The ancient village of San Leo
The village was once called Monte Feltro which was derived from the Latin name Mons Feretrus given to a Roman settlement built around a temple dedicated to Jupiter Feretrius. San Leo is recognised as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Small Towns and its history can be seen in the monuments which have survived the ravages of time, including the Medici palace, the museum of sacred art, the house of the Conti Severini-Nardini, the Palazzo della Rovere, the fortress, the parish church, the cathedral, and the tower.
It is famous for its tumultuous history and political turmoil, while in more modern times it has been a location for films and documentaries, and has become a leading tourist destination, considered one of the jewels in the crown of Romagna and a place where both Dante and St Francis of Assisi have stayed.