THE ONFERNO CAVES.

The Onferno Caves are a complex phenomenon of notable value whose scientific exploration was carried out by the speleologist Quarina and dates back to 1916. A small underground river formed these chalk covered caves giving birth to this underground passage of ravines which spread for about 750 metres in all, of which about 400metres of these beautiful and spectacular caves are open to the public. Large caverns containing rare formations of knolls, large passages marking the underground water route and one of the most populated and rarest colonies of bats throughout all of Italy, can be seen here.

THE FRASASSI CAVES.

The Frasassi Caves in the homonymous gorge of the county of Genga, in the province of Ancona are part of a great cave complex which stretches for about 18 kilometres. They were discovered in 1971 by the speleological group C.A.I. of Ancona and were opened to the public in 1974. In a short time they have become one of the most important attractions of the Marche region, having been visited by over 10 million people from every continent.

IN THE OLD LAND OF LIBERTY : THE REPUBBLIC OF SAN MARINO.

Set between the Romagna and Marche regions a few kilometres from the Adriatic Riviera, the Republic of San Marino stretches out for only 61 square kilometers. It was founded in 301 A.D. by a Dalmatian chiseller called Marino. It kept a free status even during the difficult events which occured during the Renaissance, San Marino has adhered to modern times albeit maintaining respect for its ancient laws and traditions.

THE CASTLE OF PAOLO AND FRANCESCA : GRADARA.

Gradara is situated on the crest of a hill looking towards the east and north, towards the sea and the Romagna region, which opens up onto a plain, just after Gabicce's headland. A land which belonged to the Malatesta family and geographically to the Marche region, Gradara being situated on a hill enjoys a gentle sea breeze as well as the air from the Padana area. Voices, Music and Echoes of past traditions, re-evoke the manner of the great northern courts of the Estensi, Gonzaga and Visconti noble families. In the castle of Gradara more than in any other of Malatestian castles, you can still breathe the corteous but cruel chivalry, mingled with the memories of the last acts of bravery by the unruly but courageous Sigismondo Malatesta, prior to his decline.

THE FORTRESS PRISON OF THE COUNT OF CAGLIOSTRO : SAN LEO.

A few kilometres from the sea, there is San Leo, stood on a strong and imposing rock looking down a sheer precipice, offering vast and varied panoramic views. The first inhabitants who occupied San Leo were the Umbro-Sabelli followed by the Galli and the Romans. The ancient name of Montefeltro derives from the rocky stone (Mons Feretri) on which the village now stands and where, according to tradition, a temple was erected in honour of Giove Feretrio.. His name comes from Saint Leo, who spread Christianity to all the nearby regions, until the creation of the Montefeltro Diocese, alongside the new denomination of San Leo.

THE KINGDOM OF FEDERICO OF MONTEFELTRO : URBINO.

A splendid small town dating back to the Renaissance period (16,000 inhabitants, Province of Pesaro - Urbino 335,000) Urbino was erected in a panoramic position between two hills.The town with its narrow streets, its houses and walls still maintains the appearance of 500 years ago, is also the site of a historical university (1507). Urbino is also the birthplace of Raffaello Sanzio.

THE FAIRIES'S VILLAGE : MONTEGRIDOLFO.

IN THE SIGN OF FAITH : LORETO AND ASSISI.

Assisi : Situated in one of the quaintest corners of the Umbria region, in a panoramic position on the foothills of the Subasio mountain, Assisi is a very quiet and tranquil village with its monuments, graceful landscape and suggestive atmosphere. Along with the mystical memories of San Francis, which create a very spiritual ambience, this is truly one of the most popular destinations of this region.

Loreto : Loreto is a small centre but very important for its spirituality and art. From Medieval times Loreto has been a religious destination where millions of pilgrims go every year. Its secret is wrapped up in the sacred chapel of the Holy House.

THE BYZANTINES IN RAVENNA.

The city of Ravenna is situated in the north east of Italy ten kilometers from the sea. Ravenna is the city of mosaics rich in history, monuments and works of art and more than 1500 years ago, was three times the capital of the western Roman Empire. It was also the capital of king Theodoric of the Goths and of the Byzantine Empire.It has a renowned fame for hospitality and offers anyone wishing to stay there a good choice of hotel accommodation, a wide campsite service, youth hostels, health-farms, as well as being rich in events and international shows.

TENNIS

Our tennis courts have just recently been renovated and are situated in a hilly panoramic area surrounded by vegetation in the vicinity of the Baia Imperiale discotheque only 400 metres from the hotel.

FIVE A SIDE

For your entertainment and fun, games of football are periodically organized.

So don't forget to bring your football boots!!!

