Descent of Befana from the Bell Tower of San Leo

Befana Descends from the San Leo Bell Tower

On Epiphany Day, the village of San Leo — the historic capital of Montefeltro, in the province of Rimini, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna — transforms into the setting for a tradition that annually draws families and curious visitors from all over the Valmarecchia. On January 6th, at 3:00 PM, Befana makes a spectacular descent from the Bell Tower, the ancient Romanesque bell tower built directly on the rocky spur that crowns the stone village.

An Afternoon of Celebration in the Square

The arrival of the "old lady" is the highlight of a day designed primarily for the little ones. Once she descends from the tower to general amazement, Befana distributes sweets to all the children present, while the afternoon is accompanied by musical entertainment from DJ Max. It is a simple and genuine event, combining the charm of Epiphany folklore with the magic of one of Italy's most beautiful villages.

A Unique Setting in Montefeltro

The festival takes place in the historic center, around Piazza Dante Alighieri, at the foot of the Pieve and the Duomo. San Leo is famous for its imposing Renaissance Fortress — where Count Cagliostro was imprisoned — and for its pre-Romanesque and Romanesque monuments, among the oldest in Montefeltro. Experiencing Epiphany in this context means combining a celebration for children with a walk through medieval alleys, Renaissance palaces, and breathtaking views of the Romagna Apennines.

Who is it for

• Families with children, who can watch the descent and collect sweets
• Visitors and tourists wishing to discover San Leo in its winter atmosphere
• Enthusiasts of popular traditions and Epiphany folklore

The event is organized by the Municipality of San Leo through the IAT Tourist Office and represents one of the most anticipated events of the village's Christmas calendar, marking the end of the festivities.