The first recorded mention of Montegridolfo dates back to 1148, but it was already inhabited during the Roman period and the early Middle Ages.

Settlements in the hills began to develop from the 10th century, life in the valleys being rather dangerous. Montegridolfo was on the border between the lands of the Malatesta (of Rimini) and the Montefeltro (of Urbino), and clashes were frequent. In 1233 Montegridolfo pledged loyalty to the Malatesta, provoking the hostility of the Montefeltro, which culminated in the attack that flattened the village in 1336.

The settlement was rebuilt with tall, strong new walls within a year. The burg yo-yoed between Montefeltro and Malatesta control until it was acquired by Cesare Borgia in 1502, before returning to the Malatesta again, being taken by the Venetians in 1504 and finally being absorbed into the Papal States in 1509.

Montegridolfo then experienced centuries of hard-earned peace and tranquillity until World War II broke out. From October 1943 to August 1944, the area was laid waste by bitter fighting along the Gothic Line between German and Allied troops.
The village was severely damaged and remained so until the late ’80s, when several state bodies and private investors came to the rescue, including the stylist Alberta Ferretti.

The village has the typical Malatesta shape, with a polygonal plan and four towers. But what makes this one so special isn’t what there is to see – not that much, given its diminutive size – but what there is to feel. The narrow cobbled streets, the inns, and restaurants, the parish church … it’s like being inside a snow globe.

From the small central square, three alleys lead to Palazzo Viviani, the only noble mansion in the village, now the finest (and only) hotel in town. Other buildings of note include the Malatesta fortress (14th century, now the council office), San Rocco’s church (15th century, with two original frescoes and a painting by Cagnacci of the Virgin and Child with saints), the Sanctuary of the Holy Virgin of the Graces in Trebbio, and finally the Museum of the Gothic Line with artefacts and documents from World War II.

SPRING
– A bike ride through Malatesta and Montefeltro country wouldn’t be complete without an interlude in Montegridolfo.
– This is an ideal spot for enjoying a relaxing holiday in the country far from the frenzy of everyday life.

SUMMER:
– Take a romantic stroll among the village lanes before dinner in a traditional inn.
– The Conca valley (like the whole of Romagna) is perfect for sporty types looking for a beautiful piece of country to pump the pedals in. There are plenty of great rides to explore the old domain of the Malatesta.

AUTUMN:
– Love wine? (Who doesn’t?) Then follow your nose to Montegridolfo, via the local wine tour, the Strada Dei Vini e Dei Sapori Dei Colli di Rimini.
– Have you ever wondered what it feels like to explore the landscape of a painting? Piero Della Francesca used many scenes from this area in his works.

WINTER:
– Come and help us celebrate the local olive oil festival on the second Sunday in December.
– If you love the poetic masterpiece that is the Divine Comedy, nip over to Gradara, the backdrop for Paolo and Francesca’s story; it’s not even 10 miles away.

Every Good Friday for about the last twenty years, a hundred people in historical costume have paraded from San Rocco church to the main square through the streets of the old centre.

In summer, the tiny lanes turn into open-air galleries, as the village becomes the stage for a spectrum of art and music events. Like Un Castello di Voci, an opera and classical-music festival graced by internationally renowned artists, with performances of works from all eras.

In late August every year, the Montegridolfo Liberata festival re-enacts the WW2 battle to liberate the village, with guided tours at the Museum of the Gothic Line, theatre performances, lectures, and entertainment.

On the second Sunday in December, the Olio Novello in Tavola festival attracts connoisseurs of fine olive oil, one of the area’s main products.

Tagliatelle with meat sauce and mushrooms (known here as marchignoli), strozzapreti pasta in a cream and meat sauce (pasticciati), polenta with meat sauce, baked lamb, chicken, pigeon, charcuterie and cheese are all local favourites.

The black truffles and the superb extra virgin olive oil from groves all over the area lend the cuisine a perfect final touch, while the Trebbiano and Sangiovese wines offer a sublime accompaniment.

Montegridolfo is about 12 miles from the Adriatic coast on the rolling hills between Cattolica and Pesaro, near the border with the Marche region. There is no rail link, but the village is easy to reach by car or bus.