A decade ago, I visited the Fortress of San Leo, and I was really impressed by how well-maintained the construction still was. One of the most striking parts of the visit was the torture room, where people accused of heresy, like Cagliostro, were imprisoned by Pope Pius IV. The tools used for torture were on display, which gave a chilling but fascinating glimpse into the past. The region itself is full of culture and offers stunning landscapes, plus the food in Emilia Romagna is incredible—definitely a highlight of the trip!

Tricky to rate this. We went mid may. Clouds had rolled in so not much of a view. Went to the tourist info area which seemed to be closed even though someone was inside. We decided to walk up to the castle. The pedestrian walkway was very crumbly and slippy. Not good. Again the ticket shop was lit up and sort of open but no one inside. There was an automatic ticket machine. We pressed the English translation button. All it did was change the top word to "Entance" but the rest stayed in English! Worked out as a 10 euro entry. But no one to tell what there was and no views due to low cloud decided not to go in. Walked back down the road rather than go down the dodgy steps. The town itself was nice with an interesting church. We were unlucky with weather but the service could have been better.

Impressive structure and great views. However inside is less impressive, mostly empty rooms (which is understandable given it’s previous role as a prison). Majority of information in Italian only. If you are a fan of torture tools, you will see plenty inside.

We followed the steep, zig zag path up the hillside through the forest to arrive in front of the castle. The castle looks like a state of the art 16th century creation and the location must have made it almost impregnable to assault, with sheer cliffs on almost every side and just one narrow road leading up to it. Entry was 10€ and we spent a couple of hours there as there was so much to see. The views were the most obvious and spectacular thing - all the way to the Adriatic Sea and possibly San Marino, with every hilltop on the Appenines seems to have a castle on it. There is a well marked route through the castle with the fortified tunnels and fireports followed by the original prison cells and exhibits of torture and the inquisition. The inner structure had barracks, armouries, cells for Papal prisoners and a museum about the life of the enigmatic Cagliostro. He was the most famous prisoner of the fortress, a confidence trickster who travelled throughout Europe and mixed with the rich and famous, involved in alchemy, freemasonry and healing and regarded as a heretic by the church. His death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in the fortress. He had a small cell with no door, he was lowered in from the room above, where his guard stayed and watched him through a grille and spyhole. I'm sure the view lost its appeal after a while and he died after 4 years in his cell. The armouries had a mixture of medieval, WW1 and WW2 weapons, quite a comprehensive collection! We sat and had an ice cream from the museum shop before doing a final circuit of the walls and then carefully making our way down the path.

Very nice and quiet place. You can buy the tickets directly from the touch machine at the entrance. We didn't manage to go inside as we had the dog and nobody was in the office area to ask if it was possible to enter with the dog. It was less busy then we expected but the view is nice from outside as well.

Lovely place for a day trip - especially if you like walking, castles, history, and great views! You could spend many hours inside the castle looking at all the artifacts and watching the films they have about the castle. If you spend time walking around everything then it's well worth the €9 entry fee.

Wonderful visit on a very foggy day but still worth it. Easy walk up hill that is well sign posted. Good signage inside. Probably great views but not the day I visited as you can see in the photos.

Simple but grand. Calm and Godly atmosphere. Well worth a visit

Quite beautiful. Ancient. Feels mystical.

Amazing

I preferred it with the original stone flooring. Besides this anachronistic detail, it's a unique medieval gem.

(Translated by Google) We visited the Cathedral on the morning of December 31, 2024: beautiful church, very particular in its architecture. Being a layman of the topic, I allow myself to attach some photos. Given the Christmas period in which we visited San Leo, the beautiful nativity scene with movements in the church adjacent to the Cathedral is worth mentioning. (Original) Abbiamo visitato la Cattedrale il mattino del 31 dicembre 2024: bellissima chiesa, molto particolare nella sua architettura che essendo profano dell'argomento mi permetto di allegare alcune foto. Visto il periodo natalizio nel quale abbiamo visitato noi San Leo, da menzionare il bel presepe con movimenti nella chiesa adiacente la Cattedrale.

