Talamello (Talamèl in the Romagna dialect) It is an Italian municipality with a population of around 1,050, situated in the province of Rimini, in Emilia-Romagna. The village centres on the main square, where the Parish church and the Town Hall, which occupy the highest point of the village. In terms of town planning, the village is divided into two parts: an upper area, which extends across the square and along the single main road, and a section perched on the steep slopes of the Pincio Hill.
The origins of the village date back to before the 9th century, and its history is closely linked to the fortunes of the Malatesta family, who made it one of their strongholds in their struggles against the Montefeltro family. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, Talamello also became seat of the bishops of Montefeltro, confirming its political and religious significance in the region.
A significant event in local history dates back to 1490, when the mills in the municipality began to manufacture of gunpowder, an activity that continued until the second half of the 20th century.
Administrative history
In 1818, Talamello was separated from the district of Forlì and assigned to that of Urbino and Pesaro. In the 1827, the municipality, which had a population of 1,006 including the hamlet of Mercatino, also administered the localities of Perticara, Sartiano, Secchiano, Torricella and Uffogliano, bringing the total population to 1,582. In the 1874, the municipal offices were moved from Talamello to Mercatino.
In 1910, Marecchia Market (today Novafeltria) became an independent municipality, incorporating part of the territory of Talamello. The municipality remained under the jurisdiction of the Marche (Province of Pesaro and Urbino) until 2009, when, following a referendum in 2006, it was incorporated into Emilia-Romagna along with six other municipalities in the Upper Valmarecchia.
Monuments and places of interest
- Bishop’s Palace – Former seat of the bishops of Montefeltro.
- A small chapel decorated with frescoes by Antonio Alberti of Ferrara – Dating from 1437 and commissioned by Bishop Giovanni Seclani, it houses a cycle of paintings of great historical and artistic value.
- Amintore Galli Theatre – Named after the composer of the Workers’ Anthem, who was born in Talamello in 1845.
- Gualtieri Museum and Art Gallery: ‘The Splendour of Reality’ – A collection of over 40 works by the painter Fernando Gualtieri, known for his realistic style and his ability to capture light with extraordinary precision.
Curiosities
Talamello is also famous for the production of the Fossa cheese, a local speciality with an intense and unique flavour, which attracts numerous visitors every year during the region’s food and wine festivals.
