Top 7 Castles around Belforte All'Isauro

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.

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/ )

Monterone, located in the municipality of Sestino, in the province of Arezzo, is a place steeped in history and charm. This small medieval village, located on a hill and surrounded by fortified walls, still seems to retain the magic of the past. The old stone facades overlook the alleys that wind downwards like a spiral staircase. The view extends over the Foglia valley and reaches as far as Alpe della Luna, which acts as the border. It is no wonder that Monterone has acquired the nickname of Castello del Luto. The small square in front of the church is the scene of some musical events. Every year, in the first week after Easter, the lutenist Sigrun Richter holds a Masterclass for lute and Early Music Ensembles. During the summer, Ancient Music weekends are also planned for lutenists and singers with teachers Patrizia Vaccari (singing) and Sigrun Richter (lute) If you are passionate about history and culture, Monterone is definitely a place to visit. And if you have the opportunity to participate in one of the concerts or ancient music courses, you will be able to immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere of this enchanting village.

The name Monteboaggine means "Mount of oxen" due to the grazing of cattle that has been practiced in this area since ancient times. A pearl of the place is the ancient castle of Monteboaggine, of which the bell tower and some traces of the ancient village and church remain today.

The Castello della Pieve was built near an ancient pagan temple dedicated, according to tradition, to the God of the river Metauro. The Castle was built after the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the 12th century, it was fortified to defend the ancient Pieve d'Ico, current Mercatello sul Metauro. With its high towers in large stone ashlars, the armigers defended this noble land from the intrigues of errant knights and from the conspiracies of the powerful. The Medieval Castle thus played an important role in the military geography of Massa Trabaria, Guelph stronghold and Vassalla of the Holy See.

The Antica Castel Durante hunting residence of the Duke of Urbino, contains many points of interest, such as the Palazzo Ducale and the Barco