San Leo, an ancient village on an imposing rocky massif overlooking the valley

San Leo, in Emilia Romagna, is an ancient village located on an imposing rock mass that welcomes visitors with its thousand-year history and its panoramic position, dominating the Val Marecchia behind the Republic of San Marino and the RiminiRiviera.

San Leo, celebrated by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy, is the beating heart of the historical region of Montefeltro and bears its name. Renowned for its historical and geopolitical events, it has been the set for numerous films and documentaries, emerging as a tourist destination of excellence.

San Leo is the precious pearl proudly guarded by the province of Rimini, fascinating visitors with its historical monuments, breathtaking views and its unique atmosphere, which transports you back in time.

Discover San Leo and immerse yourself in its rich history, exploring its medieval streets, admiring its monuments and enjoying Romagna hospitality in a timeless atmosphere.

What to see in San Leo?

San Leo, set on an imposing rock mass, offers an extraordinary combination of history, art and breathtaking landscapes that fascinate visitors of all ages.

Its geographical conformation, with sheer walls, has always determined a dual military and religious value, demonstrated by artefacts of inestimable value. The Fortress of Francesco by Giorgio Martini, from the 15th century, overlooks the city, testifying to its past of disputes and domination.

From Dante to Saint Francis of Assisi, illustrious figures have passed through the streets of San Leo, paying homage to its historical and spiritual importance. Devolved to the Papal State in 1631, the city also experienced dark periods as a prison, hosting figures such as the Count of Cagliostro and Felice Orsini.

Listed among “I Borghi più Belli d’Italia”, San Leo enchants with its historic center, where ancient Romanesque buildings such as the Parish Church, the Cathedral and the Tower alternate with sumptuous Renaissance palaces such as the Medici Palace and the Palazzo Della Rovere.

From the top of San Leo, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Marecchia valley, up to the sea, offering an unforgettable experience for nature and history lovers.

When to visit San Leo?

Visit San Leo in spring or autumn to enjoy pleasant temperatures and breathtaking views without too many tourists. However, the village can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach it

To reach San Leo, here are some details on the different modes of transport:

Car:

From Rimini: San Leo is about 30 kilometers from Rimini. You can take the provincial road SP258 in a north-west direction, which will take you directly to San Leo.
From other cities: If you are traveling from other cities, you can use the A14 motorway and exit at the Rimini Nord toll booth, then follow the signs for San Leo along the SP258.

Bus:

From Rimini: There are bus services that connect Rimini to San Leo. You can take a direct bus from Rimini bus station, located near the train station.
From other cities: If you are arriving from other cities, you may need to stop in Rimini and take a bus to San Leo.

Train and Bus:

You can take a train to Rimini and then a bus to San Leo. From Rimini train station, you can reach the bus station on foot or by local public transport.

Be sure to check train and bus timetables in advance to best plan your trip to San Leo. Once you arrive, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of this fascinating medieval city and its breathtaking surroundings.

Some suggestions for the visit

Here are some suggestions for an unforgettable visit to San Leo:

Explore the Fortress: Begin your visit by exploring the majestic Fortress of San Leo, which dominates the city from the top of its rocky mass. Admire the ancient walls, towers and breathtaking views of the valley below.
Visit the parish Church: Head towards the Parish Church of San Leo, an architectural jewel from the 12th century. Admire the medieval frescoes and discover the thousand-year history of this ancient church.
Get lost in the narrow streets of the historic center: Spend some time walking through the picturesque streets of the historic center of San Leo. Admire the stone houses, the quiet squares and the suggestive corners that will take you back in time.
Visit the Museum of St. Francis: Learn about the story of St. Francis of Assisi and his connection to St. Leo at the St. Francis Museum. Admire the relics and works of art that tell the story of the Saint’s life and his presence in the city.
Enjoy the local cuisine: Conclude your visit by savoring the delicious local cuisine in one of San Leo’s traditional restaurants. Try typical dishes such as crescia filo pastry, local cheeses and traditional desserts to complete the experience.

By following these suggestions, you will be able to discover the beauty and charm of this village, completely immersing yourself in its history, its culture and its breathtaking landscape.

What to visit in the surrounding area?

In the surrounding area, there are several places of interest that are worth a visit:

Sanctuary of the Madonna di Saiano: Located near San Leo, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Saiano is a place of worship surrounded by nature, famous for its panoramic view and for the religious celebrations that take place there.
City of San Marino: A short distance from San Leo is the Republic of San Marino, the oldest republic in the world. Explore its ancient fortresses, its picturesque pedestrian streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
City of Rimini: About 30 kilometers from San Leo, Rimini is a lively coastal city known for its sandy beaches, its historical and cultural heritage and its lively nightlife. Visit its historic center, the famous Tiberius Bridge and the Malatesta Temple.
Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park: Located near San Leo, this natural park offers splendid opportunities for excursions, trekking and birdwatching. Explore its scenic trails and admire the local flora and fauna.
Village of Pennabilli: A few kilometers from San Leo is Pennabilli, a fascinating medieval village famous for its narrow streets, its ancient churches and its panoramic views. Explore its historic center and visit the Carnival Museum.

By exploring these nearby places, you can further enrich your travel experience and discover the diverse beauty of the surrounding region.