Malatestian Fortress of Montiano

Montiano, a natural balcony on the hills that dare to reach the sea, is rich in flavors and ancient vestiges. A legend has it that this village was founded by Roman slaves who, fleeing from the chains of forced labor, redeemed their freedom, finding a refuge and a new homeland here.

Due to its strategic position, Montiano was over the centuries under the dominion of noble families, the most important of which were the Malatesta, and by the Holy See, amidst disputes that continued until the unification of Italy.
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The heart of the town is the ancient Rocca Malatesta which, with its shape, outlines the borders of the village, the ancient home of Giacomo Malatesta.

(Source: ipercorsidelsavio.it/localita/montiano )

The fortress, whose first structures date back to the 9th century, was adapted into a rich residential residence by Giacomo Malatesta, lord of the county of Montiano since 1570. The building, which suffered numerous damages during the Second World War and was affected following various renovations, it is now home to a kindergarten and can be visited externally.

Giacomo Malatesta was also responsible for the construction of an access gate to the village which, due to the restoration promoted in 1712 by Sigismondo Spada, is known as Arco degli Spada.

Next to the Malatesta door is the deconsecrated church of S. Francesco, today a cultural centre...
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Just outside the village, on a hill from which you can enjoy a beautiful view, there is the Parco delle Rimembranze: following the long staircase that leads to the top of the hill you arrive at the War Memorial, erected in 1925 in memory of the people from Montiano who fell in the Great War.

(Source: itinerariinromagna.it/comune/18/montiano)

Beautiful hamlet at the top of a beautiful climb