GOLF

Awaiting you in Gabbice Monte amid the green and blue of the San Bartolo Park is a 3 hole golf course of 490 metres. An 18 hole golf course (+7 executives) can be found in Rimini.

HORSE RIDING

The nearby horse riding school (1500 mts.) offers you the possibility of suggestive rides and also has a horse-riding learning centre. (extra charge).

Click here

MOUNTAIN BIKE

The San Bartolo Mountain is an ideal location for excellent excursions and furthermore for our guests we will provide free of charge mountain and city bikes

SAILING

Together with the Pegaso Sailing Team, excursions are organized to conquer the sea following "Luna Rossa" (the red moon). You will be given the opportunity of a unique experience of learning the basic skills needed to become a real "Lupo di Mare" seawolf (extra shared charge).

WINDSURF

The characteristic shape of the bay of Gabicce particularly renders itself to the skill and enjoyment of windsurfing. Lovers of the sport will be able to attend windsurfing courses and use the equipment of Gabicce's sailing club. (extra charge).

SPORT FISHING

On the speed motorboat, Buster, open sea fishing parties can be organized (extra charge).

TOURIST FISHING

First started in 2000 this initiative allows you to spend a day living the life of an authentic sailor. The fishermen will take you aboard their boats and you will be able to take part in their fishing parties. (extra charge).

URBINO

The Urbino Synagogue set in Via Stretto dates back to 1633, during the same year the citys ghetto was founded. Completely renewed accorded to the neoclassic style in the 19 Th century like the cathedral it has got a prayer room with an arched ceiling decorated with floral plasters. Indoor there are precious furniture like the Holy Ark built by the famous cabinet maker Francesco Pucci from Cagli, wich is substituted the original 15 Th century are now exhibited in the New York Jewish Museum

PESARO

The Sephardi synagogue in Pesaro , built in 1642, is an impressive example of the Baroque in Jewish architecture. From Heikhal to Bimah and the superb stucco ceiling connecting the two poles, the unique art of this synagogue resembles an exquisitely decorated jewel box where every detail is fully justified. The Heikhal departs from familiar patterns and resembles a gigantic crown beneath which and in whose shadow stands the Ark itself. In this synagogue the crown can be understood as a representation of the dome typical to Holy Arks of the region.

Despite the last example, Jewish Baroque was different from its Christian counterpart, which aspired to create an illusion of the infinite, the mysterious, and the unattainable. Although Jewish Baroque was an excellent artistic imitation of the Christian model, it lacked the model's characteristic religious commitment. On the contrary, the material means of the synagogues were not intended to achieve the infinite. That goal was attainable exclusively through prayer and meditation.
Now only the Sephardic or Spanish Synagogue is left since the near unsafed Italian Sinagogue has been destroyed in the 40s .

Set in the heart of the old town , within the old city walls , the synagogue does not appear from the outside like a religious place : its enclosed in a building facing “Via del Ghetto Grande” (now Sara Levi Nathan Street)

In this building togheter with the administration department were the Jewish school, the nursery school , the Jeshiva of Cabala studies, the front of the building is south-east directed, toward Jerusalem. There you can find the big entrance for men, as well as the smallest one for women. The entrance for men has got a little door made of stone and renewed in the 19 th century in this time in order to find space for the lunotto, the doors height is reduced, but the number of the frames in each door is not reduced (so the fifth frame on the top was smaller than the others) in fact, according with the Cabala, the number five is important : remember the sentence “ Your hand has got five fingers, and not four, its made to give, not to take. The door , recently renewed, has got today 6 frames, other things during the renovation has been changed.

ANCONA

Synagogues of Ancona Two spectacular synagogues have survived in the ancient community of Ancona. Moved from their original locations, each of them now occupies a separate floor at No. 10 on narrow Via Astagno, a steep cobblestone street not far from the port. The austere facade, with an arched portal framing heavy wooden doors, has no outward markings to indicate the presence of a synagogue.
The high gallery with its finely wrought iron railing softens the impression of great height in the Levantine synagogue Renaissance room. The long walls have blind windows only, but lots of light is provided by the pair of high arched windows flanking the heikhal (Holy Ark in the Italian tradition) on the east, by the gallery's gracefully vaulted windows and by the many lamps and chandeliers. The carved stucco ceiling is pierced by an unusual glass lantern, inscribed: "Know what is above you."


