Mombaroccio is a castle in the hinterland of Pesaro and it’s one of the few ones which has preserved intact its walls and Medieval gates.

It was founded in the 13^th century and it was ruled by Pesaro, where the Malatesta family governed. The layout of the town was  strongly influenced by them. Porta Maggiore is a major gate flanked by two cylindrical towers and it dates back to these years

In 1445 the Sforza family gained power and replaced the Malatesta family. At that time fire arms were being introduced so they were involved in the new necessary strengthening works of the walls.

In the Renaissance Mombaroccio was an example of advanced society, especially under the guide of the marquises Del Monte, Guidobaldo in particular. He was a friend of Galileus and studied together with Torquato Tasso. In the building which belonged to him there’s a laboratory where some of their experiments were carried out.

The view from the city walls is wonderful; it stretches from Ancona to Rimini, until San Marino.

In Mombaroccio you can visit the Museum of rural life which is housed in the 16^th century underground of the former convent of the Girolimini Friars, the museum of Sacred Art in the sacristy of the church of St. Mark ( 14^th century) and the exhibition dedicated to embroidery in the “Galleria della Torre”.

In the terrific area near the Mattera mountain, surrounded by chestnut trees, oaks and holm oaks you can find a Franciscan convent dedicated to Blessed  Sante. It was renovated by Girolamo Genga in the 16^th century.