free as...

Milano Venezia Ferrara Bologna ForlĂŹ Cesena

Ravenna Rimini

Firenze

Roma

Free as the air.

16 fascinating itineraries amidst culture, nature and taste

The Adriatc Coast of Emilia Romagna The most entertaining relaxation there is Holidaymaking in a natural and cultural environment The Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna is undoubtedly the ideal place for anyone who likes holidaying by the sea. Seaside holidays started here over one hundred years ago and no better place in the world exists when it comes to professional service and warm hospitality.

This is also one of the favourite destinations for anyone seeking an open-air holiday, in close contact with nature, history and culture.

The area is home to an extraordinary environment and historical-cultural heritage, preserved and cared for as a precious testimony of the noble roots of the people and a legacy to be passed on down.

This guide with its sixteen recommended itineraries intends fostering a better understanding of the area and endeavours to discover its origins and the changes it has undergone, besides highlighting the monuments and cultural legacies left by the great noble families and which have made the history of this land.

Visitors travelling by camper, caravan, car or motorcycle, who use camp-sites, holiday villages, hostels, holiday farms, equipped areas or stopover points can thus freely select the routes they prefer, depending on the time at their disposal and their personal interests (biking, canoeing, sailing, trekking, hiking, bird-watching).

The vast range of accommodation listed in the guide and available throughout the area, together with information on what not to miss – which goes for food specialities too – represent a useful point of departure to go out and discover all this region has to offer.

So all that remains to be done now is start out on an unforgettable journey.

Andrea Corsini president Antonio Carasso programme coordinator

Open-air holiday accommodation facilities Contents In the province of Ferrara

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1 From the D’Este estates to those of the Borgia

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2 Amid history and “delightful” lagoons

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3 Discovering the lagoons

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4 Along the course of the river Reno

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The ‘Delights’ of Ferrara Itineraries

In the province of Ravenna

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5 On the track of San Vitale

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6 Along the roads of the Empire

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7 From salt to wine: the gold road

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8 The fragrance of herbs and bygone flavours

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The Byzantine ‘Jewels’

Itineraries

Camping site and holiday village: stop of any kind with amenities, caravan rental, etc...

Stopovers with facilities: short stop(48-72 hours) for campers and caravans (with drinking water supply and grey/black water dump). Free or run by private individuals, associations.

Hostel

In the province of Forlì Cesena The ‘Wonders’ of the Guidi and Malatesta

Italian Law (Highway Code) permits parking any vehicle (including motorhomes and caravans) in public parking areas intended for motor-vehicles in general; but is does not permit camping. Vehicles must always be ready to move off (without lowered feet, levelling wedges under wheels, etc.).

The same rules apply to caravans, which cannot be detached from cars.

Don’t worry however, the Emilia-Romagna Region, and especially the coastal areas boast the best accommodation facilities in Italy for motor-homes, caravans and tents.

9 The good food route

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10 Crossing the Rubicon

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11 Between Romagna and Tuscany

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12 From Plautus to the Casentino Forests

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In the province of Rimini 34

Itineraries 13 The Marecchia River Valley and the Malatesta Fortresses

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14 Exploring ancient lands, discovering fine food

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15 Nature and treasures of the Malatestas

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16 The borders of the Signoria

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Parish church, abbey

Racecourse

Spa

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Itineraries

The ‘Splendours’ of the Malatesta

Castle, fortress

Monumental city, museums Camper service: generally only water supply and grey/black water dump.

Archaeological site, ruins

Stopover: short stop, generally without other amenities; sometimes camper service.

Holiday farm: with amenities for open-air tourism (when a tent area is available this is specified).

Golf

Po Delta Park Emilia Romagna

Main route Alternative routes

Camping site and holiday village members of Unione Prodotto Costa

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Ferrara

THE ‘DELIGHTS’ OF FERRARA History and Culture Roaming around in the open air The Ferrara district is perfect for open-air tourists thanks to its natural beauty, made up of unspoilt sea and land environments in the Po Delta Park and sculpted and forged in the rest of the immense plain by human beings, who have left priceless works of art in the city itself and the surrounding countryside.

The roads run either along the side of winding rivers or else along the straighter banks of drained fields, and are meant to be covered slowly, offering as they do lots of opportunities to stop, relax and observe the surroundings.

The architectural wealth of the city and the surrounding district began in the Renaissance period with the D’Este court.

Hydro-geological works were carried out in a context of harmonious and virtuous development.

The “Addizione Erculea” (town extension made by Ercole I), the Castle, the Cathedral Bell-Tower, the Buildings, the Churches, the Walls...

Signs of the D’Este family are also to be found in the countryside, with the famous ‘delizie’ (literally ‘delights’), imposing aristocratic summer residences.

The ancient splendour relives today in a new Renaissance, where art, culture and quality of life are fully enjoyed as a value and a refined resource.

The city and the D’Este “delights”, along with the Po Delta Park, have been appointed by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Fragrances and Flavours

Sea and Nature

Farming traditions and those of the D’Este Court have produced some highly original, top-quality gastronomic dishes.

From so-called “humble” food like bread, which in Ferrara became the elegant and aristocratic “coppia”, to elaborate pasta dishes such as cappellacci filled with pumpkin and maccaroni pie, a real culinary triumph.

For those who like strong flavours, Ferrara is home to the salama da sugo and traditional sweet pampepato.

On the coast, the table is enriched with extraordinary products; the eel of the saltwater lagoons reigns supreme, along with giant clams, molluscs and crustaceans of all types, and fresh fish from Goro, Porto Garibaldi, on sale straight from the boats or in the traditional markets.

The D.O.C. wines of Bosco Eliceo complete the table superbly.

1. Comacchio, the canal

The Ferrara district, with all its variety and appeal, is the joint work of nature and human beings. The Po and its alluvial plain play a big part in its conformation. The river and its sediments have sculpted the countryside and coast. Great civil works have harnessed the waters and reclaimed the land.

These started with the D’Este family to defend their estates and boost the local economy. When the draining pump was invented (1851), many of the lower tracts of land were drained and put under crops so that Ferrara became Italy’s largest wheat growing area at the end of the 19th century.

While inland, the work of man was more incisive, leaving few signs of the original natural environment made up of thick oak, elm, poplar and ash woodland, as well as freshwater wetlands called “valli” (lagoons), the coast continued, to a greater extent, to retain its original condition, with large dunes, pinewoods and saltwater lagoons that end in typical sandy beaches.

Today, the most prized natural areas, along with a number of historical and monumental contexts, are part of the Po Delta Regional Park, which stretches into the province of Ravenna and represents Italy’s largest wetland area.

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Activities The entire Po Delta Park area is criss-crossed by numerous nature trails to be covered on foot, by bike, on horseback, by canoe, by boat, by houseboat, combining excursions with bird-watching.

There are also lots of cycling trails. One of the best is the route on the right bank of the river Po, which goes from the Rocca Possente fortress in Stellata to Gorino and is 125 km long; it can however be split up into sections and bikes can also be transported by train.

Mention must also be made of the three golf courses of Ferrara, Argenta and Cento.

Water and beach sports are also big attractions: sea angling, sailing, windsurf and beach volleyball.

Events From February to May, the prestigious Civic Theatre hosts a great Concert Season in which conductor Claudio Abbado plays a lead role. In May, the ancient Palio is staged with side events throughout the month. In the summer, cultural events are staged in the city’s most important monuments:on 21 June the Summer Solstice Festival and in July, in Piazza Castello, the well-known Contemporary Music Festival.

In August comes the Ferrara Buskers Festival, in September the Settimana Estense, in October the Ferrara Mineral event; in December, besides the Christmas markets, also a Vintage Car and Motorcycle Mart and an Antique Fair.

At Cento, the famous European Carnival is held for four Sundays between February and March. Then come exhibitions, concerts and music performances in the Delizie Destate eventat Rocca Stellata, Castello della Mesola, Pomposa Abbey, Castello del Verginese, Delizia del Belriguardo, Rocca di Cento. At the end of July, a Historical Regatta is run at Lido degli Estensi and Lido di Spina.

In September, fairs throughout the district.

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2. Ferrara, bas-relief 3. Ferrara, Buskers Festival 4. Ferrara, the Castello Estense 5. Comacchio, the canal

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from Ferrara to Cento ITINERARY 1

From the D’Este estates to those of the Borgia

75 km route

Culture and Nature

From Ferrara we head west into the countryside, following the provincial road that takes us to Vigarano Pieve. Here we turn south towards Vigarano Mainarda. After taking the right turn, we come to the nearby “delizia” (aristocratic summer residence) so-called Diamantina.

Within the nine kilometres of Walls that surround Ferrara is the old city centre, part of which represents the ancient medieval settlement while the rest is a Renaissance ‘Addition’, the result of Europe’s first rational urban development plan.

To better discover the old-city centre, the best departure point is the Cathedral and its nearby Museum in the former church of San Romano, which houses some of the city’s oldest historical artefacts, the mighty Castello Estense and, just a few hundred metres away, all those monuments that recall the splendour of the Renaissance: Casa Romei, Palazzina Marfisa, Palazzo Schifanoia, whose profane frescos give an idea of life at the D’Este court.

Palazzo dei Diamanti, made of 12 thousand small blocks of pointed marble, is one of the most famous buildings of the Italian Renaissance.

Today, it houses the most prestigious Ferrara Art exhibitions and, on the top floor, the National Gallery.

Alongside this building is the ancient Palazzo Massari, now

To reach Bondeno, it is best to return onto the provincial road because the Canal Bianco country road is rather narrow and rough and not suitable for motor-campers and caravans, even though the canals and nesting herons are very picturesque.

The next town we come to is Stellata on the river Po, leaving the large drainage pump of Malcantone on the right. The return trip to Bondeno takes us through extensive orchards and the road then continues on to Mirabello, Sant’Agostino and finally Cento.

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Festivals and markets home to the Boldini, De Pisis and Eighteenth Century Museum.

