Historic Villages

Beautiful medieval village that rises in the hills of Romagna, Bertinoro is nicknamed the " Balcony of Romagna" given its privileged position from which you can admire the spectacular landscapes of Romagna that extend at its feet up to the Adriatic Sea. The country is also known as a city of hospitality and as a city of wine: here it's produced the Albana, the first white wine in Italy to receive the prestigious DOCG award in 1987.

Nestled in the Chalk Vein Regional Park, the charming medieval village of Brisighella is located in the heart of the Apennines and is a hospitable place, rich in traditions, flavors and architectural and natural beauty, all elements that allowed him to be included among the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village is surrounded by a green sea and it’s characterized by paths, staircases, ancient places of worship and houses placed in characteristic and colorful streets, such as the ancient Via degli Asini (Donkey's Way).

The medieval village of Castrocaro Terme, with its "Festival of New Voices" and its Fortress, which is one of the oldest castles in Italy, is known above all for being a renowned spa and holiday resort. The town offers refined examples of rationalist architecture in the two main buildings of the spa complex of Castrocaro: the Pavilion of Festivals, in pure Art Deco style, and the Grand Hotel delle Terme, that have preserved unchanged the charm and elegance of the twenties and thirties.

Architectural jewel built according to the Renaissance canons, the village of Terra del Sole still retains the charm of the city-fortress. The two buildings of major historical importance are the Church of Saint Reparata and the Palazzo Pretorio (Praetorian Palace), on whose facade are carved and painted numerous coats of arms of the Florentine Captains. Built at the behest of Cosimo I De Medici who wanted a city where the sun never goes down, the day it was founded on December 8th in 1564, the sun rose in perfect line with the Church and the Palace.

Forlimpopoli is known above all for being the birthplace of the famous gastronome Pellegrino Artusi author of "La Scienza in Cucina e l'Arte di Mangiar Bene" (The science of cooking and the art of eating well), a prestigious cookbook that can be found in all the houses in Romagna. To Pellegrino Artusi is dedicated the first center of gastronomic culture of the house, Casa Artusi (House Artusi), which offers an authentic and engaging experience to discover the renowned cuisine of Romagna. In addition to the cuisine, Forlimpopoli boasts a heritage of history, art and culture preserved in the imposing Albornoz Fortress and the Archaeological Museum.

Longiano is a Romagna village that rises between the hill and the sea, close to the Riviera, on the first hills. Nestled in the Rubicone Valley, this town is a paradigm of medieval urbanism: the historic center, harmonious in its architectural structure, is well preserved and has a double wall still visible today. The pride of the village is the imposing Malatesta Castle, with a typically medieval appearance, a trace of the passage of the ancient Lordship of Malatesta that dominated the Romagna for over three centuries.

Sarsina is a charming village, whose alleys overlook admirable examples of Romanesque architecture, such as the striking façade of red bricks of the Basilica of Saint Vicinio. Every year the Basilica attracts thousands of pilgrims for the blessing through the imposition of the thaumaturgic "chain" of Saint Vicinio, which the locals call the collar. In addition, Sarsina is the birthplace of the famous Roman playwright Tito Maccio Plauto, to whom is dedicated the town’s main square.

Mercato Saraceno is a small town where the beauty of the land is combined with the scents of wine. In fact, this territory is ennobled by the presence of renowned wine cellars, which enhance the ancient native vines of Sangiovese, Albana and Famoso. For the lovers of tourism on two wheels then, Mercato Saraceno is a must-see thanks to its nature trails, including the famous route of "Nove Colli" (Nine Hills).

Modigliana is a cheerful town surrounded by green and waterways, full of historic buildings, squares and monumental palaces. The Conti Guidi’s Fortress, dated back to the XII/XIII Century, reigns over this charming village. A town of art and culture, Modigliana was the birthplace of Silvestro Lega, renowned master of painting. To the painter is dedicated a picturesque event, the 19th Century Festival , during which the villagers dress with period costumes to reproduce and revive the artist’s paintings.

Of Roman origin, the village of Predappio is located in the heart of the Romagna Apennines, in a hilly area surrounded by fine vineyards, a few kilometers from the National Park of the Casentino Forests. Its recent history is strongly marked by the figure of Benito Mussolini, who was born here, who shaped the country according to the canons of rationalist architecture. Today Predappio is a real Urban Museum that preserves an original testimony of the urban and architectural styles of the twentieth century.

The architectural and urban style of this town is clearly influenced by Tuscany, as can be seen from the low arcades of Piazza Garibaldi (Garibaldi Square), affectionately called "cod" by the locals for its unusual triangle shape. The symbol of Rocca San Casciano is the traditional "Festa dei Falò" (Bonfire Party), whose origins dates back to ancient pagan rites. The atmosphere during the festival is magical and includes fireworks, floats, dances in the square and the inevitable bonfires.

Sogliano al Rubicone is a small town of high naturalistic, gastronomic and also poetic value, given the link with the poet Giovanni Pascoli, so fond of the village to be awarded honorary citizen. The locality is mainly known for the production of a particular type of cheese aged in ancient wheat pits, known as "Formaggio di Fossa" (Fossa Cheese), which obtained the PDO certification in 2009. To this product is dedicated the main festival of the country, the Fossa Cheese Fair, in November and December.

