Excursions, face to face with beauty and history

The Villa Sole Hotel is located in Bellaria Igea Marina, in a central position on the Riviera Romagnola

Therefore it is an ideal starting point for excursions to discover the surrounding area, so rich in history and culture. The beach holiday in Bellaria can be the perfect occasion for a visit to the near Ravenna (about 40 kilometers) to admire the beautiful Byzantine mosaics that enrich its churches and basilicas. With an hour’s drive you can reach the Renaissance city of Urbino (about 80 km) and enjoy a visit to the Palazzo Ducale, where a lot of art treasures are conserved. The city of Rimini is even closer to our hotel and it offers quite a few opportunities for lovers of history and art: the Malatesta Temple by Leon Battista Alberti with a splendid fresco by Piero della Francesca; Castel Sismondo, venue for exhibitions; the fourteenth-century frescoes of the church of Sant’Agostino; the Domus del Chirurgo, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the last years. And then the symbols of Roman antiquity: the Tiberio Bridge and the Arch of Augusto, without forgetting a visit to the picturesque village of San Giuliano.

Bellaria Igea Marina is a perfect starting point for exploring the towns and villages of the Valmarecchia, with its hills of great charm. The first center you find is Santarcangelo di Romagna, whose historic center, topped by a Rocca Malatesta, has preserved its medieval characteristics. A visit is due to the caves which are situated under the city, surrounded by mysterious legends. Along the Valmarecchia there is then the city of Verucchio, the cradle of the Malatesta, where you can visit a wonderful Fortress and the Museo Villanoviano (Etruscan), where finds of rare beauty are kept. At the convent of the Franciscan friars you can admire the ancient and majestic cypress of San Francesco. Facing Verucchio you will find Torriana (now called the city of Poggio Torriana) with its two towers, and the historical village of Montebello, where, by visiting the Fortress, you will be told the legend of Azzurrina, the ghost of a girl killed in tragic circumstances many centuries ago. An excursion in Valmarecchia includes a stop in San Leo, considered one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy. In San Leo you can visit the majestic fort where the Conte di Cagliostro was kept as a prisoner, the Cathedral and the church, two masterpieces of romanesque art. Near San Leo you will have the pleasure of visiting the former convent and church Sant’Igne, whose foundation is attributed to San Francesco.