Heading west, out of Ferrara, into the countryside, the first “delizia” we come to is the Diamantina, a beautiful D’Este farmstead and then the Rocca Possente in Stellata, an ancient fortress located underneath one of the many manmade banks erected to protect against the devastating floods of the River Po. This farming district is dotted with towns such as Bondeno, with its Museo delle Acque Interne (Inland Waterways Museum), Vigarano Mainarda, Mirabello and Sant’Agostino, with the Bosco della Panfilia wood, a large green area six kilometres long, to be explored by bike or on foot.

Finally, we reach the town of Cento, a busy economic, artistic and cultural centre.

Here we find an ArtGallery, churches and historical buildings where the works are kept of the great Cento artist Giovanni Francesco Barbieri known as Guercino – the worthy end to an itinerary that begins in the domains of the D’Este and ends in those of the Borgia.

Food Festivals Between July and September, in the towns around Cento, food festivals are staged centred onthe tortellino, ducks, salami and cotechino.

The Salama da sugo food festival takes place in the summer in small towns like Casumaro and Poggio Renatico.

Always at Casumaro, in early August, the Snail Food Festival is staged, while at the end of August at Santa Bianca di Bondeno the delicacy of the day is the frog. The most famous festival of Sant’Agostino is the Truffle Festival, held in September, where the lead role is played by the truffles of the Panfilia Wood. In October comes the Bread Festival, Panaria, staged at Bondeno.

For five days in a row, bread and accompanying delicacies (wild boar, snails, sturgeon, duck and chocolate) can be enjoyed.

The Stop Ferrara Campsite: Estense Via Gramicia, 76 Tel. 0532 752 396 bikes for ren.

Equipped Areas: Car-park: former fruit market, Via Darsena with camper service; Car-park Centro Storico Via Darsena, 64 behind the southern Walls; Area Estense City Park, outside the walls.

Stopover: Loc. Montagnone, inside the Walls.

Hostel: Estense corso Biagio Rossetti, 24 Tel. 0532 204 227

Vigarano Mainarda Holiday farm: La Torre del Fondo*** (with tent area) Loc. Coronella Tel. 0532 827 403 / 3338372487

Sant’Agostino Stopover: In the car-park of the Bosco della Panfilia wood.

Cento Camper Service: sports-ground car-park.

Stopover: near Coop supermarket, close to station.

Bondeno Equipped Areas: at CEV garage on state road 496 Via Borselli, 12- Tel. 0532 896 580 Stopover: Primary Schools on State Road 496.

Mirabello Holiday farm: Le Pradine***** Corso Italia, 539 Tel. 0532 847 448 / 847 630

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Vigarano Mainarda Vigarano Mainarda

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Markets Ferrara Monday and Friday Bondeno Tuesday Cento Thursday

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1. Comacchio, the Loggiato dei Cappuccini 2. Ferrara, the walls 3. Ferrara, Casa Romei, the cloister 4. Mesola, the castle

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from Mesola to Lidi Ferraresi ITINERARY 2

Amid history and “delightful” lagoons

70 km route

Culture and Nature

From Mesola, drive to the Fossil Dunes of Massenzatica (6 km), then take the road to Torre Abate and Torre Palù (two hydraulic works dating back to the days of the D’Este family) before reaching Goro with its harbour and, on the inlet bank, Gorino.

The Gran Bosco della Mesola wood is the next destination before going on to Pomposa Abbey.

History and nature blend together along a route consisting of lagoons, woods, canals and bell-towers which, on this plain, become beacons.

At Mesola, in the 16th century, Alfonso d’Este built a mighty Castle as a “delightful” place.

Today this accommodates an Environment Education Centre. Close by, part of the Gran Bosco (Great Wood) can be seen. This ancient forest area was formerly part of the hunting lands of the D’Este family, with native plants and animals.

After Pomposa and covering a short stretch of the Romea state road in the direction of Ravenna, turn left to Lido di Volano, along the provincial road that runs parallel to the twisting bank of the Po di Volano, with on the right Valle Bertuzzi and on the left the Oasi di Canneviè-Porticino.

Bird-watchers are sure to appreciate the road that runs along the Taglio della Falce.

Then continue along the coastal road, with on the right the lagoon and on the left the pinewood as far as Lido delle Nazioni, and finally Lido di Pomposa and Lido degli Scacchi.

The wood is surrounded by wetlands and drained Po Delta areas, such as Goro with its Sacca (inlet), from where one of the most fantastic views can be enjoyed that this natural environment is able to offer, especially if observed from the strip of land where the lighthouse is, which can be reached by boat.

At Pomposa, in the 7th century, the building started of a complex consisting of the Basilica of Santa Maria and the subsequent 48-metre high bell-tower, visible from far away to sailors and pilgrims, the Palazzo della

Festivals and markets Ragione and the Monastery.

In the middle-ages, the Abbey was a major religious, political and economic centre. A special feature of this Basilica are the infernal representations of the 14th-century frescos.

Head back into nature by taking the coastal road, passing Valle Bertuzzi and the Oasi di Canneviè-Porticino with restored houses of 16th-century origin, unique places for lovers of the plants and animals of this habitat.

Behind the endless beaches along the coast are numerous thick pinewoods, such as those near Lido di Volano and Lido delle Nazioni, Lido di Pomposa and Lido degli Scacchi, all equipped with a variety of amenities.

1. The Po Delta Park 2. The Po Delta Park 3. Lidi Ferraresi, the beach 4. Pomposa, the Abbey

Markets Goro Wednesday fish market every weekday Mesola Saturday Bosco Mesola Saturday

Mesola Equipped area: free in sports ground Tel. 0533 993 358 Hostel: Oasi Torre Abate Loc. S. Giustina - Tel. 0533 993 947 Bosco Mesola Equipped areas: entrance to Gran Bosco Tel. 0533 794 285 presso la Parrocchia della Beata Vergine del Rosario (with tent areas).

Tel. 0533 794 010 Holiday farm: Ca’ Laura (with tent area) Tel. 0533 794 372 Goro Stopover: near harbour.

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Food Festivals The first week in May Asparagus Festival at Mesola. At Gorino, Fish Festival in June.

In July, at Pomposa and Codigoro, Melon and Watermelon Festival. At Goro at the end of July, Clam Festival.

At San Giuseppe (2 km from Lido di Pomposa) Bosco Eliceo wine Festival.

The Stop

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Pomposa Stopover: Abbey car park.

Lido di Pomposa Campsites:

Lido di Volano Stopover: near sea.

I Tre Moschettieri **** Via Capanno Garibaldi, 22 Tel. 0533 380 376 Villaggio Turistico

Cannevié e Porticino Stopover: in oasis.

Lido delle Nazioni Campsite: Camping Park Tahiti **** Viale Libia, 133 Tel. 0533 379 500 Villaggio Samoa Viale Libia, 131/a Tel. 0533 370 470 Stopover: near sea.

Park Gallanti **** Via Alpi Orientali nord, 118 Tel. 0533 380 130 Vigna sul Mar *** Via Capanno Garibaldi, 20 Tel. 0533 380 216 Lido degli Scacchi Campsites: Florenz*** Via Alpi Centrali, 199 Tel. 0533 380 193 Ancora ** Via Repubbliche Marinare, 25 Tel. 0533 381 276 Stopover: via Vascello-via Amalfi crossroads.

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from Lido di Spina to Valli di Ostellato ITINERARY 3

Discovering the lagoons

50 km route

Culture and Nature

Starting from Lido di Spina, drive down the coastal road towards Lido degli Estensi.

To reach Porto Garibaldi on the other hand, take the nearby Romea state road and after crossing the bridge over the canal (Porto Garibaldi-Vallette di Ostellato- Ferrara) turn right.

After just a few kilometres, you will reach Comacchio, to be visited on foot or by boat.

Before leaving Lido di Spina, on foot or by boat, river Delta lovers can explore the wild natural environment of the Vene di Bellocchio, a lagoon located behind the beach. Nearby Porto Garibaldi, on the other hand, is full of the exciting bustle of fishing boats with relevant fish market.

Do not leave Comacchio without seeing its scenic lagoons. The best viewpoint is from the Argine Agosta bank, to the south. Continue along the canal in the direction of Ferrara, after passing through the towns of San Giovanni, Corte Centrale and Campolungo, as far as Ostellato. Its Vallette (small lagoons) can be reached along a road that is rather narrow for campers.

Persevere however because after about 2 kilometres, you will find a large parking area and amenities.

Along the lagoons you will find stopover points for campers.

Boat trips are also on offer at Comacchio for visiting the lagoons with their old fishing houses, historic testimonies of the hard lives of the eel fishermen.

This town has a very original historical centre with recentlyrestored 17th-18th century monuments, such as the Loggia dei Mercanti, the Portico dei Cappuccini, the Cattedrale di San Cassiano and the Clock Tower.

Its houses, painted in warm natural colours, are reflected in the water of the canals, linked together by bridges, the biggest of which is the Trepponti.

All things considered, Comacchio is an open-air museum. Do not fail to visit the Roman Ship

museum, which houses a trading vessel of the imperial age, recovered with all its load after being trapped in the sand.

Back to nature again with the Oasi di Ostellato, three lagoons covering a freshwater area of 150 hectares, turned into a nature reserve (animals and plants such as water lilies and rushes) in the 1970s by the Provincial Administration of Ferrara. Everything here favours a delightful stop with the possibility of hiking, biking, horse-riding, boating and becoming acquainted with and enjoying the delicious local products and dishes.

1. The Po Delta Park 2. Lido di Spina, the beach 3. Porto Garibaldi, the Hospitality Festival 4. The Po Delta Park

Lido di Spina Campsites: International Camping Mare Pineta **** Via Acacie, 67 - Tel. 0533 330 110 Camping Bungalow Park Spina *** Via del Campeggio, 99 Tel. 0533 330 179

Food Festivals In April at Lido di Spina the Le Valli in Tavola food festival.

In August at Porto Garibaldi the Festa dell’Ospitalità .