(Translated by Google) Church that has a history built on living piety, very beautiful (Original) Chiesa che sa di storia eretta sulla pietà viva , molto bella

(Translated by Google) Beautiful church with a large "balcony" where once there was probably the altar, now brought to the floor level. Beautiful statue of the Madonna with child towards the back of the church. There is no ticket to enter, but you can still leave an offering. (Original) Bella chiesa con un grande "balcone" dove un tempo probabilmente c'era l'altare, ora portato al piano del pavimento. Bella la statua della Madonna con bambino verso il fondo della chiesa. Non si paga il biglietto per entrare,ma puoi comunque lasciare un'offerta.

Beautiful church.

(Translated by Google) Parish church commissioned by the Dalmatian stonemason Leo, then San Leo. It is the oldest building in the town and the first place of Christian worship built in Montefeltro. The entrance is on the side and the rear part of the parish church overlooks the town square. Worth visiting. (Original) Pieve voluta dallo scalpellino dalmata Leo, poi San Leo. È l’edificio più antico del paese e primo luogo di culto Cristiano edificato nel Montefeltro. L’ingresso è laterale e la parte posteriore della Pieve si affaccia sulla piazza del paese. Da visitare.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful medieval church, very old and well preserved, visited by many faithful and tourists in the small town of San Leo in Emilia Romagna, where time stops to visit (Original) Bellissima chiesa medievale monto antica e ben conservata visitata da molti fedeli e turisti nel piccolo paese di San Leo in Emilia Romagna lì si ferma il tempo da visitare

(Translated by Google) The Latin term plebs means "people," the humblest social strata of the population, who had embraced the Christian values rapidly spreading throughout the Latin world. During the Middle Ages, the term came to refer to the building where not only the sacraments were celebrated and solemn masses were attended, but also where family heads met to discuss community issues. Indeed, after the reorganization of the plebeian network in the Carolingian era, the role of the parish church grew, both civil and administrative. The Parish Church of San Leo can be metaphorically depicted as a ship stranded on a rock, a stone ship forever anchored to the rock that supports it and of which it is composed. The building is in fact positioned astride a rocky outcrop of the Leontine Massif, so that, to the east and west respectively, there is space for two rooms beneath the naves: the crypt or confessional and the so-called Sacellum of Saint Leo, which bears traces of a sort of apse carved directly into the rock. It is accessed from an external door near the façade. The Sacellum preserves, reused in the splay of a single-lancet window, the front of a sarcophagus, with the mystical depiction of two peacocks drinking from the cantharus. This, together with the relief embedded in the south wall of the church, constitutes the oldest sculptural evidence of the building, perhaps dating back to before the 8th century. (Original) Il termine latino plebs sta a significare popolo e cioè lo strato sociale più umile della popolazione, che aveva fatto propri i valori cristiani rapidamente propagati nel mondo latino. Durante il Medioevo il termine passò ad indicare l’edificio in cui non solo si celebravano i sacramenti e si partecipava alle messe solenni, ma si svolgevano anche le riunioni dei capifamiglia per il dibattimento dei problemi legati alla comunità. Infatti, dopo la riorganizzazione del reticolo plebano, avvenuta in età carolingia, sempre maggiore risultò il ruolo ricoperto dalla pieve, anche in campo civile e amministrativo. La Pieve di San Leo può essere raffigurata metaforicamente come una nave incagliata su uno scoglio, una nave di pietra ancorata per sempre alla roccia che la sorregge e di cui si compone. L’edificio è infatti posto a cavaliere di una protuberanza rocciosa del masso leontino cosicché, rispettivamente a levante e a ponente, c’è spazio per due ambienti sottostanti le navate: la cripta o confessionale ed il cosiddetto Sacello di San Leone che reca le tracce di una sorta di abside scavata direttamente nella roccia, al quale si accede da una porta esterna in prossimità della facciata. In esso si conserva, reimpiegato nello strombo di una monofora, il fronte di un sarcofago, con la raffigurazione mistica di due pavoni che si abbeverano al cantaro che, insieme al rilievo murato nella parete sud della chiesa, costituisce la più antica testimonianza scultorea dell’edificio, forse antecedente l’VIII secolo.

