The ancient walled town of Barchi is steeped in history. Legends say it was named after the Carthiginian commander Hasdrubal Barca who famously crossed the alps with his brother Hannibal and a cavalry of elephants. Barca was killed in 207 BC by Roman forces at a battle in nearby Metauro.

A hilltop settlement for over a millennium and subsequently a fortified town in the 12th century, Barchi was rebuilt during the Renaissance according to the principles of the 'ideal city'.

Today, the small town of Barchi remains largely unchanged and allows visitors to feel that when they enter its walls they have stepped back in time.