The real estate agent who was helping us look for an apartment in SDR when we arrived had warned us, “Santarcangelo is the Romagnole city where everyone would like to live.”
And one quickly understands the fervor for this small town of 20,000 souls upon arriving at its main square. Its triumphal arch erected in 1777 in honor of Pope Clement XIV, a native of Santarcangelo, stands proudly and welcomes us under a dazzling sun.
Then, it’s enough to sweep one’s gaze and take a few steps on the Piazza to feel like moving in a city where the dolce Vita sparkles through all the senses.
Children play on the steps of the monument, some people sit in cafes with a newspaper in hand, friends meet smiling while tasting cannolis from the bakery next door.
All life here seems to flow quietly in a clear stream, like the water flowing in the beautiful fountain “La Pigna” of the square. “La pigna” is the pine cone, a symbol of hospitality, prosperity, and abundance. Words that ring so true after three years of living here.
In the distance, the beating heart of Santarcangelo is outlined, just waiting to be discovered.
The souls of Santarcangelo di Romagna
“Santarcangelo has several souls.” And the contrast is almost moving, it unveils itself between lights and shadows.
The lower part of Santarcangelo vibrates with its numerous terraces, cafes, restaurants, shops of all kinds, and its huge park bustling with activities during the summer.
Then, by climbing and strolling through its winding alleys towards the castle, one savors its most intimate part. The alleys are composed of charming little colored houses where small Madonna figurines in faience still watch over on the walls.
A cradle of culture
Everything is synonymous with poetry, beauty, and it is quite legitimate for a city that has seen the birth of numerous avant-garde artists and intellectuals, the most famous being Tonino Guerra, a multidisciplinary artist, poet, novelist, artist, and screenwriter for Fellini, who was born in Santarcangelo.
A loving guardian of his native Romagna and avant-garde, he has always been keen to enhance his hometown.
The caves
It is absolutely necessary to descend into the bowels of the city to discover the fascinating underground city that has not finished revealing its mysteries.
The city’s tourist office offers several guided tours every week to discover a small part of the caves and their history, which is quite nebulous since their origins are not precisely known.
Pagan rites, Christians hiding from the oppression of Rome… Several scientists have come to study without, however, unraveling the mystery of their origin…