First weekends of October Eel festival at Comacchio.

In November at Ostellato A tavola con la zucca, a festival focussing on pumpkin.

Markets Comacchio Wednesday Porto Garibaldi Thursday Ostellato Thursday

Lido degli Estensi Stopovers: ferry embarkation point; near the mouth of the canal Logonovo - 150 m from the centre.

Porto Garibaldi Campsite: Spiaggia e Mare *** provincial road Ferrara Mare, 4 Tel. 0533 327 431 Stopovers: parking area along the promenade; near the Church.

Anita Holiday farm: Prato Pozzo Rifugio di Valle*** Tel. 0532 801 058 Comacchio Stopovers: at Trepponti in the School car-park; along the ring-road at the Conad supermarket.

Migliarino Holiday farm: Belvedere*** Via Ostellato, 1 - Tel. 0533 52 138 Dogato Ostellato Holiday farm: Novara*** Via Ferrara, 61 - Tel. 0533 651 097 Ostellato Equipped area-Campsite: with amenities, entrance to Valli di Ostellato Oasis.

Tel. 0533 680 376 Stopovers: always at same entrance.

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The Stop

Festivals and markets

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Comacchio

Lavezzola

from Casalborsetti to Campotto ITINERARY 4

Along the course of the river Reno

53 km route

Culture and Nature

Festivals and markets

Departure from Casalborsetti heading inland across the Romea state road towards Mandriole. Along via Mandriole, we come across one of the rare wood ovens dated 1933 for baking bread and biscuits.

Driving along the Canale Destra Reno (canal on the right bank of the river Reno), we reach Sant’Alberto.

This route features natural and man-made environments and includes characteristic coastal pinewoods and the wilderness of the mouth of the old Po di Primaro, now the river Reno, the Campotto Nature Reserve and the Valli di Comacchio saltwater inlets with the Boscoforte peninsula, a natural oasis of rare beauty. Steeped in history is the country farmhouse where Anita Garibaldi died at Mandriole, as well as the Hunting Lodge of the D’Este family at Sant’Alberto (now home to the OrnithologicalMuseum).

Alfonsine retains many local memories of the Second World War in which military facts and civil history intertwine in the Museo della Battaglia del Senio, amuseum dedicated to the historic battle which took place on the river Senio. Argenta is an Ecomuseum with the Museo della Bonififca, focussing on land reclamation, at Saiarino, near the beautiful San Giorgio Parish Church and the Museo delle Valli (lagoon museum) housed in the Casino di Campotto, near the Oasis. Here the freshwater lagoons are home to water-lilies, gentian and marsh reeds.

Food Festivals Water melon festival, first weekend of August at Filo di Argenta. During the first week of September at the Argenta Exhibition Centre, Biologico and Verdissimamente.

At Sant’Alberto the Settembre Santalbertese with its potato festival.

Here a stop should be made to admire, from the left bank of the river (crossing the river on the ferry, on foot or by bike), the endless Comacchio lagoons and especially the Boscoforte hummock.

The journey continues to Alfonsine and then Argenta, a place rich in history and natural beauty. The lagoons of the area can be reached by taking via Cardinala on the left as far as Campotto, where a stop can be made in the equipped stopover point, in the comfortable hostel or, after a few kilometres driving down the narrow road that leads to the Oasis, in a car-park surrounded by greenery.

The Stop Casalborsetti Campsites: Adria *** Via Spallazzi, 30 Tel. 0544 445 217 Pineta*** Via Spallazzi, 5 Tel. 0544 445 298 Reno*** Via Spallazzi, 11 Tel. 0544 445 020 Romea*** Via Spallazzi, 1 Tel. 0544 446 311 Equipped area: near the sea.

Tel. 333 3659356 - 328 1378055

Markets Sant’Alberto Thursday Alfonsine Monday Argenta Thursday 1

1. Valle Mandriole, cormorants 2. Alfonsine, nature reserve 3. The Po Delta Park, water lilies

4. The Po Delta Park, flamingos 5. Ferrara, the “coppia ferrarese” bread 6. Argenta, San Giorgio Parish Church

Alfonsine Stopover: in Piazza della Resistenza.

Argenta Equipped area: near Tennis Courts.

Camper Service: near LPG filling station S.S 16 Adriatica, 900 m from town.

Campotto Equipped area: Via Cardinala - Tel. 0532 808 058 Stopover: in the Oasis.

Youth Hostel Via Cardinala, 27 Tel. 0532 808 035

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Sant’Alberto Equipped area: in piazzetta Tempioni.

Holiday farm: Tenuta Augusta (con area attrezzata) Tel. 0544 449 015 Loc. Mandriole 5

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Ravenna

The Byzantine ‘Jewels’ History and Culture Roaming around in the open-air Ravenna and its province offer a variety of different routes, from the wide plains with, in the upper part, winding roads running along canals and rivers with great banks and, in the lower part, straight roads running parallel to drainage canals, to the hilly country, where steep gradients abound.

The routes generally follow secondary roads where the attractive natural environment is within easy reach and provides lots of opportunities to stop and amenities to make your journey even more relaxing and enjoyable.

Ravenna and its province hold a record on the international historical and cultural scenario in terms of number of artistic masterpieces. The Basilicas dating to the 5th and 6th C. A.D are among the oldest and best preserved in Christendom; they house a heritage of Byzantine mosaics unique in the world, to the point that the city is known as the Byzantium of the West.

Art city of ancient imperial splendour, since 1800 it has been a major stopping point for all those completing the international Grand Tour, together with Venice, Florence and Rome.

Nearby Faenza, with its Renaissance and Neo-classical roots was much influenced by Florence and is famous throughout the world for its ceramic or majolica ware, the origins of which date back to the Middle-Ages and which was developed during the Renaissance and the 18th century. Also of great interest are the other towns of the province, from Cervia, the ancient salt city, to Lugo with its 18th-century buildings, Bagnacavallo and the hill villages of Brisighella, Casola Valsenio and Riolo Terme where strong traces of the middle-ages still remain.

Fragrances and flavours

Sea and Nature

Fish and seafood play the lead role along the coast, especially fish of the mackerel variety known as “humble” food but which when fried or grilled is absolutely delicious.

Fruit-growing predominates in the countryside.

The towns in the hills all have their own specialities, oil, cheese, wine...

Bread dough, with the addition of lard and cooked by hand, here becomes piadina, to be eaten with dressed-pork and fresh cheeses. Traditional calls for Romagna pasta, rolled by hand, to be made from eggs and flour and enjoyed with meat sauce or lighter aromatic herb sauces. Cappelletti and Passatelli are types of pasta cooked in broth on holidays.

A meat speciality of this area is mutton, with its strong fragrance, which is normally barbecued. A traditional dessert is known curiously as zuppa inglese.

Romagna starts where, when you say you are thirsty, they offer you a glass of wine. Red Sangiovese and white Trebbiano are the main varieties produced.

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An old representation of Ravenna shows the city with one foot on the land and another in the sea. The large alluvial plain created by the River Po and fast-flowing Apennine rivers are the distinguishing features of the coastal areas of Ravenna, which through the centuries has undergone constant change.

This area proved harder to drain than that of Ferrara and a different natural environment was created where farming activities took longer to develop.

Along the coast, the dune barrier created vast salt-water extensions called Piallasse, now home to many interesting plant and animal species.

The pinewoods, planted on the coastal dunes – a sandy stretch about 50 kilometres long and which has receded six to ten kilometres since the Roman age – create, together with these stretches of water, natural landscapes of great beauty, which form part of the southernmost Po Delta Regional Park and were immortalised by Dante, Byron and D’Annunzio.

Moving away from the coast, the Ravenna landscape changes from large extensions of treeless fields reclaimed from the sea, to the orchards and vineyards that stretch from the plain to the hills, where the vine reigns supreme, alongside oak woods.

Activities The district is criss-crossed by trekking and cycling routes, including the long-distance trail (165 km long) known as the Gran Fondo del Sale, with departure and arrival at the Cervia salt-pans.

For those who like sailing, besides regular boat trips, at Marina di Ravenna in July, noncompetitive boat races are staged as part of the Festivela event.

The beaches offer great opportunities to have fun playing frisbee, beach tennis and beach volleyball... and making sand castles, as well as flying kites.

And for those who prefer taking it easier, nothing better than the enjoyable encounter with the authors organised along the beach (e.g. Seaside books).

Sports activities are not lacking either, such as golf with numerous courses (Cervia, Riolo Terme, Faenza) to choose from.

And if you really feel like a bit of exercise, why not try the100km foot race from Florence to Faenza known as La 100 chilometri del Passatore, staged on the last Saturday-Sunday of May.

Events Every year, the city of Ravenna celebrates the great poet buried here, with a series of artistic-cultural events: Settembre Dantesco, Dante09, La Divina Commedia nel Mondo, Letture Classensi. The Ravenna Festival takes place in June and July.

This is a prestigious international event consisting of concerts, opera music, ballet and exhibitions staged in some of the city’s most outstanding buildings such as the Teatro Alighieri, the modern Palazzo Mauro de Andrè and the Ravenna Basilicas. At the end of July, the International Jazz Festival is held. In September, readings of the Divine Comedy are given in the Basilica of San Francesco. In summer, the historical ‘Pavaglione’ of Lugo hosts lots of major performances.

Bagnacavallo is the home of the picturesque Festa di San Michele offering art, music and gastronomic delights. At Faenza, in June, the Palio del Niballo is run. This is the historical re-evocation of the struggles between the five quarters of the town.

1. Ravenna, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Porto 2. Ravenna, Dante’s Tomb 3. Ravenna, the Franciscan Cloister 4. Ravenna, the San Vitale pinewood

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from Porto Corsini to Lugo ITINERARY 5

On the track of San Vitale

54 km route

Culture and Nature

From Porto Corsini, at the end of the left bank of the Corsini canal, where open-air tourism has always been at home at the campsite and one of the first municipal equipped stopover points, follow the coastal road to Marina Romea, surrounded by a green pinewood; then just before coming to the River Lamone, turn left and follow the course of the river towards the Romea state road across the enchanting Via delle Valli with the “Baiona” stretches of water on one side and the San Vitale pinewood in the background.