(Translated by Google) The church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta (more commonly Pieve) is the oldest religious building in Montefeltro. Perched on a rock, in the historic center of the ancient village of San Leo, it is preserved in good condition. Given the particular area in which it was built, to enter it is necessary to use a side door after having climbed a short climb. The interior is quite sparse and essential, the ancient columns and pillars support the three naves. The altar is raised above the main floor and is accessed via a staircase, on the sides other steps, but this time downhill, lead to the crypt, positioned under the altar, where the chapel of the Madonna is visible. In addition to the materials used for construction, one can get an idea of ​​the age of the obsolete architectural structure. Even though it has windows, the interior appears a bit gloomy. Upon entering it seems to be catapulted into another era. (Original) La chiesa dedicata a Santa Maria Assunta ( più comunemente Pieve ) é l' edificio religioso più antico del Montefeltro. Abbarbicata su una roccia, nel centro storico del borgo antico di San Leo, é conservata in buone condizioni. Data la particolare zona in cui é stata innalzata per entrare occorre servirsi di una porta laterale dopo aver percorso una breve ascesa. L' interno si presenta abbastanza scarno ed essenziale, le antiche colonne e i pilastri sostengono le tre navate. L' altare é sopraelevato rispetto al piano principale e si accede tramite una scalinata, ai lati altri gradini, ma questa volta in discesa, conducono alla cripta, posizionata sotto l' altare, dove é visibile la cappella della Madonna. Oltre che per i materiali utilizzati per la costruzione si può avere un' idea dell' età per la desueta struttura architettonica. Anche se é provvista di finestre l' interno appare un po' cupo. Entrando sembra di essere catapultati in un' altra epoca.

(Translated by Google) Very well kept but a little bare, still very old, absolutely worth a visit. (Original) Tenuta molto bene ma un po’ spoglia, comunque molto antica, assolutamente da visitare.

(Translated by Google) The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta: the oldest religious monument in Montefeltro. It's definitely worth a visit, combined with the nearby Cathedral of San Leo. (Original) La Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta: il monumento religioso più antico del Montefeltro. Merita assolutamente una visita, da abbinare al vicino Duomo di San Leo.

Took a long way just to see it and we were denied entry although it wasn't closed. There were two more hours of daylight. Also too expensive, ticket for one fortress is more expensive than to see everything in neighbouring San Marino. Example of bad tourism. Don't recommend.

Beautiful tower.

(Translated by Google) Civic tower but also bell tower, every now and then I go back to visit San Leo because I consider it the most beautiful village I have ever visited, too bad I didn't find the tower open but I don't give up. (Original) Torre civica ma anche campanaria,ogni tanto torno a far visita a San Leo perché lo ritengo il borgo più bello mai visitato, peccato che non ho trovato aperta la torre ma non demordo .

(Translated by Google) The bell tower is a building of great beauty, a complete work of the Romanesque style, indeed, an emblematic example of that architectural style. The architecture is a natural outgrowth of the rock on which it is founded, one with the rock itself, as in the Gospel parable: a manifesto of the Christian faith for centuries. Historically, we know very little about the tower, which in its external layout is certainly contemporary with the adjacent Cathedral of 1173. Its square perimeter encompasses and conceals within it a circular structure, rising to the bell tower. (Original) Il campanile-torre è edificio di grande bellezza, opera compiuta del romanico anzi, emblematico esempio di quello stile architettonico. L’architettura come escrescenza naturale della roccia su cui è fondata, un tutt’uno con la stessa roccia, come da parabola evangelica: manifesto della fede cristiana per secoli. Storicamente sappiamo ben poco della torre, che nell’impianto esterno è certamente contemporanea all’adiacente Cattedrale del 1173. Il suo perimetro quadrato ingloba ed occulta all’interno una costruzione a piante circolare, alta sino alla cella campanaria.

(Translated by Google) Together with the fortress it can be identified even before reaching San Leo thanks to its height which reaches 28 metres. Unfortunately it is not always possible to enter and climb up and consequently admire the surrounding panorama from the eight openings at the top. Like almost all the buildings in the village, it dates back to the Middle Ages and is preserved in good condition. It stands near the Duomo but is a work in itself. However, the sound of the bells spreads very loudly throughout much of the surrounding area. (Original) Assieme alla fortezza é individuabile già prima di giungere a San Leo grazie alla sua altezza che raggiunge i 28 metri. Purtroppo non é sempre possibile entrare e salirci e di conseguenza ammirare il panorama circostante dalle otto aperture poste alla sommità. Come quasi tutte le costruzioni del borgo é di epoca medievale e conservata in buone condizioni. Sorge in vicinanza del Duomo ma é un' opera a sé stante. Comunque il suono delle campane si diffonde molto sonoramente in gran parte del territorio circostante.

