The Castle of Santarcangelo in Romagna, located just a short distance from Rimini, stands on a small tuffaceous hill only 90 metres high called the Mons Iovis; the Castle dominates the plain below, characterised by rivers and streams flowing towards the sea. With its imposing structure, it defines the unmistakable profile of the small town of Santarcangelo, once a lively and well-preserved mediaeval village. Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta rebuilt the Castle in 1447 to withstand renewed military attack systems, including cannons, smaller cannons or ‘bombardelles’ and culverins. Over the centuries, it has also been home to generations of people, some of them well-known, and today it is the place where the family preserves its history, traditions and treasures.

Every visitor, every traveller who enters the Castle of Santarcangelo di Romagna takes a journey into the past and in doing so helps to keep these castles, fortresses and manors alive.

THE HISTORY OF CASTELLO DI SANTARCANGELO

The ‘Codice Bavaro’, or legal Bavarian Code governing various aspects of early medieval life during the 7th to 10th centuries, already mentions the existence, around the end of the 9th century, of a “chastrum sancti arcangeli” or ‘Castle of the Holy Archangel’ on Mons Iovis. This fortification was the backdrop to intense and tumultuous conspiracies, such as the centuries-old struggle between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, and the disputes between the lords of Malatesta and Montefeltro.

The dominion of the Malatesta family (1295 – 1500) was decisive: the Dante-esque “Mastin vecchio” (Old Mastiff) garrisoned the Castle when he became head of the Guelph faction. It is perhaps because of this latter circumstance that some scholars have set the famous tale by Dante of Paolo and Francesca within the walls of the Castle of Santarcangelo.

It was in the 14th and 15th centuries that the Malatesta family succeeded in acquiring undisputed dominion over the entire vast area surrounding Rimini. And it was mainly thanks to Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta that the fortress of Santarcangelo took on the definitive configuration that it still retains today after completion in 1447.

Over the centuries, the Castle has undergone a marked change in its structure. Only a few traces of its original form remain embedded in the walls of the present Castle. In 1386, an enormous tower, one of the highest in Italy and called the Mastio, was erected by Carlo Malatesta on the ruins of the ancient construction to protect himself from the attacks of his enemies. It was then Sigismondo Pandolfo who shortened the tower and, using the remaining materials, built the current structure of the Castle, better suited to cope with the new military techniques.

In 1462, the Castle was taken by Federico da Montefeltro, reconquered by Roberto, son of Sigismondo Pandolfo, and set on fire by Cesare Borgia in 1498. When Borgia also fell and was abandoned by the Malatesta family, the Castle passed to the Venetians, who ceded it to the Holy See central governing body of the Catholic Church in 1505. From that date, until the Unification of Italy, it was given in emphyteusis under a long-term land tenure arrangement to various lords, including the Zampeschi family, who opened up the large windows that still provide light for the three rooms on the Court floor.

In 1800, the Castle was purchased by the Baldini Counts, as indicated on the marble plaque that is on the wall of the Court in front of the entrance. In 1880, it became the property of the Massani family, who transformed the Castle and its surroundings into a large agricultural centre.

In 1903, it was bought by Countess Eugenia Rasponi Murat, the niece of Princess Luisa Giulia Murat, daughter of Gioacchino Murat and Carolina Bonaparte, sister of Napoleon. Having no children of her own, Countess Eugenia left the Castle to her cousin, Count Giovanni Battista Spalletti Trivelli, grandfather of Princess Marina Colonna di Paliano, who inherited it definitively in 1992.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES: ACCOMMODATION AND PRIVATE EVENTS AT CASTELLO DI SANTARCANGELO

The Castle of Santarcangelo is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious places in Emilia Romagna for hosting an important event. It is a multipurpose facility which is an ideal venue for organising parties, celebrations and important occasions in a private and intimate setting. In addition to its charming location, you can also rely on the professionalism and planning skills of a number of skilled professionals who will assist you in programming receptions, promotional evenings, workshops, training activities and film sets. Its strategic position allows easy access to the site, thanks to the nearby Santarcangelo railway station and the vicinity of the motorway junction. A reserved catering service, dedicated secretariat and office are available for every type of event, subject to individual requirement.

HOSPITALITY

Let yourself be enveloped in the atmosphere and charm that lingers within the walls of the Castle of Santarcangelo; this is a very special place where you will spend an unforgettable moment, surrounded by exclusivity and timeless enchantment. Whether you are passing by for a business stay at the Rimini or Cesena Trade Fair, or enjoying a holiday in the area, treat yourself to a special stopover. In the two comfortable and elegant suites, located respectively in the Torre dei Paesaggi (Tower of Landscapes) and the Torretta dei Tramonti (Little Tower of Sunsets), we have reserved the certainty of a memorable visit, just for you.

The two suites can be booked for:

• Overnight stays for business trips, such as trade fairs or other conventions
• Overnight stays for couples or small family groups on holiday
• Wedding nights

All overnight stays include breakfast or the possibility of arranging breakfast buffets with table service.

GUIDED TOURS

The Castle of Santarcangelo is open to the public every Sunday, and it is also possible to visit it accompanied by an experienced guide who will explain in detail the history of a monument which is at the heart of Romagna's history, revealing its lesser and better-known secrets. It is also possible to book "A Special Day at the Castle", which includes a guided tour within the walls and a delightful, aperitif with a buffet, to be enjoyed in the main hall or outdoors in the courtyard, in front of the heart-stopping panorama of the vast valley all around.