Villa Verucchio (La Vèlla d'Vròcc in Romagnolo) is the most populous village in the municipality of Verucchio, located on the right bank of the Marecchia River, 91 metres above sea level. Just 14 km from Rimini e 4 km from the municipal capital, Villa Verucchio represents a dynamic residential, cultural and tourist centre with about 8,230 inhabitants.
History and development of the village
The village developed as commercial outpost of Verucchio during the 19th century, thanks to its strategic location along the Marecchiese. Today, Villa Verucchio has a dual soul: that linked to its historical and religious past, and that of a modern residential and manufacturing location. In recent decades, it has undergone significant urbanisation, becoming a industrial and craft cluster reference for the entire Marecchia Valley.
In 2023, it was discovered almost by accident a niche with a Christ in pityattributed to the workshop of Pietro da Riminia rare example of sacred art from the Rimini school.
Monuments and places of interest
1. Franciscan Convent of Friars Minor
Founded by St Francis of Assisi at 1213, the convent is one of the most evocative places in the Marecchia Valley. According to tradition, St Francis performed several miracles in the area, including the planting of the famous Cypress of St Francisa monumental tree 25 metres tall, estimated to have over 700 years.
La convent churchdedicated to the Holy Cross, preserves valuable works of art:
- 14th-century Gothic portal.
- Renaissance Choir finely inlaid.
- Fresco of the Crucifixion of the Giotto school of Rimini (14th century).
- Wooden crucifix of the Jungian school (late 13th century).
2. Cypress of St. Francis
Considered a true natural monumentthis thousand-year-old cypress is visited by numerous pilgrims and tourists every year.
Events and traditions
Go&Fun Spring Grand Prix
Villa Verucchio is famous for hosting the Go&Fun Spring Grand Prixa road cycling race reserved for the Under 23 category. Also known as Daniela Ferrini, Marco Manfroni and Devis Mancini MemorialThe event represents one of the most important cycling competitions in the area.
Hiking and nature
Villa Verucchio è il punto di partenza ideale per scoprire le bellezze della Valmarecchia:
- Passeggiate lungo il fiume Marecchia, circondate da paesaggi collinari e antiche borgate.
- Escursioni al Parco del Sasso Simone e Simoncello, uno dei parchi naturali più suggestivi dell’Appennino.
- Visite a San Leo, antico borgo fortificato ricco di storia e leggende.
Gastronomia locale
Villa Verucchio è conosciuta per la sua tradizione enogastronomica romagnola, con prodotti tipici che celebrano la qualità delle materie prime locali:
- Vini del territorio, in particolare il Sangiovese e il Trebbiano.
- Olio extravergine di oliva, prodotto dagli oliveti della zona.
- Piadina romagnola, accompagnata da salumi e formaggi locali.
- Formaggi stagionati, come il formaggio di fossa tipico della Valmarecchia.
Tra le istituzioni gastronomiche del territorio, spicca Casa Zanni, una storica locanda attiva dal 1919, rinomata per la cucina tradizionale romagnola e i piatti legati alla cultura contadina.
PH: Di Toni Pecoraro – Opera propria, Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7543704
