Best castles around Lunano are situated in the Marche region of Italy, an area defined by green hills and river valleys. The town of Lunano is recognized for the historical Castle of Lunano, also known as the Ubaldini castle, which provides insight into the region's past. This landscape features a combination of medieval ruins and fortified settlements, reflecting its historical strategic importance. Visitors can explore these sites to understand the historical context of the Montefeltro area.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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The tiny village of Pietarubbia is located on the slopes of Mount Carpegna in a quiet and panoramic position. It is one of the oldest fortified villages in Montefeltro and is dominated by a Castle of which only one tower remains today. The name derives from Pietra Rubea, meaning "red stone", due to the reddish color of the rocks on which it stands.
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Perched on a rock overlooking the Apsa torrent valley, on the southern slopes of Mount Carpegna, the village of Pietrarubbia is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) of the entire Montefeltro, with its origins that can be dated around the year 1000 ... What is certainly certain is that the village belonged to the Counts of Carpegna as early as 1137, and was equipped with an imposing Castle that stood on a red stone rock (from which the name petra rubea derives, later becoming Pietrarubbia) overlooking the valley below, characterized by excellent natural defenses so much so that it was later called "castrum inexpugnabile". The Montefeltro family originated from a branch of the Counts of Carpegna family, which gradually extended its influence throughout the Duchy of Urbino, with Pietrarubbia playing the role of an important defensive bulwark ... In the following centuries Pietrarubbia was the scene of bloody battles, first between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions within the Montefeltro family, and then between the Montefeltros and the Malatestas, who fought for a long time for control of the Castle, which changed hands several times. ... The following centuries were certainly quieter than the era of great battles that had just ended, however Pietrarubbia, precisely because of its particular conformation that transformed it into an almost impregnable fortress, went through a phase of decline and progressive abandonment, as in a period of peace the defensive function of the Castle became superfluous, and the inhabitants gradually but inexorably moved towards the valley ... The ancient village was completely depopulated around 1960, going through a phase of further decline, interrupted in the last years of the last century thanks also to the intervention of the famous sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro who, after having acquired the ownership of some of the most important buildings in the town, founded in 1990 the T.A.M., a school dedicated to the treatment of metals located right inside the historic center of Pietrarubbia. Nowadays the village is completely renovated and, although not permanently inhabited, it is very popular with tourists or simply curious people attracted by this place that presents itself as a real open-air museum. (Source: https://www.borghipesarourbino.it/castelli-e-rocche/pietrarubbia/ )
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Formerly called Mons Germanus, Monte Grimano Terme is located on a spur overlooking the Conca valley and, thanks to its 600 meters of altitude, offers pure air, a sweet and temperate climate and the relaxing atmosphere of the hilly landscapes. An ancient medieval castle, it played an important role in the disputes between the Montefeltro of Urbino, for whom it represented a defensive stronghold, and the Malatesta of Rimini.
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Fortification of the Renaissance period, it is still well preserved and houses a small theater inside.
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The Rocca di Sassocorvaro also known as Rocca Ubaldinesca is a fortification from the Renaissance period, located in the municipality of Sassocorvaro in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino in the Montefeltro. It is located in the center of the village, on a hill overlooking the valley of the Foglia river.
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The famous defensive structure is located on the hill called Roccaccia, in an unparalleled natural setting. Or rather, what remains of the magnificent castle which was the birthplace of the noble Montefeltro family and which throughout the 16th century was addressed as impregnable. And it is this ancient walled village, now reduced to shreds, the real historical center of the territory, the real Montecopiolo. The ruin of this mighty fortress, which it is good to remember was the basis for the incredible capture of San Leo by the troops of Federico da Montefeltro, was not inflicted by the enemy bombards, but rather by abandonment and by its closest relative: the neglect. It was in fact the seventeenth century, when the inhabitants began to move to the more comfortable valley. And with them they also brought stones and bricks, building material torn from the castle and reused in the construction of new homes.
