Fermignano

The echo of the last battle between Roman and Carthaginians resounds among the narrow streets of the old town. The stone blocks of the monumental structures that are symbols of the greatness of the past are mixed among palaces and porticoes of recent construction.

In the middle valley of the Metauro we find Fermignano, where the river turns into a large trap and then a waterfall. Here, on the plain of San Silvestero, it is believed the decisive battle took place that would decide the fate of the Second Punic War.

On June 22nd 207 BC. when Asdrubal's troops and elephants were finally defeated by the Romans under Claudio Nerone during what was called the Battle of Metauro.

The ancient history of Fermignano, built around 200 BC. around the church of St. John the Baptist by a Roman legionary, for centuries it remained encircled within its monumental walls lapped by the river.

The town was part of the domains of the lords of Urbino, and the city in the 1800s with the demolition of the Clock Gate and the creation of Piazza Garibaldi began to expand its urban fabric. The main street is named after the renowned Renaissance architect Bramante, who was born here.

The points of interest of the territory are the Bridge, of Roman origin but heavily restored in recent years and the five-story Tower built in the Middle Ages and then modified during  the Renaissance period. Palazzo Calistri, Piazza Santa Veneranda and the church of the same name erected in the sixteenth century and restored in Baroque style after the earthquake of 1781, and the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena built in the 18th century.

The traces of the past are many and overlap each other, identifying themselves in the symbolic places of the industrial interest: such as  the former Mattatoio (abattoir), today transformed into a permanent exhibition centre, to the former paper mill.

In Fermignano, one has to find the right spot and admire, in a single glance, the structures in succession. With the Roman bridge and the medieval tower. It is a unique panorama, from classicism to industrial archeology.

The splendour of the city is preserved in the alleys of the old town, called the Pianello, where every year at festive occasions the atmosphere of the past recreated. On Sundays after Easter, for example, it is tradition that the Palio della Fana takes place with the seven town districts that challenge each other at sword fights, costume reenactments, Renaissance games and dinners in the taverns.

Another opportunity to showcase the old rivalry between the town districts is in the middle of September, with the Grand Prix of the Nineteenth Century Bicycles, a three-day event in which the old cycling world comes to life.

Typical dishes in the area, proposed not only during the festivities but also in other periods of the year, are the stuffed pigeon, pasta dishes and pasta parcels in broth.