On the town's name, two theories have been registered: one is that it derives from Ligabizio, the name of the feudal Lord, who controlled the territory of Gabicce in the X century, while the other probably comes from the fact that main economical resource of the inhabitants of the area was to breed herd of goats, locally called "becchi" (beaks). Municipality of Pesaro-Urbino area, bordering with Emilia Romagna, Gabicce Mare is a resort popular for its promontories, the small harbour, the beautiful beaches with well equipped establishments that coast the blue sea. It is also an important cultural center that attracts visitors in both Summer and Winter periods. From the peak of Mount Gabicce, it is possible to admire a beautiful panorama of the landscape below. The old centre proposes a perfect combination of traditional local food products between its magic corners, sporting events for each season, trips by sea, such as those to the Bay of Vallugola, an ancient Roman port, and on land, through the Natural Park of San Bartolo.
The first settlement was a small village, built overlooking the sea and named for the first time in a document of 998. Of the ancient fortifications, unfortunately today remain no traces. Since the second half of the XIII by decision of Pope Gregory V, the territory was under the control of the Archbishop of Ravenna. An historic alliance with the lands of Focara, avoided to overcome of the troops of the city of Pesaro, that tried several times to take possession of these territories, which were so important from strategic point of view. Gabicce was granted in fief to Orazio Floridi , until it returned to the Church, and later was submitted by the Malatesta, the Sforza, the Montefeltro, the Della Rovere, the Mamiani, until the first half of the XVII century, it passed to the Papal States.
Attractions:
- the Church of Sant'Ermete, which dates from the year 775, located in the old centre of Mount Gabicce, features a façade of great simplicity, with a gable roof and a bell tower, which with its presence practically hides part of it. It contains several artworks including a painting of the XV century of the pupils of the Art School of the Marche region, depicting the Madonna del Latte and a precious XIV century wooden crucifix of the Art School of Rimini;
- the Church of Mary the Immaculate;
- the Church of Santa Maria Annunziata in Ponte Tavollo.
- the Church of the Holy Trinity in Case Badioli;
- the San Bartolo Nature Park;
- the port of Vallugola