Stop at Punte Alberete and in the pinewood.

This part of the coast and immediate Ravenna hinterland represents a natural museum that exemplifies the history of this area. The coastal pinewoods on the more recent dune formations, the salty waters of the Piallassa Baiona behind you, the Pineta San Vitale (a pinewood of medieval origin), the freshwater Valle Mandriole and flooded forest of Punte Alberete (on the site of ancient fossil dunes re-sculpted by man as a result of the reclamation through filling up by alluvion of the River Lamone begun in the mid-19th C.). With their characteristic flowers and animals, these are places of outstanding natural endowment, quite rightly under the protection of the Po Delta Park and the Ramsar International Convention on Wetlands. In the Ravenna hinterland are the towns of Russi, Bagnacavallo, Bagnara di Romagna and Lugo, all surrounded by glorious countryside and rich in history and culture, with lots of historical buildings well worth visiting.

Close to Russi is a modern Museo dell’Arredo Contempora-

Continue in the direction of Ravenna, following the Romea state road and take the San Vitale state road, with a short deviation to Russi.

Now drive on to Bagnacavallo (by turning right, a few kilometres before, along the course of the river Lamone, you come to Villanova di Bagnacavallo) and Lugo.

Festivals and markets neo (Museum of Contemporary Furnishings) and the ancient remains of a Roman Villa of the Augustan age.

Bagnacavallo, with its medieval town layout, features porticoed streets, historical buildings and major religious complexes such as the old San Pietro in Sylvis parish church, just outside the town centre.

Piazza Nuova, another beautiful 18th-century building, once housed the old market. Lugo, a major farming and trading town, has also had a wellknown market for the past 600 years. This is staged in the so-called Pavaglione, a regular meeting point for the local population. Nearby is the ancient Rocca (fortress) and the imposing monument, with annexed Museum, dedicated to Francesco Baracca, the heroic aviator, born in Lugo and who was killed in the First World War.

Food festivals Rassegna Gastronomica nelle Spiagge di Ravenna in July and August, to promote traditional dishes. In September, Festival of the civilisation of wetland herbs at Villanova di Bagnacavallo. In mid-September at Russi, Fira di sètt dùlur, one of the oldest fairs, dating back to 1600, famous for its gastronomic stands. At Bagnacavallo, towards the end of September, Festa di San Michele. In November, at Faenza, the Fiera di San Rocco, held in the Rione Verde (green quarter) area. Towards the end of November, at the Faenza trade-fair centre, Wine and Traditional Products Show; in December, the Nougat Festival and on 5 January, La nott de’ bisò, a characteristic event where hot spiced wine (bisò) is drunk and the ‘Niballo’ is burned at midnight.

Markets Russi Friday Bagnacavallo Saturday Lugo Wednesday

1. Ravenna, the Basilica of San Vitale, a mosaic 2. Brisighella, the old town centre

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The Stop Porto Corsini Equipped area: Via Guizzetti, managed by the Local Tourist Authority Tel. 0544 447 399 Stopover: in the square alongside the Candiano canal.

Marina Romea Campeggio: Villaggio del Sole*** Viale Italia - Tel. 0544 446 037 Pineta San Vitale e Punte Alberete Various Stopovers.

Bagnacavallo Stopover: Via Strabello Camper Service: Via Marinella, 34/a.

Hostel: in the old Convento di San Francesco Via Cadorna, 10 Tel. 0545 60 622 Lugo Stopover: in the via Piratello car-park (corner S.S. 223).

Sant’Antonio Holiday farm: Dolores Via Ca’ Bosco, 13 Tel. 0544 483 462 2

from Marina di Ravenna to Lido di Classe ITINERARY 6

Along the roads of the Empire

40 km route

Culture and Nature

Festivals and markets

From Marina di Ravenna, take the coastal road lined by green pinewoods as far as Punta Marina and from here continue on to Ravenna.

Along the coast, immediately to the east of Ravenna are Marina di Ravenna and Punta Marina, the first sandy beaches to be used by the locals since seaside holidays began, with an uninterrupted line of coastal pinewoods, behind which is the Piallassa dei Piomboni, today a part of the commercial port area which extends along the Canale Corsini, an ancient link between the city and the sea.

Ravenna abounds with historical and artistic sites – eight of its monuments have been declared World Heritage Sites by the Unesco and are visited by about two million people every year. Among these are the Basilica di San Vitale and the annexed Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (patron saint of the city) and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista.

Worthy companions to these are the Archbishop’s Chapel, the Neonian and Arian Baptisteries and the mighty Mausoleo di Teodorico, built by the King of the Goths along the ancient coastline.

To the south of the city lie the remains of the Imperial Port and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe. Next come the Classe Pinewood and the coastal wetlands of Ortazzo and Ortazzino, which together with the adjacent wild pinewoods and beaches of Lido di Dante and Lido di Classe make up a natural environment of rare beauty.

Food festivals At Ravenna, biennial, Divincibo food and wine event.

First week in October, European Bread Festival. Various food festivals are staged in summer on Ravenna’s Beaches.

Head south, in the direction of Cervia-Rimini, along the old via Romea as far as Classe, five kilometres of road with a brand-new cycling path running alongside. Upon reaching Fosso Ghiaia, along the Adriatica state road, turn left (following the canal of the same name) and drive to the Pineta di Classe pinewood.

Continuing along the Adriatica state road, the large wheel comes into sight of the Mirabilandia fun park, and finally Lido di Classe, which can be reached by driving along a short section of the new Savio ring-road.

From here, it is well worth walking or biking to the mouth of the Bevano river and Lido di Dante.

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1. Ravenna, the Neonian Baptistery 2. Classe, the pinewood 3. Classe, the pinewood 4. Ravenna, the Basilica of San Vitale 5. Lido Adriano, the market

The Stop Marina di Ravenna Campsites: Piomboni*** Viale della Pace, 421 Tel. 0544 530 230 Rivaverde*** Viale delle Nazioni, 301 Tel. 0544 530 491 Stopover: start of southern quay.

Markets Marina di Ravenna Wednesday and Saturday afternoon Ravenna Wednesday and Saturday morning

Punta Marina Campsites: Adriano**** Via dei Campeggi, 7 Tel. 0544 437 230 2

Coop 3*** Via dei Campeggi, 8 Tel. 0544 437 353 Villaggio dei Pini*** Via della Fontana Tel. 0544 437 115 Stopover: in the car-park by the sea at the start of the beach road to Marina di Ravenna.

Ravenna Stopovers: Two stopovers with free camper service at the Mausoleo di Teodorico; close to the Basilica di San Vitale and Sant’Apollinare in Classe (here with free camper service); in Piazza della Resistenza with free camper service.

Hostel: A.I.G. Dante Alighieri Via Nicolodi, 12 Tel. 0544 421 164 Holiday farm: La Manera** Via Staggi 166, Loc. Portofuori Tel. 0544 433 247 Mirabilandia Equipped area: in fun-park car-park, payment required.

Savio Holiday farm: La Casina**** Via dei Lombardi, 66 Tel. 0544 939 213

Lido di Savio Campsite: Nuovo Internazionale*** Via Meldola, 1/A Tel. 0544 949 014 Lido di Classe Campsite: Bisanzio*** Via Marignoli, 41 Tel. 348 2283136 Stopovers: in three green areas, near the sea.

Lido di Dante Campsites: Classe*** Via Catone - Tel. 0544 492 005 Ramazzotti*** Via Paolo e Francesca Tel. 0544 492 250 near beaches, including nudist beaches.

Stopovers: near the sea, just before reaching beaches.

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from Cervia Milano Marittima to Fratta Terme ITINERARY 7

From salt to wine: the gold road

49 km route

Culture and Nature

From the ‘garden-city’, Cervia-Milano Marittima, built alongside the centuries-old pinewood, take the road to Ravenna and drive as far as the Nature Park and Spa (Terme).

Old Cervia grew up around the salt-pans where the ‘white gold’ was produced. For many centuries this constituted the wealth of the area. Today the city, which was rebuilt in the late 17th century, continues to make good use of its salt pans, with both exhibitions in the historical Magazzini del Sale (salt stores), and as a Nature Reserve, southern station of the Po Delta Park, as well as for supplying the Spa with ‘acqua madre’ (brine) and precious mud. The Cervia pinewood, the large beach and initiatives such as Cervia Città Giardino, when the town is decorated everywhere with plants and flowers, make this locality particularly pleasant and appealing.

Inside the area, little remains of the original natural environment; the Bosco del Duca wood, near Castiglione, is a remaining example of the ancient oak woods that once covered the higher parts of the plain.

The Parish Church of Santo Stefano (10th C.) at Pisignano and Palazzo Bonanzi, a building shaped like a castle (16th C.) in nearby Castiglione di

Ravenna, testify to the area’s aristocratic past. The foothills represent a balcony over the plain and sea, with rows of vines and multi-coloured orchards. Here stands the medieval town of Bertinoro and the nearby Church of Polenta (10th C.). The Terme (Spa facilities) of Frattadate back to Roman times and are well-known for the numerous beneficial effects of the spring water.

Food festivals At Cervia, in March, the Cuttlefish Festival is staged and, in September, Sapore di Sale, a festival that recalls old traditions, where dishes can be enjoyed related to seafaring and salt-pan traditions.

Every Sunday in January and the first Sunday of February, Bertinoro presents I pomeriggi del bicchiere (“wine-glass afternoons”), an initiative centred on wine, good food and conversation; in September, the traditional Hospitality festival is staged; this dates back to 1300.