Dovadola is a small village in the Forlì hinterland, where has been celebrated for more than 50 years the Truffle Festival. The town is characterized by several buildings of great historical and architectural value such as the Hermitage of Montepaolo, located near an ancient monastery that hosted Saint Anthony of Padua for almost a year. Of great historical interest is the Conti Guidi's Fortress, whose construction has been dated 1021 and which stands near Lombard ramparts from which the surrounding territory was guarded.

In the green heart of the Bidente Valley, located near an ancient Roman pilgrimage route, there is the small village of Civitella di Romagna, known especially for its Cherry Festival, in which every year are presented innumerable and valuable varieties of the fruit. A must to visit is the beautiful Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia, built in the second half of the '500. In the beautiful hills around Civitella, you can also discover the ruins of many ancient castles.

In the middle of the valley dominated by a mighty cliff, stands the town of Galeata, a small village rich in history and gastronomic excellences. The town retains the memory of the Florentine domination in the architecture of its palaces, in the arcades and especially in the Church of Saint Mary of Miracles, a Renaissance jewel that preserves valuable paintings of the sixteenth century. Of instimable historical value, there are the ancient ruins of the Roman town Mevaniola , of which can still be visited part of the spa and the small theatre.

Located along the course of the river Ronco that flows close to the historic center, Meldola is a very lively town dominated by an imposing Fortress, built in this strategic position by the will of the Archbishops of Ravenna. Meldola is also internationally famous for the production of silkworms, to which is dedicated an interesting museum in the historic center of the village. In the immediate vicinity of the town, you can visit the picturesque Rocca delle Caminate, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the valleys below.

Cusercoli is a small district of Civitella di Romagna, whose imposing medieval Castle dominates the valley from the top of a rocky spur. Legend has it that the mythical Hercules is the creator of the huge spur, and so the name of the small town derives from the great hero: Clausum Erculis that means Basin of Hercules, therefore Cusercoli. This characteristic village is one of the main producers of prayer beads, made with various materials, including pearls, wood and seeds of local plants, which are exported all over the world.

The village of Montiano, on the rolling hills of Cesena, is characterized by hospitality and good food. Of great impact is the Malatesta Fortress, whose imposing walls draw the curious shape of a heart, that dominates the town and from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Romagna plain. Among the many events worth of a special mention is the Cicciolo Fair (dried pieces of pork), scheduled every September, and the Pork Fair in late January.

The village of Roncofreddo is located in a strategic position between the rolling hills near Cesena and the panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea, and it’s an ideal starting point for hiking and mountain biking to enjoy the taste of the nature of Romagna. Of great historical interest is the Museum of the Rubicon Front ’44, which houses memories and memorabilia of the battles of the Second World War held between the German and the allied army in the hills of Roncofreddo, along the Gothic Line, in the autumn of 1944.

Borghi is a village of medieval structure, closed in the circle of majestic walls, which rises along a ridge road bordered by vineyards and olive groves and breathtaking views, between the rivers Rubicone and Uso. For lovers of culinary tradition, the typical "dessert" of this town is the Bustrengh: its peculiarity lies in the fact that, being prepared with the advanced ingredients of the week, can vary shape and flavor and become a classic sweet, a doughnut or a pie.

San Marino is one of the oldest and smallest independent states in the world, whose capital is the city of San Marino itself and is located on the slopes of Mount Titan. The state is an important tourist center, known for its historical and cultural heritage. The city of San Marino, with its ancient walls, castles and towers, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Leo is a charming town located in the hills of Romagna. It is best known for its imposing fortress, Rocca di San Leo, which sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Marecchia River valley, and inside you can visit the Chapel of San Leone, frescoed by the famous Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. In addition to the fortress, San Leo boasts a charming historic center, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, medieval buildings and a Romanesque cathedral. The Cathedral of San Leo, dedicated to St. Leo, is another important attraction to visit.

It is an ancient village situated on a hill overlooking the Marecchia River valley. Here you can find Rocca del Sasso, a medieval fortress located on top of the hill, and inside you can visit the Archaeological Museum, which displays Etruscan and Roman artifacts found in the area. Verucchio has a charming and well-preserved historic center, with cobbled streets, old stone houses and a main square. The countryside surrounding Verucchio also offers opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. There are trails that wind through the surrounding hills, perfect for scenic walks and trekking.

Montebello is a picturesque medieval village situated on a hill in the Bidente River Valley, surrounded by green forests and breathtaking scenery. Its main attraction is Montebello Castle, also known as Stone Castle, which dominates the surrounding landscape. This castle is famous for its legends and mysteries related to the ghost of Azzurrina, a little girl who, according to legend, disappeared inside the castle. There are also some historic buildings to visit, such as the Church of St. Peter, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Civic Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Santarcangelo di Romagna is a charming medieval village situated on a hillside a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast. Every year, the town hosts the Festival del Teatro in Piazza, an event that transforms the squares and streets of the historic center into open-air stages for plays, concerts and artistic performances. Santarcangelo's historic center features cobblestone streets, stone houses and a maze of picturesque alleys. It is also home to the Rocca Malatestiana, one of Santarcangelo's most important landmarks. The town is also famous for a complex of underground caves, carved into the limestone rock, that extend beneath the historic center.