A rich unwritten cultural itinerary winds along Via Pascoli, the beating heart of the ancient part of the town and also the place where it is possible to follow the evolution of the city of Cattolica over the centuries.
Starting from the Museum of the Regina, as well as the ancient Pilgrims’ Hospital, you will discover the origins of Cattolica, its evolution from the Bronze Age to the Roman Era, to the Medieval part of the city. You will see the Oratory of Santa Croce, now annexed to the
Museum and home to temporary exhibitions. Going up in Via Pascoli after visiting the Museum of the Regina: on the right you’ll find the imposing Malatesta Fortress (Rocca Malatestiana) built to defend our Renaissance past and on the left you will find the XIII century Church of Saint’Apollinare, located at the top of the road. Continuing along the street you will find the “Loggia” with the historical shops and hidden treasures, and the excavations of the former fruit and vegetable market, in the open-air the archaeological area the remains of some Augustan period buildings are clearly visible, abandoned and transformed towards the end of the third Century. The San Pio Church is located at the end of Via Pascoli and at the beginning of Via Cattaneo. The Church was built by Pope Pio IX in 1858 because he was impressed by the devoutness of the inhabitants.
Tip: Come back and visit this street when the evening starts and you will find a totally new skin to the street: local shops, bars and typical restaurants are illuminated by a famous song of a famous Italian song writer “born and breeded” in Cattolica: Samuele Bersani.