Urbania W 280 R 55 Located in the Upper Metaurus Valley alongside the river which flows past the ancient city walls, Urbania, which once bore the name of Casteldurante, lies in a hilly - mountainous region at the foot of Monte Montiego. The town has numerous historic and artistic monuments, including the prestigious Palazzo Ducale, which houses the town library, the historic archives, the Civic Museum and the Museum of Country life. Worth visiting are the “Chiesa dei Morti” and its mummy cemetery, the renaissance complex of the Barco, hunting lodge of the dukes of Urbino, and the nineteenth century “D. Bramante” theatre. Famous throughout the world are the ancient ceramics of Casteldurante decorated with historical scenes, which are still being produced today thanks to the efforts of local craftsmen. The area is very popular with cyclists with a number of cycling associations and specialist cycle shops. Information: Tourist Office, tel. 0722 313140. Piobbico W 334 R 71 The town of Piobbico stands between Monte Nerone and Monte Montiego at the confluence of the rivers Biscubio and Candigliano which flow together through the centre of the town. Surrounded by green woods, the town is a much appreciated central Apennine health resort offering sporting activities in direct contact with nature. Of great historic and artistic interest is Castello Brancaleoni which still today dominates the underlying medieval quarter. The interior of the castle is rich in late renaissance frescoes and stucco work. Worthy of a visit are the Church of Santo Stefano, the Santuario di Santa Maria in Val d'Abisso and the beautiful historic centre. Information: Town Hall, tel. 0722 986225. Monte Montiego and Gola di Gorgo a Cerbara Monte Montiego (W 975 ), also known as Mondiego, is bounded by the valleys of the Metaurus and Candigliano rivers. The latter river has, on its south-east side, created a gorge called the “Gola di Gorgo a Cerbara”, a site of important scenic and palaeontologic interest. The rest of the mountain is characterised by extensive wooded areas, conifer plantations and pastures near the summit. The Marche Regional Environmental and Countryside Plan (Piano Paesistico Ambientale Regionale delle Marche) of 1990 designates the Gorge as a nature reserve, which also includes the nearby Fosso dell'Eremo. Of an- thropical interest are the rural agglomerates of Montiego, Castello dei Pecorari and the Chiesa dell' Orsaiola. Monte Nerone mountain range Monte Nerone (W 1575) has its own unique geomorphologic characte- ristics. The heavy calcareous stratification and its fossils, in fact, recount the long history of the Apennine Mountain. All the more typical ecosystems of the peninsula are represented on its slopes and the spectacular landscape is one to admire. Wolves still live in its woods, trout swim in its streams and the golden eagle still nests on its rocky summit. Information: Centro Educazione Ambientale (Environ- mental Education Centre), tel. 0722 985455. tourist information altitudes km. 200 400 m. 600 0 10,0 0 20,0 30,0 40,0 50,0 60,0 70,0 Urbania Piobbico Secchiano Gorgo Cerbara 540 74,7 Urbania 800 Colombara 772 570 W = altitude above sea level in meters R = distance from Pesaro in kilometres 3 ° cycle tour Starting and finishing point: Urbania, piazza San Cristoforo Altitudes: 280 (start), 772 (max) Recommended bicycles: Racing or Mountain bike Total length: km. 79,5 Estimated time: 5:30 h / 6 h Total ascent/descent: m. 1243 Level of difficulty: Type of road: asphalt Intended for: trained cyclists How to reach Urbania: From the Coast: Autostrada A14, Fano Exit • Superstrada direction Urbino • Fermignano • Urbania (S.P. 4) From Inland: S.S. 73 bis (from Bocca Trabaria o from Urbino) S.P. 4 Metaurense (from Fermignano) Cover: Piobbico, view of the hamlet with Castello Brancaleoni 1. Urbania, Palazzo Ducale on the Metaurus river 2. Urbania, il Barco Ducale (Ducal hunting lodge) 3. Monte Nerone mountain chain 1. 2. 3. The itinerary winds its way through the natural countryside and mountain roads of Monte Montiego and Monte Nerone. This tour is for trained cyclists, with three main climbs (max. alt. 772 m) well spread out over the 80 km route. The itinerary offers a splendid combination of art and nature. www.turismo.pesarourbino.it [email protected] cycle tour Monte Nerone: between wild nature and charming hamlets URBANIA PIOBBICO MONTE MONTIEGO E GOLA DI GORGO A CERBARA COMPLESSO MONTUOSO DEL MONTE NERONE Provincia di Pesaro e Urbino 3 °