A red velvet cloth, embellished with lavishly embroidered flowers, covers the reader's stand. It was donated "In the honor of the Lord and His Torah by the honorable Moshe Polinio, may the Almighty protect him, in the year 5652 (1892)."
The Heikhal, as the Holy Ark is called in the Italian tradition, is embellished on each side with a series of exquisitely carved pillars of rose marble. Blue marble panels carrying gilded ornaments separate the pillars of the row at the rear. A parokhet (Holy Ark curtain) of red damask cloth hides the repoussé silver doors of the Ark.
The tevah, as the reader's stand is called in the Italian tradition, is open, four pillared and square shaped, placed on an octagonal base. The base carries six waist-high wooden panels, each decorated with a centerpiece of a gilded floral design and framed above and below with with passages from prayers. The wooden pillars are carved with an overall floral design to echo the floral elements in the garlanded open wooden canopy above. A red velvet hupah, wedding canopy, hangs from the ceiling, just above the tevah, and, although weddings are infrequent, a wedding took place here in 1990.
The Italian synagogue has kept the traditional Italian bi-focal floor plan, where Heikhal and tevah are placed on the east and west, respectively, with benches for the congregation in rows facing each other along the north and south walls.
The heikhal in this Italian synagogue is a masterpiece of the silversmiths' artistry. With gilded pillars and panels and spectacular silver repoussé doors it glistens jewel-like on the east wall of this tiny synagogue, a reminder of a splendid past. Tablets of the Law are worked in the upper pair of silver doors to the tevah.
The right half of the lower pair of tevah doors displays a deeply fluted urn standing atop an oval urn filled with a bold burst of flora. Above them a giant, central sunflower and two pairs of other flowers sparkle symmetrically below an inscribed medallion.
A stucco-framed inscription on the wall of the ground floor entrance corridor greets all comers:

Man of Israel, may your heart be filled with awe as you enter.
Lower your head before this holy place
And note well the spark of the divine that rests upon it.
Each morning rise with the sun
And pour out prayer and praise to the Lord.
Then he will bless you and sustain you
And fulfill all your wishes

BOLOGNA

Visit of the main Jewish sites of the town, which still today preserves the originary urbanistic structure. In 1870 a small synagogue was built in Bologna, in via dell'Inferno. In 1928 an Israelitic temple was opened in via dei Gombruti n.9. The temple was damaged by a bobm and has been rebuilt in 1954, Today it is the offices of the Jewish community. Visit of the Hebraic Museum. Piazza Maggiore and the leaning towers of the Asinelli and of the Garisenda, via Farini and its fashionable windows, Porta Saragozza, Arco of the Meloncello.

Bologna's synagogue is located between via Gombruti and via Finzi. Its present form dates to remodelling carried out in 1954 to repair serious damage from wartime bombardment in 1943. A first prayer room was built on the site in 1829. This was replaced in 1928 by a larger synagogue designed by Attilio Muggia in a monumental fashion with Liberty style decorations.

Bologna Jewish Cemetery

The current Jewish cemetery dates from the 19th century and forms part of the municipal cemetery in via Certosa.

It is a large area divided into three sections. The oldest section, founded around 1867, includes impressive monumental tombs and also the pre-burial hall. The intermediate section, added in the 1930s, does not include grand monuments, and in the most recent section, opened in 1956, the tombs are marked by simple marble slabs.


The layout of Bologna's 16th century ghetto can still be precisely traced amid the narrow streets in the medieval heart of the city under the Two Towers.

Via dell' Inferno was the main artery crossed by a network of alleys and side streets: via dei Giudei, via Canonica vicolo S. Giobbe, vicolo Mandria, via del Carro and via Valdonica.

The area was closed by two gates: the first at the entrance to via dei Giudei, the second at the entrance to via Oberdan.

The 15th century synagogue was located at via del Inferno 16. Today, a plaque on the current building marks the spot.

FERRARA

Visit of the Jewish quartier starting from the famous column of Borso d'Este (built with tombal stones), visit of the old ghetto, the synagogue and visit of the Jewish cenetery in Via delle Righe, visit of the city: the Estense Castle, the addizione Erculea (Unesco patrimony). Walk in order to admire the wonderful buildings until the walls where there is a beautiful view of the city and in particular of the second Jewish cemetery inside the urban park.

The Synagogues and the Jewish Museum in Via Mazzini are in the heart of the medieval centre of Ferrara close to the Castello Estense. This street was part of the ghetto in which the Jews were separated from the rest of the population of Ferrara from 1627 to 1859.

Inside the museum itself there are three Synagogues which can be visited . The German Scola , the Italian Scola and the Fano Scola which are still in operation.

The Italian Scola has a large hall which is currently used for cultural events.

The German scola is the most important of the three Synagogues and is used on the occasion of the principal celebrations. Its walls are decorated with stuccos attributed to Gaetano Davia , the artist who decorated the Ferrara Civic Theatre.