Markets Cervia Thursday Bertinoro Sunday

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Cervia-Milano Marittima Campsites: Adriatico*** Via Pinarella, 90 Loc. Pinarella Tel. 0544 71 537 Pinarella*** Viale Abruzzi, 52 Loc. Pinarella Tel. 0544 987 408 Romagna*** Viale Matteotti, 190 Tel. 0544 94 932 Safari*** Via Titano, 130 Loc. Pinarella Tel. 0544 987 356

Capocolle Holiday farm: Azienda Agr. Achille Budellacci Via Palmeggiana, 516 Tel. 0543 445 419

Villaggio Pineta*** Viale Matteotti, 186 Tel. 0544 949 341 Stopovers: in Piazza Resistenza; in car-park XXV Aprile, 50 metres from centre; Chiesuola near the Spa facilities; at the Stadio dei Pini, near the entrance to the pinewood.

Bertinoro Stopover: Coach car-park (in the direction of Monte Maggio).

1. Punta Alberete 2. Cevia, salt pans 3. Bertinoro, the Hospitality Column 4. Polenta, San Donato Parish Church

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From here, driving south along the Adriatica state road, we reach the “salt route”, linking the salt pans with Castiglione and the first foothills, which can be reached by crossing the via Emilia. From here the road climbs up, passing through ‘Panighina’, towards Bertinoro, the town of hospitality and good wine. A pleasantly winding road passes in front of the Church of Polenta and reaches Fratta Terme and its spa park, surrounded by greenery and quiet.

The Stop

Festivals and markets

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Strada ForlimpopoliBertinoro Holiday farm: Giardino degli Ulivi (with green areas for tents and caravans) Via Cellaimo, 735 Tel. 0543 445 130

Fratta Terme 27 Roncalceci Equipped area: via Superga at the Spa.

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from Faenza to Marradi and Brisighella ITINERARY 8

The fragrance of herbs and bygone flavours

81 km route

Culture and Nature

Driving from Faenza to Castel Bolognese, turn left along state road 306, which is lined with orchards and vineyards and leads to Riolo Terme and Casola Valsenio. The smell of medicinal herbs dominates the route and the nearby Strada della Lavanda (Lavender Road).

The gently rolling hills accompany the rugged line of rocks of theVena del Gesso (Chalk Vein) and the Apennines with their green pastures and woodland lead to Badia di Susinana and then to Palazzuolo sul Senio and, continuing along a typical Apennine road, with a little effort, up to an altitude of 700 metres, to Marradi, the town of poet Dino Campana. Following the course of the River Lamone, state road 302 gradually drops down to Brisighella, with its mighty fortress, which can be seen from far off.

Faenza owes its fame to the ancient majolica-ware industry. The International Museum of Ceramics houses a unique collection of exhibits and documents. Glazed terracotta production thrives in the over 60 artistic workshops and continues to represent one of the town’s major industrial resources. The monuments of Faenza testify to a rich past. Close to the great Renaissance Cathedral are precious 18th C. buildings such as Palazzo Milzetti and the Teatro Masini.

The central Piazza della Libertà and Piazza del Popolo, are lined with porticos and loggias and have always been the heart of civil, economic and religious life in the town. The first foothills, with kiwi and peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves surround the spa towns of Riolo Terme and Brisighella, distinguishable by their fortresses of medieval origin. Famous is the Via degli Asini (donkeys’ road) in the centre of Brisighella.

Casola Valsenio, which houses the memories of writer Alfredo Oriani in the Cardello, also possesses Italy’s best known

Festivals and markets garden of medicinal herbs. Of great interest to geologists and naturalists is the Regional Park of the Chalk Vein with its chalk rocks, caves and sink-holes.

The valleys of the Senio and Lamone rivers, fed by streams and springs, with rapids and falls, are surrounded by chestnut, beech and oak woods in what is a perfect natural environment.

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1. Riolo Terme, the fortress 2. Casola Valsenio, “forgotten fruits” 3. Villanova di Bagnacavallo, wetland herb processing

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Food festivals At Faenza in December – Nougat Festival.

At Riolo Terme, third week in July, Fair of the Shallot, a delicious liliaceous plant.

Brisighella, in early November, celebrates Le Delizie del Porcello, with pork meat processing demonstrations; in that same month, the Olive Festival, with the precious oils named Brisighello and Nobil Drupa. At Casola Valsenio in October the Festa dei frutti dimenticati (forgotten fruits festival) with the competition ‘Jam, bygone flavour’. In the autumn, Marradi celebrates one of its most famous products, with the Chestnut Festival.

Markets Faenza Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Riolo Terme Thursday and Saturday Casola Valsenio Tuesday and Friday Brisighella, Wednesday

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The Stop Faenza Equipped area: council-owned, in via Renaccio, close to town centre, with electricity.

Camper service: Comec shopping centre Via Boaria, 64 - Tel. 0546 620 489 “Faenza Caravan” sales centre Via Emilia Ponente, 76/c three kilometres from town centre Tel. 0546 620 275 crossroads between via dei Pioppi and via Proventa, one kilometre from motorway entrance.

Holiday farms: Trerè**** via Casale, 19 - Tel. 0546 47034 Il Laghetto del Sole*** (with tent areas) Via Pittora 37 Faenza-Modigliana road Tel. 0546 642 196

Castel Bolognese Equipped area: Via Donati, close to town centre, Palazzetto dello Sport.

Riolo Terme Equipped area: close to town centre.

Campsite: Valverde*** Via Senio, 10 - Tel. 0546 70 945 Casola Valsenio Camper Service: industrial area, two kilometres from town, free.

Stopovers: in town centre and in viale Domenico Neri with water.

Holiday farm: Il Poggiolo Via Sintria, 9 Valdifusa Tel. 0546 73 049

Badia Susinana Equipped area: at Farm of same name for campers, caravans and tents, with swimming-pool and restaurant Tel. 055 804 6630 / 804 6631 Marradi Equipped area: Tamoil filling station, on state road 302 one kilometre downstream of town; at the park near the swimming pool, close to town centre.

Brisighella Stopover: car-park of via Fratelli Cardinali Cicognani.

Holiday farm: Torre del Marino (with camper service) Via Torre del Marino, 45 Loc. Villa Vezzano Tel. 0546 89 190

Forlì-Cesena

The ‘Wonders’ of the Guidi and Malatesta History and Culture Roaming around in the open air This is the province with the greatest variety of landscapes and places to visit; from the coastal plain to the hilly hinterland and rugged Apennine country.

The roads of the higher areas, often winding and marked by fast-flowing rivers, drop down to the plain, where the going is much easier. Finding accommodation is easy, both along the coast, which offers spacious hotels and every possible amenity, and further inland, where the accommodation is only a little less sophisticated, with small campsites and stopover points, holiday farms, hospitality in old houses and rehabilitated villages.

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The district of Forlì and Cesena has had an intense and lively history. The most visible signs are those left by the seigniories of the Guidi (in the higher mountain areas of the Forlì district), of the Ordelaffi and of the Malatesta (in the hilly regions and towards the coast), and by the dominion of the Papal State, shared further west with the Florentine Republic, which likes to call itself Tuscan Romagna. The Florentine dominion, managed with equilibrium and civility, enhanced the area with stately buildings, bridges and roads and distinguished it with the quality of its architecture (like at Terra del Sole, Rocca San Casciano, Bagno di Romagna).

Exceptional are the stately buildings of the plains, such as the imposing Ravaldino Fortress at Forlì, which dates back to the 14th century, the Palazzo Comunale, once the home of the Ordelaffi family, the Abbey of San Mercuriale.

Cesena boasts the Rocca Malatestiana, the fortress which today houses the Natural Science Museum, the splendid Biblioteca Malatestiana, one of the most perfect and best preserved examples of Humanist library, Piazza del Popolo, where the Fontana Masini can be admired, the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) begun in 1359 by Cardinal Albornoz, and the great Cathedral. In the hills, great views can be enjoyed from the Santuario della Madonna del Monte.

Fragrances and Flavours

Sea and Nature

In the countryside of the Cesena-Forlì area, numerous farms produce top-quality produce, certified by quality marks that comply with stringent standards. Fresh Fruit such as peaches, pears, apricots, plums, strawberries, persimmons and kiwis are exported all over Europe.

Also of major importance is the processing of fruit and vegetables and the food preservation industry. Bertinoro and Predappio are well-known for their vineyards and fine wines such as Albana, Sangiovese, Cagnina and Pagadebit; not to speak of olives, which find a perfect growing environment in the hills and produce an oil that fears no comparison in terms of fragrance and flavour.

Another local speciality is Formaggio di Fossa, the famous cheese of Sogliano. It should never be forgotten that this is the land (Forlimpopoli) where the great chef Pellegrino Artusi was born.

A variety of extraordinary landscapes: sandy coastlines, fertile plains, hills dotted with fortresses and villages, Apennine mountains and crags with valleys carved out by raging rivers like the Bidente, the Rabbi, the Tramazzo, the Montone and the Savio where wild unspoilt nature predominates – woodland, pastures, streams and waterfalls.

Most of this upland area is within the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna, with its protected plants and animals, which attracts tourists in search of the intense atmospheres and silences of a natural environment that invites contemplation as Saint Francis and Saint Romualdo knew well.

It is in this area that the largest variety of trees is to be found: from the hills up to an altitude of eight hundred metres, yokeelm, hop-hornbeam, turkey oak and maple predominate.

Higher up is mixed woodland of linden, hazel, oak and chestnut and forests of beech and evergreen white fir. Worthy of mention inside the park and in the Municipal area of Bagno di Romagna is the Sasso Fratino Nature Reserve, the first to be established in Italy, in 1959.

Here wild animals abound with about one hundred species of birds, the wolf, the fox and five different types of hoofed animals.

Activities Widespread throughout Romagna are all water sports and cycling. The gruelling Nove Colli cycling race, which starts and finishes in Cesenatico, has become a ‘classic’ for all athletes and bikers with a minimum amount of training. Close to Forlì is a golf course, with a splendid view of Bertinoro.

The mountain area, and above all the Casentino Forest Park, is a paradise for trekkers and hikers as well as horse-riders; especially appealing are the excursions along the Apennine ridge at an altitude of one thousand metres.

