Sant'Agata Feltria
Welcome to Sant'Agata Feltria!
If you are wondering what to do during your holidays in Italy, we suggest visiting Sant'Agata Feltria, also known as Sant'Êgta in Romagnol language. This Italian municipality, located south-west of Rimini in Emilia-Romagna, was recognized as an honorary municipality of the then-province of Genoa for its historical, economic, and cultural ties with the city. Below, we will give you an idea of why it is worth visiting this charming Appennine town.
Physical Geography
Climate
Sant'Agata Feltria enjoys a sub-mountain climate, typical of the Appennine areas. Summer temperatures are cool and pleasant, while winter snow and ice create enchanting landscapes.
Territory
Famous for the splendid nature surrounding it, the municipality covers an area of 79.30 km², including numerous hamlets such as Badia Mont'Ercole, Caioletto, Casalecchio, Maiano, Palazzo, Pereto, Petrella Guidi, Rocca Pratiffi, Sapigno, and San Donato. Sant'Agata Feltria is the second-largest municipality in the province of Rimini and the first in the Alta Valmarecchia mountain community. The capital, located at an altitude of 607 meters, is enclosed in the Savio River basin.
The municipality's terrain is mostly formed by "scaly clay" and "grayish, white-sandstone-like argillaceous marls," but there are also other geological formations such as "limonite-sideritic manganese concretions" in Petrella Guidi and "finely stratified gypsies" in Sapigno and Maiano. Mount Ercole, which reaches 933 meters in height, is partly formed by "quartz-feldspathic sandstones."
The municipality is subject to landslides and is located in seismic zone 2 with medium seismicity.
Hydrography
The municipality is crossed by two tributaries of the Rio Maggio: the Marecchiola and the Fanante, which originate respectively near San Donato and Ugrigno and flow into the Rio Maggio, delimiting the northern borders with Novafeltria. The municipal territory is also crossed by the fosso della Rocca and the fosso delle Avezzane, which flow into the Marecchia.
Culture and Traditions
Events
The municipality of Sant'Agata Feltria is famous for the "National Fair of Fine White Truffle," which takes place every year in October and attracts tourists from all over Italy and abroad. During the fair, it is possible to taste the fine white truffles of Sant'Agata Feltria and participate in numerous cultural and musical events.
Here are some of them:
- "Sant'Agata in Fiore": an exciting flower exhibition held in May.
- "The Christmas Markets": a Christmas market held every year in December, where you can buy typical products of local handicrafts and gastronomy.
- "Palio dei Rioni": a race held during August between the four hamlets of the municipality. Each hamlet represents a color and a district and competes for victory in some sports and cultural disciplines.
Monuments
Sant'Agata Feltria is a town rich in history and monuments. Among these, we recommend:
- the Castle of Sant'Agata Feltria, which stands on the slopes of Mount Ercole and was built in the 11th century;
- the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, dating back to the 14th century, which preserves numerous frescoes and a valuable wooden statue of San Michele Arcangelo;
- the Municipal Clock, located in the main square of the town and dating back to the 19th century.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Sant'Agata Feltria offers numerous opportunities for sports and nature lovers. Below are some activities to practice during your stay in the municipality:
- Hiking or mountain biking on the trails that cross the uncontaminated nature of the Appennines;
- Climbing on the rocky walls of Mount Ercole, a unique experience for climbing enthusiasts;
- Horseback riding to discover the beauty of the territory;
- The Adventure Park of San Leo, located near Sant'Agata Feltria and offering adventurous paths immersed in nature.
Conclusion
Sant'Agata Feltria is an ideal destination for nature and history lovers. The municipality offers numerous possibilities for fun and relaxation, including participation in cultural events and outdoor activities. Let yourself be conquered by the charm of Sant'Agata Feltria and we guarantee that you will return home with unforgettable memories.
