Santarcangelo di Romagna, Medieval commune in Province of Rimini, Italy
Santarcangelo di Romagna is a commune in the Province of Rimini that spreads over gentle hills between two river valleys, with its historic core sitting on a rise above the plain. The Via Emilia crosses the area and connects the old streets with modern residential neighborhoods that stretch down toward the coastal plain.
The settlement began as a Roman station along the Via Emilia and became a fortified place under shifting rule during the Middle Ages. The Malatesta family expanded the hilltop castle in the 15th century and strengthened their control over the region until papal forces took over the territory.
The narrow Piazza Ganganelli is framed by an 18th-century triumphal arch showing classical lines inspired by Roman models. Here locals meet for the market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, when vendors sell fresh produce, cheese and textiles.
The railway station sits in the lower town near the Via Emilia and connects the place with the coastal city of Rimini, roughly 6 miles (10 kilometers) away. From the station, a climb through residential streets leads to the historic center on the hill, reachable in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
Below the streets and squares runs a network of over 160 grottos carved into the soft tufa rock, their origin partly unknown. Some caves served as air-raid shelters during World War II, while others probably stored wine or food.
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