In the winter months, on the slopes of Monte Falco at Campigna and of Monte Fumaiolo at Verghereto, ski slopes are in operation. Canoeing is practised in the rivers of the valleys, above all in the Savio river and in Lake Quarto.

Events The Forlì exhibition centre hosts events of international standing centred on antiques, art and electronics, a trade-fair and a well-known Poultry Fair.

Cesena presents an important theatre season in the neo-classic style Teatro Bonci. The famous “Ippodromo del Savio” racecourse organises evening trotting races in July and August.

In early May, the Macfrut international fair is staged at nearby Pievesestina, dedicated to fruit and vegetables.

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Many pre-view performances can be seen at the historical Teatro Petrella of Longiano.

At Sarsina, in July and August, Plautus Festival is staged in the natural amphitheatre formed by the hill of Calbano, in honour of Plautus, who was a native of the town. Many are the events along the coast tied to seafaring traditions, such as The boat crèche in the Harbour-Museum of Cesenatico.

1. Forlimpopoli, the fortress 2. Longiano 3. Cesena, Piazza del Popolo 4. Borghi, the “Malatesta cistern”

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from Cesenatico to Predappio ITINERARY 9

The good food route

49 km route

Culture and Nature

From Cesenatico to Cesena along a straight country road and then the via Emilia as far as Forlimpopoli, to admire its fortress.

After turning left, drive on for nine kilometres along a treelined road until you come to Meldola.

Cesenatico possesses a harbour dating back centuries. It was designed by Leonardo da Vinci and commissioned by Cesare Borgia; today a section of the harbour houses the Museo Galleggiante della Marineria (Floating Seafaring Museum), with old Upper and Mid-Adriatic sailing vessels.

Starting in the centre of the town, the road winds up, offering fantastic views, as far as the Rocca delle Caminate, before dropping down again to Predappio. Worthy of a visit is Predappio Alta, a small village with a well-preserved castle.

Cesena, in the heart of Romagna, has a well-preserved town centre enclosed by 14th15th century walls.

Forlimpopoli has an imposing 14th C. Rocca, the fortress home of various feudal lords, which hosts a Theatre, the Palazzo Comunale (town hall) and an Archaeological Museum, and is famous for the forays of the brigand, Stefano Pelloni, aka “il Passatore”. Meldola, which has very ancient origins, has a number of beautiful 17th C. buildings, such as the Palazzo Comunale in Piazza Orsini with its Loggiato Aldobrandini and the House where Felice Orsini was born. On top of a green hill stands the Rocca delle Caminate, a fortress in neo-medi-

The Stop

Festivals and markets eval style, built on the remains of an ancient castle; this was once the summer residence of Mussolini and today houses an Environment Education Centre.

Predappio, the birthplace of the ‘Duce’, contains examples of Fascist architecture different from those of Predappio Alta, a small medieval village with an ancient Fortress and the Ca’ de Sanzves (House of Sangiovese), kingdom of the wines of Romagna, with a cellar dating back to 1400.

Cesenatico Campsites:

Food festivals At Cesenatico, in the first weekend of March, Cesenatico: azzurro come il pesce, food show with fish tasting; in August, the great “rustida” (fish barbecue) organised by the fishermen and, in November Il pesce fa festa. Cesena, in October/November, gastronomic stands at Cesena a tavola.

Forlimpopoli, in March, presents the Fiera della segavecchia, an ancient folk festival and, at the end of June, the Festa Artusiana, with encounters centred on the culture of food and a triumph of gastronomic proposals in the streets and under the loggias of the town.

At Predappio Alta, in November the Sagra dei Vignaioli (winemakers festival) and, in May, the Sangiovese Festival.

Cesenatico*** Via Mazzini, 182 - Tel. 0547 81 344 Motel*** Via Cavour, 1 - Tel. 0547 672 344 Zadina*** Via Mazzini, 184 - Tel. 0547 82 310 Equipped areas: via Mazzini, Cesenatico-ponente, between the entrance to Camping Cesenatico and that of the public park; via Magellano, Cesenaticoponente, near the Atlantica water park.

Stopovers: in the Largo S. Giacomo car-park, south of the canal harbour, free; in various unsurfaced car-parks near the bathing establishments, along the promenade, south of the canal harbour and of the ‘skyscraper’, free.

Holiday farms: Il Gallo Rosso Via Cantalupo, 60 Tel. 0547 88 067

Markets Cesenatico Friday Cesena Wednesday and Saturday Forlimpopoli Thursday Meldola Tuesday

Ai Tamerici (with equipped area) Via Mesolino, 60 Tel. 0547 672 730 Hostels: Eurocamp Via C. Colombo, 26 Tel. 0547 673 555 Villa Celeste Via De Varthema, 4 Tel. 0547 672 704 Cesena Camper Service: in via Calcinaro, Loc. Martorano, near the A14 entrance and the E 45, opposite the water treatment plant.

Stopovers: racecourse area / Sports centres; at the police barracks in the town centre.

Forlimpopoli Camper Service: Via Tulipano in the car-park of the sports stadium, west of the Via Emilia.

Stopovers: via De Gasperi, near the railway station; in piazza Trieste (alongside the Fortress);

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at the Istituto Magistrale, on via Emilia in the direction of Cesena.

Meldola Stopovers: in the car-parks of Piazzale della Libertà; in two car-parks along the tree-lined viale della Repubblica.

Holiday farm: Colombarina via Rocca delle Caminate, 12 Tel. 0543 493 209 Podere Monteguzzo Strada S. Lorenzo, Fiordinano, 21 presso Podere Monteguzzo Tel. 0543 490 207 Il Poggio Via San Lorenzo Fiordinano, 70 Tel. 0543 89 575 Le Vigne Strada da S. Colombano, Castelnuovo Tel. 0543 494 900 / 494 535 Hostel: Via Caminate, 33 Loc. Rocca delle Caminate, at the Environment Education Centre Tel. 0543 493 330

Predappio Stopovers: at the former Foro Boario, now piazzale Isonzo, in the town centre; at the municipal park in piazza S. Antonio.

Holiday farm:: L’Azdora dei Guidi Via Canova Fornace Marsignano Tel. 0543 923 586 Le Campore Via Campore di Sopra, 18 Loc. Porcentico Tontola Tel. 338 5686956 Il Casetto Via Monte del Pozzo, 27 Loc. San Cristoforo Tel. 0543 940 640 Pian dei Goti Via Monte Mirabello, 2 Loc. Predappio Alta Tel. 0543 921 118 Gli Ulivi Via Montemaggiore, 3 Tel. 0543 921 131 For other reception facilities see www.turismo.fc.it in the Hospitality section

from Gatteo a Mare to Borghi ITINERARY 10

Crossing the Rubicon

47 km route

Culture and Nature

From Gatteo a Mare, cross the river Rubicon and continue as far as Savignano Mare. Turn right here and drive on to San Mauro Pascoli.

Passing through the countryside, you come to Gatteo and Gambettola.

After taking the via Emilia in the direction of Savignano sul Rubicone, turn right along the road to Longiano. Continuing along this road, you come to Roncofreddo, from where a magnificent panoramic view can be enjoyed over the plain and sea. Then comes Sogliano al Rubicone, which dominates the river valley, and finally, after deviating towards San Giovanni in Galilea – in a magnificent position on the top of a hill – the scenic road terminates at Borghi.

San Mauro Pascoli is where Giovanni Pascoli was born.

Here you can visit the poet’s house and the large Villa Torlonia . Gambettola is known as the capital of “scrap iron”, because of its artisan workshops and because Romagna “rust” printed fabrics are made here.

Longiano is dominated by the Rocca Malatestiana, a fortress which features a double row of walls and three access gates linking the ancient village with the “modern” part of town where the Teatro Petrella stands.

Festivals and markets rock probably in medieval times for use as grain deposits.

Today they are used to age precious cheese: formaggio di fossa.

Finally, the old town centre of Borghi has changed little over the centuries. This is surrounded by the Castello Malatestiano, of which the walls and watchtowers still remain.

Roncofreddo stands in a wonderful position overlooking the coast and boasts the mighty Castello Malatestiano, surrounded by a small urban centre located on the eastern edge of a wild natural environment made up of valleys and crags crossed by fast-flowing rivers, one of which has a rather sinister name – Gorgoscuro (black eddy).

Sogliano is well known for its ‘ fosse’, holes dug out of the

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Food festivals At Gambettola carnival parade in spring.

At Savignano sul Rubicone, in January, the “6 pork days” gastromic event. In the second weekend of May, Borghi hosts the Sagra de Bustrengh, a traditional cake of the area.

On the second weekend of November, the Oil and olive Festival is held at Longiano, with a special corner dedicated to dried cod fish (baccalà).

On the second Sunday of September, the Fig Festival is staged at Roncofreddo, while at Sogliano the last three Sundays of November are dedicated to the Festival of the “Formaggio di fossa”, a sheep’s milk cheese left to ferment for three months in the ‘fosse’.

Markets Gatteo a Mare Monday Gatteo Thursday San Mauro Pascoli Saturday Gambettola Saturday Savignano Tuesday Longiano Friday Roncofreddo Sunday Sogliano Thursday

Gatteo a Mare Campsite: Delle Rose*** Via Adriatica, 29 - Tel. 0547 86 213 Stopover: with camper service at the Iper Rubicone supermarket at Savignano Mare.

San Mauro Pascoli Camper Service: Via Bellaria, 1095. in the Q8 filling station area.

Campsite: Camping Green*** Via Vespucci, 6 - Tel. 0541 341 225 Savignano sul Rubicone Campsite: Rubicone**** Via Matrice Destra, 1 Tel. 0541 346 377 Stopover: iin via Libertà, from via Emilia in the direction of Borghi-Sogliano, left at traffic lights.

Holiday farms: Ca’Bastia Via Cappona Rurale 2° Tratto, 463 Tel. 0541 930 607

I Portici Via Rubicone Destra 2° Tratto, 5500 Capanni - Tel. 0541 938 143 Longiano Equipped area: in via Circonvallazione, near the public gardens, lit.

