Tavernelle Archaeological Area

Along the Flaminian Way in the locality of Tavernelle, a place that derives its name from the Latin word TABERNULAE (small taverns), archaeological finds have been discovered in the area of the present parish church where a small antiquarium has also been created.

From antiquity, this small center served as a crucial stopping point—a place of rest and refreshment for travelers and their horses along the Flaminia consular road, specifically the stretch between Fossombrone and Fano. This historical role has been corroborated by archaeological discoveries in the area of the current parish church, where a small antiquarium has been established. (Some findings, including a marble head of Attis, are preserved in the Museum of Forum Sempronii – Fossombrone). The unearthed archaeological structures clearly reveal the presence of a farm-inn (fattoria-albergo). This was a place that produced and processed agricultural goods while simultaneously offering accommodation and sustenance to travelers. Of particular interest is the discovery of a small temple (Sacello) dedicated to Attis, the Phrygian shepherd beloved by the goddess Cybele and who became her priest. This location lies along the ancient Via Flaminia, the main Roman road artery that, crossing the entire Province of Pesaro and Urbino, connected Rome to Rimini (Ariminum). The construction of this consular road, intended to link Rome with northern Italy, began in 220 BC under the direction of Gaius Flaminius Nepos. The main branch of the Flaminia traversed the Apennines via the Scheggia Pass and followed the Burano Valley to reach Luceolis (Cantiano) and the vicus Cale (Cagli). After the Furlo Tunnel—commissioned by Emperor Vespasian—it descended along the Metauro Valley, passing through Forum Sempronii (Fossombrone), the mutatio ad Octavo (near Calcinelli in the Municipality of Colli al Metauro), before reaching Fanum Fortunae (Fano), Pisaurum (Pesaro), and then Ariminum (Rimini).