(Translated by Google) Interesting and well preserved, the Civic Tower of San Leo was born with defensive purposes and then became the bell tower of the Cathedral which stands a few meters away. The tower is not always accessible to the public, but if you find the opportunity to visit it inside you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view of Montefeltro! (Original) Interessante e ben conservata, la Torre Civica di San Leo nasce con finalità difensive per poi diventare Torre campanaria del Duomo che sorge a pochi metri di distanza. La torre non è sempre accessibile al pubblico , ma se trovate l'occasione per visitarla anche all'interno rimarrete premiati da una vista a 360 gradi sul Montefeltro !

(Translated by Google) The town's splendid tower offers a panoramic view from the top. You can climb to the top for a small fee of 3 euros per person. It's worth it. (Original) La splendida torrre del paese con vista panoramica in cima ad essa. Si può salire fin sopra con un piccolo contributo di 3 euro a persona. Ne vale la pena.

Beautiful panorama view and amazingly relaxing atmosphere at the view point! Great place worth five stars. Only downside is the very unfortunate gardening practice of planting the whole area with rolls of grass embedded in nets of plastic covering the whole area. The plastic is in the whole square hidden in the earth below the grass and pollutes the area. A lot of microplastic for future generations. The local municipality should get the gardener responsible for the pollution to remove the plastic nets and remaining waste so that it fits the pure spiritual ambient of San Leo again.

(Translated by Google) San Leo is a medieval village perched on a cliff in the hinterland of the Romagna Riviera. It is famous for its imposing fortress which dominates the valley, and for its well-preserved historic centre. It is also known for being the place of imprisonment of Giuseppe Balsamo, known as Cagliostro. (Original) San Leo è un borgo medievale arroccato su una rupe nell'entroterra della riviera romagnola. È famoso per la sua imponente fortezza che domina la valle,e per il suo centro storico ben conservato. È noto anche per essere stato il luogo di prigionia di Giuseppe Balsamo, Noto come Cagliostro.

(Translated by Google) From here you can see the whole valley which is a unique place for your evenings, even in winter. I often go there even in winter and eat at a restaurant that I always recommend. The most beautiful village is this, I recommend it. (Original) Da qui vedete tutta la valle che dire un posto unico per le vostre serate anche invernali. Io ci vado spesso anche in inverno e mangio ad un ristorante che raccomando sempre. Il borgo più bello è questo lo consiglio.

(Translated by Google) Terrace in the village of San Leo from where you can admire a beautiful panorama of the Marecchia Valley (Original) Terrazza nel borgo di San Leo da dove si può ammirare un bellissimo panorama della Val Marecchia

(Translated by Google) From the small park at the San Leo lookout, with a splendid war memorial at its center, you can enjoy a panorama as exceptional as it is vast: the entire Marecchia valley from Pontemessa to Verucchio, the Adriatic coast from Cesenatico to Rimini, the peaks of San Marino, Torriana, Montebello, Mount Pincio, and all the hills overlooking the river. (Original) Dal piccolo parco del belvedere di San Leo con al centro uno splendido monumento ai caduti è possibile osservare un panorama tanto eccezionale quanto vasto: Tutta la vallata del Marecchia da Pontemessa a Verucchio, il litorale adriatico da Cesenatico a Rimini, le cime di San Marino, Torriana, Montebello, il Monte Pincio e tutte le alture sul fiume.

(Translated by Google) Panoramic point of San Leo overlooking the Valmarecchia (Original) Punto panoramico di San Leo che si affaccia sulla valmarecchia

(Translated by Google) Beautiful view of the hinterland and the coast... not to be missed (Original) Bellissima vista sull'entroterra e sulla costa ... da non perdere

(Translated by Google) It is perhaps the most modern work that can be seen in San Leo even if it is not in perfect condition. It stands in the center of a panoramic garden slightly off-centre from the historic buildings of the city. However, it is easily reachable by walking through the few streets that make up the ancient village. (Original) É forse l' opera più moderna che si può vedere a San Leo anche se non é in perfette condizioni. Sorge nel centro di un giardino panoramico leggermente decentrato rispetto alle costruzioni storiche dell' abitato cittadino. Comunque é facilmente raggiungibile passeggiando tra le poche vie che costituiscono il borgo antico.