Roncofreddo Stopovers: Loc. Pieve Santa Paola, on the road for Sogliano; in viale Kennedy, along the walls.

Holiday farm: Ca’ Marcella via Rudigliano, 1325 Ardiano Tel. 0547 326 167 / 339 1618420 Fabbri Danilo Via Fageto, 1201 Tel. 0547 665 864 Mancini Gabriele Via Cucco, 250 Tel. 0541 949 834 Poggio degli Ulivi Via Fageto 951 Sorrivoli Tel. 0547 326 111 I Quattro Colli Via Provinciale Monteleone, 6851 Sorrivoli - Tel. 0547 326 078/ 347 4642476

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La Quiete Via Provinciale Cento, 527 Tel. 0541 949 436 Tenuta Volpe Piazza Byron, 19 - Monteleone Tel. 0547 949 183 Villa Venti Via Doccia, 1442 Villa Venti Tel. 0541 949 532 / 333 4645911 Sogliano al Rubicone Stopover: in via Ugo La Malfa, sign-posted.

Holiday farms: Il Farneto Via Bagnolo, 46/d Bagnolo Tel. 0541 948 263 / 338 8826346 Podere della Rosa Via Lago, 24 Bagnolo Tel. 338 3776665 Le Querce Antiche Colombaia Loc. Vernano, 92 Montetiffi - Tel. 0541 940 745 Il Raggio Via Cà Raggio, 33 Savignano di Rigo - Tel. 0547 96 122/ 338 3875699 La Rocca Via Pietra dell’Uso-La Rocca, 13 Tel. 0541 940 723

Borghi Stopover: Scenic spot at Loc. San Giovanni in Galilea.

Holiday farms: Angel’s Hill Farm Via Provinciale Uso, 164 Tel. 0541 939 163 / 339 6829830 La Gaiofana via Gessi, 20 Tribola Tel. 0541 947 648 Il Gallo Nero via Buondì, 2 Tel. 0541 947 255 / 338 2625971 For other reception facilities see www.turismo.fc.it in the Hospitality section

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1. San Mauro Pascoli, the Town Hall 2. Longiano, Teatro Petrella

The Stop

from Forlì to Tredozio ITINERARY 11

Between Romagna and Tuscany

42 km route

Culture and Nature

From Forlì to Terra del Sole, to admire the splendid layout of this town, then on to Castrocaro Terme with its Castle and Fortress. Along the Tosco-Romagnola state road is Dovadola, a village located in the valley of the River Montone, dominated by the Fortress of the Counts Guidi.

Terra del Sole, which under the Medici was the administrative, military and judicial centre of the whole of Tuscan Romagna, still maintains intact its appearance of “ideal city” of the Renaissance with Castles at the two gates, a Parade Ground with the Parish Church and the Florentine Palazzo dei Commissari.

Further along the road, after about seven kilometres, is Rocca San Casciano. A few kilometres after the town, turn right along a steep mountain roads with 16% gradients, passing through Santa Maria in Castello as far as Tredozio, amid woodland and rocky spurs.

Only a short distance away is Castrocaro, famous for its renowned Terme (Spa Facility).

This city has a glorious past and the remains can still be seen of the old Medici Fortress.

Dovadola boasts the Castello dei Conti Guidi, located on the top of a crag. This was a stronghold of the Guelphs of Romagna.

Rocca San Casciano represents a hub between the Arno Valley and Romagna.

During the period of Florentine rule, it was a major administrative, judicial and commercial centre (famous for its silk market). Not to be missed is Piazza Garibaldi, with its strangely triangular shape, onto which face

Festivals and markets Palazzo Pretorio, the 17th C Clock Tower and the Chiesa del Suffragio.

Tredozio, rich in centuries-old woodland, has an old centre with numerous Renaissance and 18th-cent. buildings, once owned by rich Florentine families.

The area is especially suited to nature lovers because it offers the chance of excursions into the upper Tramazzo valley, with its Lago di Ponte and lots of pristine woodland.

Food festivals Between October and November, Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole present the Flavours of Romagna.

At the end of October, at Dovadola, the Truffle Festival is staged.

Rocca San Casciano is famous for its Bonfires, a spring allegory of pagan tradition held at the end of March-early April that sees the town quarters compete for the best Bonfire.

On Easter Sunday and Monday, Tredozio hosts the traditional Egg Festival. On the first and second Sunday of November, the Festival of the ‘bartolaccio’, a characteristic pasta of Tredozio, is staged.

The Stop Forlì Equipped area: via Golfarelli, 92 at the Rondoni Garage, two kilometres from the A14 motorway.

Stopover: at the sports stadium.

Camper Service: via Don Eugenio Servadei near the A14 motorway entrance.

Castrocaro Terme Campsite: Terme Via Conti, 5/A Tel. 0543 767 558 Equipped area: Fantacqua Club Via Sant’Antonio in Gualdo, 20 Tel. 0577 288 393 / 380 3921139 Stopover: via Cantarelli alongside COOP.

Stopover: in piazza Berlinguer, on river.

Rocca San Casciano Stopover: inside Parco Gramsci, in car-park of former Foro Boario along the San Zeno-Galeata road.

Holiday farms: Berleta Via Berleta, 4 -Tel. 0543 479 546 La Cerreta Via Berleta, 27 Berleta Tel. 0543 951 441 La Sorgente Via Calbola, 6 Calbola Tel. 0543 960 453 / 328 7445754 Tavernelle Via Limisano - Tel. 0543 950 051 Villa Renosa loc. Villa Renosa Tel. 0543 934 499

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Dovadola

Markets Forlì Monday and Friday Terra del Sole Saturday Castrocaro Terme Tuesday Dovadola Friday Rocca San Casciano Wednesday Portico di Romagna Friday Tredozio Tuesday 1

1. Forlì, Piazza Saffi 2. Castrocaro Terme, the fortress

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Tredozio Campsite: Le Volte** Via S. D’Acquisto, 2 Tel. 0546 943 161 Equipped area: in the square near swimming-pool, sports facilities and campsite.

Holiday farms: Ca’ Gianna Via Ridianello, 5 Tel. 0546 942 144 / 338 6179721 Casa Ottignana Via Ottignana - Tel. 0546 943 172/ 338 1000119 La Collinaccia loc. La Collinaccia, 9 Tel. 335 393255 Marzanella loc. Marzanellla, 18 Tel. 339 2272291

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Pian di Stantino Podere Pian di Stantino, 54 Ottignana - Tel. 0546 943539 Ridiano Via Ridiano, 2 Fregiolo Tel. 0546 942 351 Scarzana Scarzana - Tel. 0546 943 446/ 333 2107026 Portico di Romagna Campsite: Acquacheta*** Viale Acquacheta, 7/A Tel. 0543 965 245 Premilcuore Campsite: Alto Rabbi** Via Vallura Loc. Montaletto Tel. 0543 956 601 For other reception facilities see www.turismo.fc.it in the Hospitality section

from Sarsina to Ridracoli ITINERARY 12

From Plautus to the Casentino Forests

60 km route

Culture and Nature

From Sarsina, take the old state road 71 as far as Lago Quarto and San Piero in Bagno, then on to Bagno di Romagna.

Sarsina dominates the Savio valley and owes its fortune to its strategic position between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas.

Of the period (266 B.C.) in which it was a major Roman municipium, traces remain that are housed in the town’s interesting Archaeological Museum.

This is where Plautus, the famous Latin playwright was born. Bishop of the town during the middle-ages was Saint Vicinio, well known as a miracle worker and still evoked by visitors who don his centuriesold collar, which is kept in the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore and San Vicinio.

Drive back along the same road, after passing again through San Piero in Bagno, turn left and up to the Carnaio Pass (800 metres) along a scenic mountain road that leads to the Bidente Valley and Santa Sofia.

Continue along the upper reaches of the river as far as Isola, then turn left until you come to the small village of Ridracoli.

Bagno di Romagna is a wellknown and popular spa town, with sulphurous and bicarbonate-alkaline waters that spring from the rocks at a temperature of 45°. It boasts monuments such as the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo del Capitano, seat of the regents sent by Florence to the far reaches of its territory. Santa Sofia is an entrance gate to the

Festivals and markets Casentino Forests Park, well illustrated in its documented and didactic Visitors’ Centre. At Ridracoli, a pristine natural environment and the small restored village co-exist with the great dam on the upper Bidente valley, which has created the Ridracoli Lake. This supplies the Romagna Aqueduct and is a departure point for excursions along the ancient paths linking small abandoned villages of the higher Apennines and which pass through the Foresta della Lama, amid plants and animals of all kinds.

Food festivals In the Easter period, at Sarsina, the Sagra della pagnotta pasquale is held to celebrate what is a delicious local cake: the Easter loaf. The thousandyear-old Festa di San Vicinio is staged on 28 August.

On the third Saturday of August, at Bagno di Romagna, the Palio dei fuochi is held while the religious Festa del Perdono is staged on the second Friday of March. On Easter Monday, at Santa Sofia, the traditional Easter Monday Festival is held, while between 1-15 August, at Santa Sofia, the Agosto santasofiese event is celebrated.

The Spring Festival is staged at Ridracoli in June.

Markets Sarsina Tuesday San Piero in Bagno Wednesday Bagno di Romagna Friday Santa Sofia Thursday

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1. Longiano, the old town centre 2. Ridracoli, the dam

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The Stop Sarsina Stopover: at the sports-ground, S.S.71 in the direction of Bagno di Romagna.

San Piero in Bagno Campsite: Altosavio*** strada prov. 43 Km 2 Tel. 0543 903 409 / 917 397 Stopover: at the swimming pool just before entering town; behind the Post Office building Hoilday farms: Facciani Giorgio Via Vessa Brioli, 37 Tel. 0543 912 115 / 349 7534145 Hostel: Valbonella Centro Turistico Via Valbonella, 38 Loc. Val Gianna Tel. 0543 918 729 Bagno di Romagna Campsite: Camping Ridracoli in a mini stopping area Borgo di Ridracoli Tel. 0543 917 912 Stopover: in authorised area near town swimming pool; at Ridracoli, at the end of town to the right of the river.

