Visiting the province of Pesaro and Urbino means immersing yourself in a perfect combination of Renaissance splendor and the tranquility of the Adriatic Sea. On one side is Pesaro, Italian Capital of Culture and City of Music, which welcomes visitors with its sandy beaches and the immortal notes of Gioachino Rossini. On the other hand, there is Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where strolling through the steep alleys and the sumptuous Ducal Palace, you still feel as if you might catch the eye of Raphael or Federico da Montefeltro.

The area offers a fascinating contrast: in just a few kilometers, you can go from the cliffs overlooking the sea in San Bartolo Park to medieval villages perched in the hinterland, such as Gradara or Cagli. It is a journey that also satisfies the palate, between the white truffles of Acqualagna and the generous wines of the Marche hills. Here, the pace slows down, allowing you to rediscover an authentic Italy, made up of supreme art, hilly landscapes that look like paintings, and genuine hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

PESARO

Piazza del Popolo and Palazzo Ducale
The beating heart of the city, dominated by the beautiful fountain (the “Pupilla di Pesaro”) and the majestic Renaissance palace of the Sforza family.

Casa Rossini and Museo Nazionale Rossini
Essential stops for learning about the life and works of the “Swan of Pesaro.” His birthplace is a small multimedia gem.

The Great Sphere by Arnaldo Pomodoro
Located in Piazzale della Libertà, right in front of the sea, it is the modern symbol of the city (commonly called “la Palla” by the locals).

Villino Ruggeri
A few steps from the Sphere, it is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau style in Italy, with a facade embroidered with marine and floral motifs.

Palazzo Mosca Civic Museums
Here you will find the famous “Wall of Books” (one of the most photographed spots on social media) and Giovanni Bellini's splendid Pesaro Altarpiece.

SURROUNDINGS AND NATURE

Monte San Bartolo Park
A protected area with cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Don't miss the villages of Fiorenzuola di Focara and Casteldimezzo, which offer breathtaking views of the sea.

Villa Imperiale
Located right in the park, it is one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Italy and can be visited by appointment.

Gradara (15 min away)
The medieval village where the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca unfolded. Its fortress is perfectly preserved and the atmosphere is magical.

Urbino
(40 min away): You can't say you've seen the area without visiting the ideal Renaissance city and its Ducal Palace.

Furlo Gorge
For those who love wild nature, a canyon carved out by the Candigliano River between towering rock walls, ideal for trekking.

An insider's tip
If you visit the area in summer, try going to Baia Vallugola: it is a small cove of stones at the foot of San Bartolo, with crystal clear water and a very romantic little port.

In PESARO, cuisine is a serious matter: it lies precisely at the meeting point between the strong flavors of the Marche hinterland and the freshness of the sea.

Here are the “iconic” dishes you absolutely must try:

1 Pizza Rossini
This is an absolute institution in Pesaro, loved by locals and often viewed with suspicion by tourists until they taste it.
How it's made: A Margherita base with the addition of sliced hard-boiled eggs and mayonnaise (strictly homemade).
Why try it: It seems like a gamble, but the acidity of the mayonnaise and the creaminess of the egg go perfectly with the tomato.
It can be eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or for dinner!

2 Cappelletti in Brodo
Unlike those from Romagna, cappelletti from Pesaro are tiny and have a mixed meat filling (often with the addition of lemon zest and nutmeg). Tradition dictates that they are eaten in a good capon broth, even in the middle of August.

3 Passatelli
A simple pasta but rich in flavor, made with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and a pinch of nutmeg. In Pesaro, they are eaten both in broth and “dry,” often seasoned with a fish sauce or with truffles and mushrooms from the hinterland.

4 Brodetto alla Pesarese
This is the local version of fish soup. Compared to other versions from the Marche region, the Pesaro version is known for being particularly rich and thick, cooked with tomato and served with croutons to soak up all the sauce.

5 Crescia di Urbino (or Sfogliata)
Although it is typical of nearby Urbino, it can be found everywhere in Pesaro. It is similar to a piadina but much tastier and “sfogliata” (thanks to the addition of lard and pepper in the dough).
The best: Try it hot with Prosciutto di Carpegna and Casciotta d'Urbino (a DOP cheese also loved by Michelangelo).

The finishing touch?
End your meal with a sorbet or a dessert dedicated to Rossini (who was a renowned gourmet) and a glass of Bianchello del Metauro, the typical white wine of the local hills.

IMAGE CREDIT
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PESARO is considered a very safe and welcoming city for LGBT+ people. In recent years, it has distinguished itself as one of the most progressive and inclusive centers in the Marche region and central Italy.

Here are some reasons why the city enjoys this excellent reputation:

Capital of Inclusion
In addition to its title as Capital of Culture, Pesaro has hosted important national meetings of the RE.A.DY network (the network of public administrations against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity), which the municipality has been actively involved in since 2020.

Events and Pride
The city regularly hosts Marche Pride (the last edition was held in June 2025). It is a heartfelt event that involves not only the community, but also institutions and a large part of the citizenry in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.

General atmosphere
As a university and tourist city, PESARO has an open-minded mentality. Walking through the city center or along the seafront hand in hand is considered normal and does not usually provoke negative reactions.
Proximity to Rimini: Its proximity to the Romagna coast (about 30 minutes by train or car) also provides easy access to an even more structured LGBT+ nightlife, with historic clubs and discos famous throughout Italy.

In short, PESARO is not only a destination for art and sea, but a city that actively strives to make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.