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To the west of Villagrande, the municipal capital, there is a tremendous limestone peak that rises well over a thousand meters and on whose top stood the so-called castle of Monte Acuto. Like the most famous neighbor on the Roccaccia, it was, around the middle of the 13th century, one of the formidable Feltreschi possessions. Except that the Lord of this inhospitable peak was a Guelph-side Montefeltro, a supporter of the Pope in a land that has always been faithful to imperial power.
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It can be reached along a 6km climb with constant slopes around 6%. Beautiful village with the presence of a spa, very popular with elderly people in relax
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The castles and fortifications around Lunano, such as the Montecopiolo Castle and the Ubaldini Castle in Lunano, played a crucial role in the history of the Montefeltro area. They served as strategic defensive outposts and were often at the center of disputes between powerful families like the Montefeltro of Urbino and the Malatesta of Rimini. These sites offer a tangible connection to the region's medieval origins and feudal power.
Beyond the Ubaldini Castle in Lunano, you can explore the impressive Montecopiolo Castle, known as the birthplace of the Montefeltro family. Another significant site is Monte Grimano Terme, an ancient medieval castle that was a key defensive stronghold. For a well-preserved Renaissance fortification, visit Rocca di Sassocorvaro, which even houses a small theater.
Yes, you can visit the remains of the Ubaldini Castle in Lunano. While not a fully preserved structure, its evocative ruins are found on a hill behind the historic center. A square tower was restored in 2015-2016, and parts of the castle's curtain wall are still discernible. It offers a glimpse into its medieval past and provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yes, while the Castle of Lunano is largely an archaeological site of ruins, the Rocca di Sassocorvaro is a well-preserved Renaissance fortification. It is located in the center of Sassocorvaro village and offers a great example of the region's historical architecture.
The area around Lunano offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and hiking. For example, there are challenging gravel biking loops like the 'Rocca di Pietrarubbia – Conca Valley loop' and scenic road cycling routes such as the 'Passo Cantoniera di Carpegna loop'. Hiking options include trails around Pietrarubbia like the 'Pietrarubbia Castle – Pietrafagnana rock formation loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Lunano, Road Cycling Routes around Lunano, and Hiking around Lunano guides.
Yes, there are hiking opportunities near some of the historical sites. For instance, the Pietrarubbia village, which once housed an imposing castle, is a starting point for trails like the 'Pietrarubbia Castle – Pietrafagnana rock formation loop'. These trails often offer views of the ancient settlements and the surrounding natural landscape. You can explore more hiking options in the Hiking around Lunano guide.
The Marche region generally enjoys a sweet and temperate climate. Visiting during spring or early autumn is often ideal, as the weather is pleasant for exploring historical sites and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. These seasons also offer beautiful green landscapes and comfortable temperatures.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories are not listed for all castles, exploring the historical sites like the well-preserved Rocca di Sassocorvaro or the evocative ruins of the Ubaldini Castle can be an engaging educational experience for families interested in history. The scenic views and outdoor trails nearby also offer opportunities for family walks.
Many castles in the Lunano area are situated on hills or spurs, offering panoramic views. The Ubaldini Castle in Lunano, for example, provides scenic views of the largely unspoiled landscape, characterized by green hills and river confluences. Monte Grimano Terme, located on a spur overlooking the Conca valley, also offers pure air and expansive views of the hilly landscapes.
Parking availability varies by site. For the Ubaldini Castle in Lunano, you can typically find parking within the historic center of Lunano, from where the castle remains are accessible. For other sites like Rocca di Sassocorvaro, parking is usually available in the village itself. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the picturesque settings of the castles. The ruins, like those of the Ubaldini Castle and Monte San Marco Castle Ruins, allow for an imaginative journey back in time. The well-preserved structures, such as Rocca di Sassocorvaro, offer insight into Renaissance architecture. The combination of history, scenic views, and the tranquil atmosphere of the Marche region makes these sites appealing.
The Pietrarubbia village is a notable hidden gem. Perched on a rock overlooking the Apsa torrent valley, it's one of the oldest villages in Montefeltro. While only one tower of its original castle remains, the village has been renovated and functions as an open-air museum, attracting tourists interested in its unique history and architecture.


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