SHARRYLAND
Mondaino, or the beauty of the form...
Hard to choose among the villages of the Rimini Hills, but here it comes to say, paraphrasing the poet, that this wonder among their wonders excels
Where is
Rimini, not only sea
Mondaino is one of the medieval villages of Rimini's surprising hinterland. A dozen kilometers from the Adriatic, it stands on the watershed between the Foglia and Conca valleys, in a position that suggests first of all its ancient function as a military garrison and even earlier as a pagan sanctuary. "High place," still generous with timeless vistas, undulating mosaic of woods and cultivated fields, the sea breeze towards the Apennines like a caress that animates them.
Leonardo in Mondaino
The rumor that Leonardo da Vinci had precise knowledge of these lands is founded among other things on the portrait of Federico da Montefeltro, unfailingly in profile, that the master sketched in pastel. Scientist, painter and among many other talents also a military architect. It is not surprising, then, to learn of a topographical sketch of his in which he reported as a relevant element the village of Monda, today's Mondaino. A document, which incidentally suggests the origin of the place name, from the Gothic Mundawins, 'fortified place,' rather than from a more intriguing Monte dei Daini, casually referring to the alleged existence of an ancient cult to Diana, goddess of hunting frequenter of the woods that covered its slopes.
Medieval reenactments and flavors staged in Mondaino
The uniqueness of Mondaino lies in its forma urbis, which like other ridge towns is innervated by a summit road, here converging in an airy arcaded square, against the backdrop of what remains of the Malatesta fortress. All of which creates a perfect backdrop for the events that enliven the village's calendar, to the utmost certain historical re-enactments that look back, yes, to medieval glories, but also to current ones in terms of flavors, hinting only at cheeses, cured meats and truffles... That may be one reason why the long Via Roma, as the handle, and the round Piazza Maggiore, as the bottom, are affectionately called "the frying pan" (but only the natives have the right to do so).
The fortress
"Luogo forte et importante, che a nessun patto può essere conquestata," was how Mondaino was described by Federico da Montefeltro, lord of these lands in the second half of the 15th century, famous for his portrait of Piero della Francesca. What makes the quote credible is the Malatesta fortress, if for no other reason than its commanding position, having lost its most grim attributes over the centuries. Today, however, it is the perfect backdrop for events that take place on the pavement of the Piazza Maggiore, including the Palio de lo Daino, which commemorates a historic peace pact between the Montefeltros of Urbino and the Malatesta of Rimini, later disregarded as was often the case in the stormy times of the Seignories.
The Mill of Porta di Sotto
Mondaino has quite a list of attractions, but one in particular deserves attention: the Porta di Sotto Mill, incorporated into a section of wall at the point where the so-called Montanara gate once opened. A three-level building used for different functions - grain mill with bread oven, olive press and wine press with cellars and warehouses - it is an interesting example of a "proto-industrial plant" dating back to the 16th century. But there is more, because in the lower part three 'pits' from the Malatesta period, in fact wells dug into the rock, have been discovered and reactivated for the maturing of that 'fossa cheese', precisely, which has in Mondaino one of its centers of reference.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
The Map thanks:
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Where is
