How the passage of time has shaped the identity, charm, and traditions of Santarcangelo di Romagna.
Santarcangelo is a unique village, with a spirit that is both ancient and lively. Located along the historic Via Emilia—just 10 kilometers from Rimini and 17 from Cesena—this medieval village is now considered the true “gateway to the Valmarecchia”.
Once you arrive, the best way to get to know the town is to explore it on foot. Stroll through the village streets and let yourself be guided by the scents, colors, and aromas of the artisan shops. Wander through the alleys of the Paese Vecchio (as the locals call it) and immerse yourself in the silence of the neighborhoods, in search of picturesque views.
Santarcangelo di Romagna is a medieval village with irresistible charm, but its roots stretch back to an even more distant past.
Its history begins in Roman times with the first settlement of the colony, known as Pagus Acerbolanus, which originally developed around its ancient parish church.
The original center of this ancient territory is located in the hamlet of San Vito (situated 3 km north of the current town center). This first settlement was strategically established along the route of the Via Emilia, the famous Roman consular road that connected Ariminum (Rimini) to Placentia (Piacenza), making the area a key transit and trade hub since ancient times.
Due to the barbarian invasions, the population moved to Colle Giove for greater safety. It was here, around the year 1000 and following the construction of the first castle (which later became the splendid Rocca Malatestiana), the current charming historic center took shape.
The village we see today on the flatlands, however, is the result of urban development that began in 1700, which allowed the city to expand down into the valley.
An important historical journey that has led to prestigious official recognitions:
August 8, 1828: Pope Leo XII recognized the city’s status as a “City” for the first time.
1984: Santarcangelo is officially recognized as City of Art.
Santarcangelo has always captivated visitors thanks to the traditional fairs that enliven the town and, above all, its unique historical and cultural heritage:
Ganganelli Square and Arch: The heart of the town, featuring the arch dedicated to Pope Clement XIV.
The Tuff Caves: more than 160 caves dug beneath the town’s foundations.
The Ancient Mangano: The‘only Mangano from 1633 in Europe of this weight and size, still perfectly intact and in working order.
The Campanone: The unmistakable bell tower that dominates the village.
The Collegiate Church: The main sacred building, rich in history and art.
Porta Cervese and Porta del Campanone Vecchio: The ancient medieval city gates.
Santarcangelo has been (and still is) the cradle of prominent intellectuals, filmmakers, comedians, and artists who have left their mark on the Italian and international cultural scene:
Tonino Guerra, Raffaello Baldini, Guido Cagnacci, Gioacchino Volpe, Giulio Faini, Andrea Guerra all the way to Fabio De Luigi and Daniele Luttazzi.
This ongoing interplay between tradition, freedom of expression, and a touch of wholesome madness has transformed Santarcangelo into an open-air cultural laboratory.
It is no coincidence that this is where events unique in the world take place, such as the Santarcangelo Festival (the historic Festival del Teatro in Piazza), one of the most important international contemporary theater festivals, and the Mutoid Waste Company, the famous artistic collective of performers and recycled-art sculptors.