Palazzo Marcosanti, dating from the end of the 13th century, is one of the oldest and best kept fortress of Riminese hinterland. It is also historically known as the“Tomb of Poggio Berni”. In Medieval period the term “tomb” denoted a fortified building generally built up over a small rise or in a strategic place suitable for defense. Certain important documents, referring to Malatestiana's property and several architectural features, such as the typical “scacchiera Malatesiana” which is the frame of the Gothic arch in the inner courtyard, attested its Malatestiana origins dating back to 1300.

Over the centuries, Marcosanti Castle has had a central political role as it was transferred to many Noble Families through marriage unions. In fact, usually, it was considered part of the owner's daughters dowry. For this reason, Tonino Guerra who was very attached to the House of Marcosanti nicknamed it “The Castle of Marriages”.

In 1418 the Tomb of Poggio Berni became part of Laura's dowry (also called Parisina) who was the daughter of Andrea Malatesta (Lord of Cesena). Laura married to Nicolo III, marquis of Este. Unfortunately, she was condemn to death for suspicion of amorous mail with Ugo, her husband's natural son. Two years later, ownership of the Tomb came back to the House of Malatesta becoming the dowry of Nicolo III's daughter, Margherita of Este who married to Roberto Galeotto Malatesta. Only for a short period Tumba Podii Ibernorum was under Violante from Montefeltro (widow of Novello Malatesta, Lord of Cesena) ownership, precisely until 1473 when Cardinal Stefano Nardini bought the Tomb for giving it to his nephew the Count Cristoforo Nardini from Forlì who, in turn, married to the daughter of Count Malatesta.

Cristoforo Nardini, who met his end at the battle of Colle of Elsa in 1479, gave the Tomb to his natural son Pietro, a wicked man. After the death of Pietro, Pope Innocenzo VIII, through his “Bolla Papale” of December 12, 1489 condemned all members of the House of Nardini to lifelong prison. Three years after, on 23rd May 1492, Nardini's property, also included the Tomb, was given to the Camera Apostolica (Apostolic Chamber) as a sort of ransom for the freedom of Nardini family members.

On 16th July 1492 Innocenzo VIII gave the fortress to Giovanni della Rovere from Aragon, who was the father of Francesco Maria, the next Duke of Urbino. Yet, in September 1493, the Castle was given to Domenico Doria, who, in turn, six months later, gave it to Giulio della Rovere, Cardinal of Urbino. Therefore, the Tomb temporary came back to the House of della Rovere.

The importance of the Castle and its estate as a dowry is also attested into a Solemn Public Act dated April 30, 1624 in which the Roman Curia, Francesco Maria II (Duke of Urbino) and the Grand Duchy of Toscana agreed that the property of the last Duke of Urbino was assigned to Vittoria della Rovere who married to Ferdinand II de Medici (the son of the Grand Duke of Toscana) when she was still a little girl. Still now, Castle and estate are considered as the prestigious property of the House of de Medici even if they were so far from the rest of the property sited in Romagna.

In 1738, after the end of the descent from the House of de Medici, the whole property was transferred to the House of Lorena. When Francesco di Lorena became Emperor of Austria (since he married to the empress Maria Teresa of Austria), he decided to give the whole property to the Camera Apostolica (1763). Fifteen years later , in 1778, ownership of the Tomb was transferred to the House of the Princes Albani who kept the property for over a half of century. After this last passage the Castle took the name of Palazzo Albani.

On 3rd October 1889, Prince Cesare Albani of Milan gave the Palace to the lawyer Paolo Marcosanti. The property of the old estate gradually dismembered. Furthermore, during the Second World War the Palace suffered many damages. During the second post war period, Marcosanti Family sold the Palace contributing to dismember the property. Since then, the Palace has begun to fall into ruins. Fortunately , since 1974, thanks to the recent owners, this Noble residence has been restored to its former glory and nowadays it evokes its fascinating story…..