(Translated by Google) Positioned in a panoramic place is the monument that San Leo built in memory and commemoration of its fallen (Original) Posizionato in posto panoramico è il monumento che San Leo ha edificato in memoria è commemorazione dei propri caduti

(Translated by Google) Interesting monument to the fallen, located in the viewpoint of the village of San Leo. (Original) Interessante monumento ai caduti, posizionato nel belvedere del borgo di San Leo.

(Translated by Google) Fantastic ! I chose to live here (Original) Fantastico ! Ho scelto di vivere qui

(Translated by Google) A monument like a monument, but the views behind it are beautiful (Original) Pomnik jak pomnik, ale widoki za nim przepiękne

(Translated by Google) SAN LEO is very suggestive in the evening.. from the gardens you can admire a beautiful panorama.. Romantic place.. (Original) SAN LEO di sera è molto suggestiva..dai giardini si ammira un bel panorama..Luogo romantico..

(Translated by Google) San Leo is a very famous place, rich in history, wonderful to visit. Fantastic places to visit: The Medici Palace built between 1517 and 1523. Cathedral of San Leone The construction of the Cathedral dates back to 1173. Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta It is the oldest religious building in the city. Naturally The Fort, This impregnable fortress has been considered of great importance since the Middle Ages. Have a nice visit!!! (Original) San Leo famosissimo luogo, ricco di storia, meravigliosa da visitare. Luoghi fantastici da visitare: Il Palazzo Mediceo edificato tra il 1517 e il 1523. Cattedrale di San Leone L'edificazione del Duomo risale al 1173. Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta È il più antico edificio di culto della città. Naturalmente Il Forte, Questa inespugnabile Fortezza è considerata di grande importanza sin dal medioevo. Buna Visita!!!

(Translated by Google) Ancient village full of history. A must visit place during your holidays. (Original) Borgo antico e carico di storia. Un posto da visitare assolutamente durante le vacanze.

(Translated by Google) The worst tourist office ever seen... You call and they don't know how to give you any information, I advise you to get people who know how to answer about the office in charge. (Original) L'ufficio turistico peggiore mai visto... Chiami e non sanno darti nessuna informazione, vi consiglio di mettere persone che sappiano rispondere in merito all'ufficio preposto.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful quiet and very historical-cultural place (Original) Bellissimo posto tranquillo e molto storico-culturale

(Translated by Google) Visited on a previous day it very often hosts exhibitions or exhibitions open to the public, it also has an IAT service inside with souvenirs and brochures of the main events of the place or even neighboring ones (Original) Visitato in una precedente giornata ospita molto spesso esposizioni o mostre aperte al pubblico, dispone al suo interno anche un servizio di iat con Souvenirs e depliant delle principali manifestazioni del luogo o anche di quelli limitrofi

(Translated by Google) A 10 minute walk from the center of SanLeo €10 excessive for what it offers Stunning overview The cell of Cagliostro is interesting (Original) A 10 minuti di camminata dal centro di SanLeo 10€ eccessivo per quello che offre Panoramica stupenda Interessante la cella di Cagliostro

Tiny unassuming church.

(Translated by Google) Small church built to thank for the escape from danger from a landslide that overwhelmed the village, dedicated to the Madonna Lauretana. (Original) Piccola chiesa costruita per ringraziare dello scampato pericolo da una frana che travolse il borgo, dedicata alla Madonna Lauretana.

