Franciscan Convent and Church of Santa Croce in Villa Verucchio

History, spirituality and medieval villages near Villa Perazzini

Just a few kilometers from Rimini and very close to Villa Perazzini, you’ll find one of the most fascinating historical sites in Romagna: the Franciscan Convent and the Church of Santa Croce in Villa Verucchio.

According to legend, Saint Francis of Assisi planted a simple wooden staff here, from which grew a majestic cypress tree over 700 years old, still visible today in the cloister.

Founded in 1215, the convent is considered the oldest Franciscan building in Romagna. A chapel was built on the site of Saint Francis’ original cell, making this a place of deep spiritual significance.

The church features:

a 14th-century stone portal
a refined neoclassical interior
a Renaissance wooden choir
a remarkable 14th-century Crucifixion fresco by a master of the Rimini school

Verucchio, the Cradle of the Malatesta Family

Awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, Verucchio is a medieval hilltop village overlooking the Valmarecchia, with breathtaking views stretching to the Adriatic Sea.

The village is dominated by the Malatesta Fortress and is known as the “Cradle of the Malatesta”, one of the most powerful ruling families in medieval Italy.
Mastin Vecchio Malatesta, mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy, lived here.

Walking through the historic center feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.

Ancient civilizations and archaeology

Long before the Malatesta, Verucchio was a key center of the Villanovan-Verucchio civilization (10th–6th century BC), a precursor to the Etruscans.

The Civic Archaeological Museum of Verucchio, housed in a former Augustinian monastery, displays extraordinary finds:

gold and amber jewelry
weapons and ceremonial objects
rare and priceless artifacts

An unmissable stop for history lovers.

Nature, golf and relaxation

Nearby is the Rimini Golf Club, an 18-hole course set in a historic estate, perfect for combining outdoor activities with relaxation and scenic beauty.

Just minutes from Villa Perazzini, a journey through history

Staying at Villa Perazzini means enjoying the sea while easily discovering authentic villages, history and culture.
Villa Verucchio and Verucchio are ideal destinations for a half-day cultural excursion