San Leo Walking Tour including visit to Fortress
Active
4h
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About this experience
This walking tour of San Leo is special because it condenses centuries of history, faith, and power into a thrilling four-hour adventure across a compact medieval town perched on a cliff. You’ll storm the mighty Fortress of San Leo, wander through the solemn Cathedral of San Leone and the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, stand beneath the watchful Civic Tower, and step into Renaissance intrigue at the Palazzo Mediceo. Along the way, you’ll pass the noble Palazzo della Rovere and end at Palazzo Nardini, where Saint Francis of Assisi once met Count Orlando Cattani. What makes this tour unique is the seamless blend of dramatic landscapes, sacred spaces, and noble palaces—all within walking distance—offering the feeling of a quest through time where every stone tells a story and every step reveals a new layer of San Leo’s legendary past.
Available options
San Leo Walking Tour including visit to Fortress
What's included
Private guided tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Your journey begins with a climb up the winding path to the Forte di San Leo, the mighty fortress perched on its cliff like a guardian of the ages. Each step feels like you’re marching into battle, the walls looming higher until you finally breach the gates. Inside, you explore echoing chambers and prison cells, imagining the fate of Count Cagliostro, the alchemist who once languished here. From the ramparts, the land stretches endlessly below—your kingdom for the day.
2
Descending into the town, you stride into the Cattedrale di San Leone, its Romanesque stone walls rising like a spiritual fortress. The silence inside is heavy, broken only by your footsteps echoing across centuries. Relics of Saint Leo rest here, and standing at the cliff’s edge beside the cathedral, you feel the blend of faith and defiance that shaped this town.
3
Next, you step into the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, one of the oldest churches in Montefeltro. Its shadowy interior feels like a sacred cavern carved by devotion. Here, you’re not just a tourist—you’re a pilgrim retracing the steps of early Christians, sensing the raw power of belief that built this stone sanctuary.
4
Your adventure continues as you approach the Torre Civica, rising defiantly against the sky. Though its doors are closed, the tower’s presence is commanding. Standing beneath it, you feel the watchful gaze of medieval sentinels, as if the town itself is daring you to move forward.
5
You stride into Renaissance intrigue at the Palazzo Mediceo, built by Florence after conquering San Leo. Its halls now host art and sacred treasures, but you can almost hear whispers of Florentine nobles plotting their next move. The palace is a reminder that San Leo was not just a fortress, but a prize fought over by powerful dynasties.
6
A few steps away, the Palazzo della Rovere greets you with its stately sandstone façade. Once the seat of noble power, now the Town Hall, it’s a stage where politics and ambition played out. Passing its doorway, you feel the weight of decisions that shaped the destiny of this cliffside citadel.
7
Your final stop is Palazzo Nardini, where history and spirituality collide. Here, in 1213, Saint Francis of Assisi met Count Orlando Cattani, a moment immortalized by a plaque. Standing before it, you imagine the energy of that encounter—faith and nobility converging in the heart of San Leo’s piazza.
What's not included
Gratuities and Refreshments
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Meeting point
At the Fontana di San Leo, your tour guide shall be waiting with a Signboard.
About Ravenna
Ravenna is renowned for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is a treasure trove of intricate mosaics, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts. Its rich cultural heritage and serene atmosphere offer a unique blend of ancient and modern Italian life.
Top Attractions
Basilica di San Vitale
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, which depict religious and imperial scenes. The basilica is a masterpiece of early Christian architecture.
Historical/Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
€9.50 (combined ticket with other sites)
Mausoleo di Galla Placidia
Another UNESCO-listed site, this small mausoleum is renowned for its exquisite mosaics, which are among the best-preserved in the world. It is a testament to the artistic achievements of the early Byzantine period.
Historical/Religious/Architecture
30-45 minutes
€9.50 (combined ticket with other sites)
Battistero Neoniano
This octagonal baptistery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring beautiful mosaics that date back to the 5th century. It is one of the oldest surviving baptisteries in Christendom.
Historical/Religious/Architecture
30-45 minutes
€9.50 (combined ticket with other sites)
Dante Alighieri's Tomb
This monument honors Dante Alighieri, the famous Italian poet who spent his final years in Ravenna. The tomb is a significant cultural site and a place of pilgrimage for literature enthusiasts.
Historical/Cultural
30 minutes
Free
Parco della Pilotta
This large public park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a playground, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
Nature/Relaxation
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Piadina
A traditional flatbread filled with various ingredients such as cheese, cured meats, and vegetables. It is a popular street food in the region.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Cappelletti in Brodo
A traditional pasta dish consisting of small, hat-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in a rich broth.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Romagna Coast Fish Soup
A hearty seafood soup made with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish, tomatoes, and herbs.
Dinner
Contains seafood and gluten (if served with bread)
Squacquerone
A soft, creamy cheese often spread on piadina or eaten with bread. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
Snack/Dessert
Contains dairy
Popular Activities
Boat tours in the Po Delta
Cycling in the countryside
Picnicking in Parco della Pilotta
Enjoying a spa day
Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Attending local festivals
Boating in the Po Delta
Swimming at nearby beaches
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Ravenna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport • 80 km from Ravenna
- Forlì Airport • 50 km from Ravenna
By train
Ravenna Station
By bus
Ravenna Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is efficient and affordable, with frequent services throughout the day. Buses are a convenient way to get around Ravenna.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Centro Storico
San Rocco
Porto
Day trips
Bologna
80 km from Ravenna • Full day
Bologna is a vibrant city known for its medieval architecture, rich history, and delicious cuisine. It is a great day trip from Ravenna, offering a mix of cultural and culinary experiences.
Comacchio
30 km from Ravenna • Half day to full day
Comacchio is a charming town known for its canals and historic center. It is often referred to as the 'Little Venice' of the Po Delta and offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
San Marino
100 km from Ravenna • Full day
San Marino is a small, independent country nestled in the Apennine Mountains. It is known for its medieval architecture, stunning views, and rich history. A day trip to San Marino offers a unique cultural experience.
Festivals
Ravenna Festival • June to July
Mosaico Festival • May to June
Fiera di San Romualdo • February
Pro tips
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Try local specialties like piadina and cappelletti in brodo at traditional trattorias
- Explore the city on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and charming streets
- Attend local festivals and events for a unique cultural experience
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals
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per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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