"Slow" Projects and Characteristics of the Municipality of Santarcangelo

Environmental Protection and Energy: The Municipality promotes advanced urban waste management, achieving a 60% separate waste collection rate through the use of "e-gate" systems on waste containers. To reduce waste, home composters have been distributed free of charge since 2006, and tax relief on waste disposal fees (TIA) is applied; a targeted "door-to-door" collection service for businesses has been implemented in industrial/craft zones. The Municipality secures funding for the installation of photovoltaic systems on public rooftops and has officially declared itself "GMO-Free" through a City Council resolution (Motion 7/8 of 2006), supported by awareness-raising campaigns in schools. To combat light pollution, new public lighting systems adhere to strict environmental standards.

Urban Quality and Infrastructure: A series of historic center revitalization projects has been underway for decades, involving porphyry and cobblestone paving and the restoration of historic buildings—such as the 17th-century Palazzo Cenci (Historical-Archaeological Museum), the Monte di Pietà (Exhibition Hall), and the ancient *Beccherie* (now the Tourist Information Office). A notable achievement is the restoration of the Old Civil Hospital (1868) into a "Palace of Culture" featuring a modern library. The Urban Traffic Plan (P.U.T.) has fostered traffic calming measures through a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the center, concentric parking zones, and an extensive network of bicycle paths connecting the train station, the school complex, and neighboring hamlets. All public buildings (Town Hall, schools, library) have been made barrier-free to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Furthermore, the municipal Public Relations Office (URP) is structured to fully perform the functions of a *Cittaslow* information point. Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: The De.C.O. (Municipal Designation of Origin) label was established in 2009 to promote the local supply chain (featuring products such as the distinctive "water onion"). A farmers' market was launched near the historic center to encourage "zero-mile" sales by small-scale growers. Regarding school canteens, the Municipality serves strictly organic products and provides mains drinking water, banning plastic in favor of earthenware, glass, and steel. Historical heritage is preserved through the MET (an Ethnographic Museum of national importance) and the continued operation of a monumental 17th-century mangle press in a private workshop.

Hospitality and Slow Tourism: A tourist information office (IAT) operates year-round in partnership with the local *Pro Loco* association, staffed by highly qualified personnel who conduct guided tours (including visits to Santarcangelo’s famous tufa caves). Innovative models are employed to reduce traffic and enhance hospitality, such as free shuttles from parking areas and intercity shuttle services. The Municipality supports the "Natural Shopping Center" initiative in collaboration with merchant associations (such as "Città Viva"), offering parking fee reimbursements to tourists who make purchases.

Green and Community Spaces: The town has received awards such as "La città per il verde" (2006) for the "Campo della Fiera" project, which transformed a disused stadium into a public space. Within the "Bosca dei Cappuccini" (Capuchin Woods), schoolchildren have for years managed tree-planting activities and a community vegetable garden, alongside a tree inventory program that protects the historic greenery designated in the municipal master plan. 

List of Events

St. Martin’s Fair and St. Michael’s Fair: Two historic, major local fairs supported by the administration to preserve their identity, tradition, and appeal amidst socio-economic evolution (including dedicated shuttle services between Santarcangelo and Rimini during the events).

Santarcangelo dei Teatri (International Street Theatre Festival): A long-standing international event backed by the administration through significant logistical and financial support.

Events Supporting Historic Districts: Cultural and neighborhood events supported to preserve the unique characteristics of the districts and the community's sense of identity.