(Translated by Google) A small church that is difficult to spot even if it overlooks the main street because it is nestled among the ancient buildings of the medieval village of San Leo. In fact, only the door that is different from the others that overlook the paved street is the only clue that leads to its identification. Internally very compact and brightly coloured, it differs from the other two churches of San Leo. It appears to be a recent construction but, like all the buildings in the village, it dates back to around the 17th century. The paintings and sculptures are in a good state of conservation as are the walls and furnishings. (Original) Una chiesa dalle piccole dimensioni che è difficile individuare anche se si affaccia sulla via principale perché incastonata tra gli antichi edifici del borgo medievale di San Leo. In effetti solo la porta differente dalle altre che si affacciano sulla via lastricata è l' unico indizio che la fa individuare. Internamente molto raccolta e dai colori vivaci si differenzia dalle altre due chiese di San Leo. Sembrerebbe una costruzione recente ma, come tutte le costruzioni del borgo, risale intorno al XVII secolo. I dipinti e le sculture sono in buono stato di conservazione come le pareti e gli arredi.

(Translated by Google) Small but interesting church, completely different in style from the two larger churches in the village! TO VISIT! DESCRIPTION Construction took place in the 17th century with restorations and additions to the presbytery in the 18th and 19th centuries. The facade is rustic, simple with exposed stones. The interior has a single nave, in neoclassical style with a baroque main altar. The characteristics of the church are: - Baroque main altar with statue of the Madonna Lauretana - on the sides of the presbytery: _ Saint Francis of Paola _ Sacred Heart of Jesus °right: - work "Madonna of Loreto with the Saints: Antonio Abate, Giuseppe, Antonio da Padova, Lucia, Apollonia, Carlo Borromeo" by G. Zanbe (1604) - work "Annunciation" by Z. Viti (15th century) - one of Raphael's masters °on the left: - work "San Bonaventura" of the Umbrian school (16th century) - work "Madonna and Child, angels and saints: Peter, Paul and Cecilia" of the Bolognese school (17th century) Free admission. (Original) Chiesa piccola ma interessante, in stile completamente diverso dalle due chiese maggiori del borgo! DA VISITARE! DESCRIZIONE La costruzione avviene nel XVII secolo con restauri e aggiunte del presbiterio nel XVIII e XIX secolo. La facciata è rustica, semplice con pietre a vista. L'interno è ad unica navata, in stile neoclassico con altare maggiore barocco. Le caratteristiche della chiesa sono: - altare maggiore barocco con statua della Madonna Lauretana - ai lati del presbiterio: _ San Francesco di Paola _ Sacro Cuore di Gesù °a destra: - opera "Madonna di Loreto con i Santi: Antonio Abate, Giuseppe, Antonio da Padova, Lucia, Apollonia, Carlo Borromeo" di G. Zanbe (1604) - opera "Annunciazione" di Z. Viti (XV secolo) - uno dei maestri di Raffaello °a sinistra: - opera "San Bonaventura" di scuola umbra (XVI secolo) - opera "Madonna col Bambino, angeli e i Santi: Pietro, Paolo e Cecilia" di scuola bolognese (XVII secolo) INGRESSO: libero.

(Translated by Google) Small church on the main street of San Leo...dedicated to the Madonna of Loreto, the various paintings preserved inside are also interesting (Original) Chiesa piccola sulla via principale di San Leo...dedicata alla Madonna di Loreto , interessanti anche i diversi dipinti che di o conservati al suo interno

(Translated by Google) The first church you come across as soon as you enter the city gate. On the altar there is a particular sixteenth-century wooden sculpture. (Original) La prima chiesa che si incontra appena varcata la porta della città. Sull'altare una particolare scultura lignea cinquecentesca.

(Translated by Google) In 1640 the San Leo cliff collapsed, engulfing part of the ancient medieval village. When rebuilding the town around Via Montefeltro (which led to the only remaining gate) the surviving population also built this church as thanks for having escaped the danger. The oratory - renovated in 1800 - remains almost unnoticed compared to the Cathedral and the Parish Church. It is currently closed for worship due to a short circuit which damaged the electrical system causing a small fire. (Original) Nel 1640 la rupe di San Leo franò travolgendo una parte dell'antico borgo medioevale. Nel ricostruire l'abitato intorno a Via Montefeltro (che conduceva all'unica porta rimasta) la popolazione superstite edificò anche questa chiesa come ringraziamento per lo scampato pericolo. L' oratorio - ristrutturato nel 1800 - rimane quasi inosservato rispetto alla Cattedrale e alla Pieve. Attualmente è chiuso al culto a causa di un corto circuito che ha danneggiato l'impianto elettrico causando un piccolo incendio.