The women's gallery has recently been restored. There is a display-case containing valuable and precious antique fabric

FIRENZE

Tempio Maggiore
The Great Synagogue of Florence, Italy
a<The magnificent Great Synagogue in Florence, one of the most beautiful in Europe, was established thanks to the money donated by David Levi, a member of the local Jewish community. His legacy culminated a long fund-raising campaign started already in the 1840, following the opening and destruction of the Florentine ghetto. The synagogue, built according to the plans of architects Marco Treves, Mariano Falcini, and Vincenzo Micheli, winners of the competition published by the Community Council in 1874. The construction continued for eight years between 1874 and 1882 within a public park on Via Farini, in the Santa Croce district, not far from the historic center of the city. The inaugurating ceremony on October 24, 1882 was attended by many notable personalities, among them Rabbi Jacob Maroni, then the Chief Rabbi of Florence.

The synagogue is an example of the new monumental building that expressed the change in the way of life and thinking of European Jews during the Emancipation. After the French Revolution (1789), Western and Central European Jews were gradually granted civil rights; they were allowed to travel freely without special permits, and many new financial and social prospects were open to them. The Jews looked for ways to express these changes: the hundreds of synagogues built throughout Europe during the 19th century are impressive evidence of this desire. The builders of these synagogues were not longer restricted as to location and height, and had no fear sounds of worshipers at prayer would anger the non-Jewish inhabitants or government. Majestic buildings erected in the city centers testified to the Jews' efforts to be accepted as equal citizens in the society around them and to become part of its culture. It was a display of power by an affluent and liberated community. First in Germany and later in the rest of Europe, outstanding architects vied with others for the chance to design synagogues, and there was much debate about the choice of style. Motifs from the past and a mixture of styles predominated at that time in European architecture. The most prevalent trends were neo-Gothic-Romanesque and the “Oriental”. Those who championed the Oriental influence, which was noted for its horseshoe arches, believed that this style was a true representation of the Jewish people and its Eastern origins.
As it was intended to serve the local Sephardi community of Florence, the design selected for the Great Synagogue of Florence includes many architectural motifs that have been borrowed from the Moorish traditional architecture of Spain. Marco Treves, the only Jew among the team of architects, is thought to have been the main artistic force of the three, although some professors of the Florentine Academy were also consulted.

Main Entrance to the Great Synagogue of Florence, Italy.

On top of the Great Synagogue of Florence is an massive central dome that rises to a great height inspired as many other elements in the building by the edifice of the Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople (Istanbul). The façade uses two distinct types of marble in order to harmonize with the surrounding architecture and has two octagonal turrets, between which are three horseshoe-arched entrances. The windows and arches of the interior and their ornamentation are also reminiscent of the Moorish style, while the motifs appearing throughout the structure are inspired by a variety of sources. However, the general impression is one of a mostly Moorish style structure.
The interior was painted by Giovanni Panti, a local artist. The decoration uses gold plating to enhance the Moorish style motifs, in addition the building boasts inlaid marble floors, rich mosaics and stained glass windows. The Bimah, on a raised structure, stands in front of the Holy Ark.

The Great Synagogue of Florence, Italy.

The wealthy community that built this synagogue was first established in 1437, when Jewish financiers were invited to settle in Florence under the protection of its rulers. The Jews became moneylenders, merchants and dealers in foreign trade. Many worked in the learned professions, especially medicine, and Jewish doctors were registered in the physicians and pharmacists association. Jewish cultural life in the city was influenced by the achievements of Florentine culture; at the start of the modern era, Jewish literature and Jewish learning flourished. Upon the incorporation of Tuscany into the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1859, Jews received full rights as citizens. In 1899, the rabbinical college was transferred from Rome to Florence, under the leadership of Rabbi Samuel Hirsch Margulies , and the community became a center of Hebrew culture in Italy.

Jewish Soldiers from Eretz-Israel in front of the Great Synagogue of Florence, Italy, 1945.

The synagogue was damaged in August 1944 when the retracting Germans and Italian Fascists tried to destroy it. Their plot failed mainly thanks to Italian partisans who managed to diffuse most of the explosives. After WW2 it was renovated and restored and is open to worshipers, but even today bayonet marks are evident on the doors of the Holy Ark, dating from the WW2 days when the building was desecrated and used as a stable and warehouse. A stone monument outside the synagogue commemorates the names of 284 Jews deported from Florence during the Holocaust.

The furniture, frescoes, the library and all 90 Torah scrolls suffered greatly when the synagogue was again damaged during the catastrophic flooding of 1966. It was later restored thanks to contributions from many communities in Italy and abroad.