposing, the interior houses an elegant residential palace that has hosted figures such as King Louis I of Hungary, Pope Gregory XII, and Pope Julius II.

The fortress is also the backdrop for a romantic legend about the forbidden love between Costanza Malatesta and the knight Ormanno, opposed by Costanza’s cruel uncle, Galeotto Malatesta, who ordered their murder. It is said that their souls still wander through the corridors of the castle.

In my opinion, the Malatesta Fortress of Montefiore Conca is truly worth a visit. Its strategic and panoramic position offers a breathtaking view of the Romagna Riviera and the entire valley, all the way to Pesaro and beyond… (it’s said that on particularly clear days, you can even glimpse Croatia across the Adriatic).
It’s no surprise that the fortress alone attracts numerous visitors each year, fascinated by its history and the breathtaking panorama it offers from the top!

Opening hours of the Malatesta Fortress:

Summer (June 1st – September 30th): daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Autumn (September 30th – November 30th): Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Winter (December 1st – February 29th): Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Ticket price: 7.00€

Other attractions in Montefiore:

In addition to the castle, you can explore the Church of St. Paul the Apostle, notable for its side entrance leading directly into the nave. The intimate interior is adorned with stained-glass windows and houses a 14th-century wooden crucifix and frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the altarpiece of the Madonna della Misericordia.

Another interesting stop is the Church of the Hospital of Mercy, built in the 15th century to accommodate pilgrims. Inside, you’ll find remnants of frescoes by Bernardino Dolci, and it hosts the conclusion of the local Good Friday procession, a deeply rooted tradition.

Lastly, just over a kilometer from the center, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Madonna di Bonora, a pilgrimage site attracting about 500,000 faithful each year. Devotion is linked to the miraculous image of the Madonna nursing the Child, considered miraculous since 1833. The sanctuary was founded in the 15th century around the hermitage of Ondidei di Bonora.

Montefiore Conca is truly an exciting place to immerse yourself in, allowing you to dream, just as the poet Ezra Pound did when writing the following lines about this place:

I have tried to write Paradise

Do not move
Let the wind speak that is paradise.
Let the Gods forgive what I have made
Let those I love try to forgive what I have made.

Ezra Pound

I would sum up Montefiore Conca with the phrase “It’s not at all what it seems.” It can be deceiving at first glance, looking so intimidating, but the more you get to know it, the more it touches you with feelings of sweetness, romance, and poetry… certainly a destination I would recommend to all castle lovers, history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy spectacular landscapes.

Nearby you can also visit two other very fascinating villages: Mondaino and Montegridolfo.