Montefiore Conca (Munt Fior (in the Romagna dialect) is a Italian municipality with a population of 2,279, situated in the Province of Rimini, in Emilia-Romagna. This small village of thethe Rimini hinterland It was once an important outpost of the Malatesta, with an imposing Malatesta Fortress which dominates the surrounding landscape.
Physical geography
The municipality is situated in the southern part of the Province of Rimini, on the border with the Brands (Province of Pesaro-Urbino). Its territory, covering approximately 22 km², extends over the the hills of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, near the Valconca.
The hamlet It lies at an altitude of 385 metres above sea level, 17 km from Cattolica e Gabicce Mare, and not far from the state border with San Marino.
History
The earliest historical records date back to 1136, when Pope Innocent II declared that the Church of St Paul It was under apostolic protection. In 1320 Pope John XXII granted Montefiore at Malatesta, and in 1371 the village had 160 households. Subsequently, control passed to Galeotto Malatesta, who passed it on to his son Galeotto Belfiore, born in fortress. Following his untimely death, power passed to Charles the Cato and then to Roberto the Blessed, right up to Sigismondo Malatesta, which led to the village culture, art and prosperity, before losing control as a result of the papal excommunication.
From 1500 to 1503 Montefiore was under the rule of Cesare Borgia, then moved on to the Republic of Venice and finally to the Holy See. In 1797, he joined the Cisalpine Republic, before being incorporated into the Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy. After the Congress of Vienna, he returned to the Holy See until its annexation to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1859 and, subsequently, to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
In 1863, the name of the municipality was changed to Montefiorito, before going back to being Montefiore Conca in 1917, on the proposal of Don Paolo Palmerini.
Monuments and places of interest
Montefiore Conca is part of the Italy’s most beautiful villages. Among its main places of interest are:
- Malatesta Fortress, imposing castle dating from the 14th century, with a panoramic terrace from which you can admire the Riviera Romagnola, from Cattolica a Ravenna.
- Church of St Paul, which houses an imposing crucifix over three and a half metres tall.
- Shrine of Our Lady of Bonora, known for an ancient painting depicting the The Madonna Nursing the Child.
Culture and events
The association was founded in 2010 Malatempora, dedicated to the cultural promotion and the protection of the historical and artistic heritage of the area.
The main events include:
- Good Friday Procession, dating back centuries.
- Rocca di Luna Festival, which takes place during the July full moon.
- Healthy Eating Festival, featuring a trade fair with heirloom vegetables and fruits.
- Chestnut Festival, celebrated every Sunday in October.
- Live nativity scene, with performances in vintage dresses.
- Montefiore Literary Prize, dedicated to the literature.
Sport and outdoor activities
The event has been taking place since 2000 “Città di Montefiore” 5-a-side football tournament, organised by the ASD Montefiorese, founded in 1986 and operating in the third division in yellow and red.
Montefiore Conca is also home to the ASD Turbolenza, specialising in extreme sports as skydiving, base jumping and swooping.
A village rich in history, tradition and nature, Montefiore Conca It is an ideal destination for lovers of culture, slow tourism and authentic experiences.