Hoilday farms: Bacino Via Vessa, 24 Vessa Tel. 0543 912 023 La Banditina Via Banditina, 97 Banditina Tel. 0543 903 384 Le Corbaie Via Montegranelli Corbaie, 13 Tel. 349 0775434 De La Conception Loc. Banditina di Sopra, 97 Banditina - Tel. 0543 903 384/ 347 7534680 Incisa Via Incisa, 233 Selvapiana Tel. 0543 910 516 Mulino di Culmolle Via Mulino di Culmolle, 50 Poggio alla Lastra - Tel. 0543 913 039 Pennacchi Roberto Via Palazzina, 9 Crocedevoli/ Piciano - Tel. 0543 918 140/ 338 5617532 Pian d’Angelo Via Pian d’Angelo, 10 Santo Stefano - Tel. 0543 912 000 Pianconvento Podere Pianconvento Monteguidi Tel. 338 6988001 Hostel: Fattoria Ca’ di Gianni Via Ca’ di Gianni, 159 Loc. Ca’ di Gianni - Tel. 0543 917 358

Verghereto Campsite: Tiber*** Via Tevere, 27 Loc. Balze Tel. 0543 906 620 Holiday farms: Il Falco Via Trappola, 7 - Trappola Tel. 0543 910 103 / 349 3010940 Santa Sofia Campsite: Vivaio** Via Valbonella Loc. Corniolo Tel. 0543 980 018 Equipped area: in town car-park, along the road to Bagno di Romagna.

Stopovers: locality Campigna in car-park alongside the hotel ‘Lo Scoiattolo’; locality Spinello, in the town carpark; locality Corniolo, in car-park along road to Valbonella.

Hoilday farms: Cocchi Piero e figli Via Nocina, 147 Spinello Tel. 0543 970 287 Collina di Pondo Collina di Pondo Tel. 0543 970 175

Colombaia Via Forese - Colombaia, 35 Tel. 339 6673908 La Dispettosa Via Forese-Dispettosa, 216 Tel. 335 7723085 Fangacci Strada Statale, 310 Corniolo Tel. 0543 980 020 / 340 7635347 Molino Biserno Via Biserno Molino, 55 Biserno Tel. 0543 971 221 Poderone Via Campigna-Poderone, 64 Campigna - Tel. 0543 980 069/ 347 9460946 Rio Sasso Via Forese, 21 - Tel. 0543 970 497 Sant’Uberto Via Santa Maria di Sant’Uberto, 116 Spinello - Tel. 0543 996 039 Sorbo Via Sorbo, 50 Spinello Tel. 0543 970 214 / 339 7854632 Hostels: Albergo per la Gioventù Piazza Matteotti, 4 Tel. 0543 970 014 Badia di Sasso Loc. Corniolo - Tel. 0543 980 309 For other reception facilities see www.turismo.fc.it in the Hospitality section

Rimini

The ‘Splendours’ of the Malatesta History and Culture Roaming around in the open air A great variety of different landscapes distinguish this part of Romagna, which is well equipped with good roads that normally run parallel to the Rivers Uso, Marecchia, Marano and Conca.

The traditional hospitality provided by the inhabitants, who invented modern holidaymaking in the mid-19th century, invites visitors to discover natural and cultural environments of strong appeal, where accommodation facilities of every kind abound.

Rimini is a city rich in history, works of art and beautiful monuments. It has many different aspects. There is a Roman Rimini, with the famous Arch of Augustus, erected in 27 B.C. in honour of the emperor, or the Bridge of Tiberius, with its great Istrian stone arches, which marks the start of the Via Emilia.

But there is also a medieval Rimini, with churches that house frescos of the famous Trecento Rimini Giotto school and the mighty Castel Sigismondo, a home and fortress of the Malatesta family.

Splendid is the Renaissance Rimini, with that architectural masterpiece, the Tempio Malatestiano, the facade of which is the work of Leon Battista Alberti. This houses the crucifix by Giotto, the bas-reliefs of Agostino di Duccio and the fresco of Piero della Francesca portraying the Lord of Rimini, Sigismondo Malatesta.

A 16th-century and Baroque Rimini also exists however and the city offers visitors institutions that house heritages of priceless value such as the City Museum, the Biblioteca Gambalunga and the “Dinz Rialto” museum of non-european cultures.

The powerful Signoria of the Malatestas has left major signs of its power throughout the area. Fortresses, castles and enormous fortifications are to be found in nearly all the hill villages, almost always in strategic positions.

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Fragrances and Flavours Along the coast, fish accompanies famous pasta dishes such as tagliolini alle canocchie, an egg pasta with shellfish sauce; traditional passatelli can also be enjoyed in fish broth, as can strozzapreti. The hills on the other hand favour dishes tied to herbs, cheeses, honey, oil and wine, all of which readily available in the many scenic restaurants that dot the area.

Visitors can choose between refined creative restaurants, where the quality of the products is a source of pride or simpler eating places – trattorie – where generous plates of pasta and grilled meat are always accompanied by young local wines such as white Trebbiano or red Sangiovese.

Sea and Nature Rimini is more than just its shallow sea and sandy beach; it is also hinterland, with valleys carved out by the Rivers Marecchia, Marano and Conca and a singular landscape in terms of crops and tree species – a place where vineyards and wheat fields coexist with oaks and Spanish broom, olives and chestnuts.

The identity of the Marecchia Valley, conditioned by history and the age-old battles between the Houses of Malatesta and Montefeltro, led to the formation of the larger centres with their mighty strongholds.

Nature here is at the same time harsh and gentle, but always highly appealing.

Here the woodland is home to rare animals and the landscape is sculpted by the rocks that dominate the entire valley.

Activities Many are the tourist cycling or mountain bike trails that cross the hills, which also provide trekking routes through major nature reserves.

Numerous horse-riding facilities organise riding trips through the countryside. The beach is a real open-air gymnasium with sports for all tastes, from beach basketball to boules and fitness activities in the water or on the sand.

Not to speak of sailing and scuba diving to discover the sea bottom. For those who want to take a stroll on the green, golf facilities are to be found everywhere.

At night, you can dance to your heart’s content on the beach.

In the Conca Valley, the castles and villages tend to be built on top of panoramic outcrops that once overlooked the scenes of bloody battles. Dropping down towards the plain, the countryside becomes even gentler and nature coexists harmoniously with agriculture.

The biggest surprises of this valley appear in the Rimini area – old-town centres rich in monuments and a number of smaller hidden valleys, incredibly beautiful and pristine, where the plants and animals and the rural environment represent an occasion to experience the countryside and hills amid peace and quiet, only a short way from the busy coast.

Events Rimini is a place of encounter where numerous major international events are staged, such as the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana, the Adriaticocinema festival, the Meeting per l’Amicizia dei Popoli and the International Study Days organised by the Pio Manzù Centre.

Nor must we forget the Associazione Fellini, which organises international conventions on the great film director, who was born in Rimini and whose films are inspired by the city. For the past ten years, in September, Rimini has also hosted Mondo Natura, Italy’s major open-air tourism exhibition. The surrounding countryside contains splendid Malatesta fortresses, many of which host summer events that attract visitors from all over, and medieval villages that celebrate their history and traditions in a thousand different ways. In July, at Santarcangelo, the Experimental Theatre Festival is staged.

Medieval atmospheres are revived at Verucchio in the Parata d’Agosto, Rocca, Fanti, Donne e Mercanti event.

1. Verucchio, golf course 2. Bellaria, the beach 3. Santarcangelo, view

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from Bellaria - Igea Marina to Verucchio ITINERARY 13

The Marecchia River Valley and the Malatesta Fortresses

38 km route

Culture and Nature

From Bellaria-Igea Marina drive towards Santarcangelo di Romagna, situated on a low ridge, between the River Uso valley and that of the River Marecchia. The road that winds its way up the valley, crosses a green stretch of countryside and brings you to Poggio Berni.

Located at the northernmost point of the Rimini coast, Bellaria-Igea Marina offers visitors a sandy beach, a town park and lots of characteristic meeting spots. Further inland, Santarcangelo di Romagna is a quaint little town with its Parish Church, Malatesta Fortress, Caves and Ethnographic Museum of the traditions and customs of the People of Romagna, one of the major anthropological collections in the area.

Nearby stands Poggio Berni, an ancient possession of the Rimini family of the same name.

This was once the site of fortified farmsteads called ‘Tombe’.

Continuing along the Marecchia Valley, we come to the Oasis of Torriana - Montebello, where both the vegetation and animal habitat create what is a protected environment and which boasts Fortresses surrounded by interesting legends. In the Fortress of Torriana, Gianciotto Malastesta, the husband who killed Paolo and Francesca, is said to have been murdered; at Montebello, the legend relives of Azzurrina, the young daughter of Ugolinuccio Malatesta, who disappeared mysteriously

Deviating slightly to the right, a scenic roads leads up to the splendid fortresses of Torriana and Montebello, which can already be seen from far off.

Returning down to the Marecchia Valley, the road crosses the river and reaches Verucchio, also built on a rocky crag.

Festivals and markets while she was playing inside the castle. Visitors can hear ‘laughter, a child playing, 12 bell tolls, the fast beat of a small heart’, recorded by Italian radio and TV (RAI) on the day of the summer solstice in 2000. Characteristic features of the Marecchia Valley are the large limestone crags on which fortresses and towers were erected to defend against enemy troops. Today they dominate the magnificent countryside (and are clearly visible from the road that links Verucchio to San Marino). Verucchio, ‘the cradle of the Malatesta family’, has all the appeal of history and beautiful natural surroundings.

Here the refined Villanovian culture once thrived and many artefacts of that age can be seen in the Civic Archaeological Museum. The town also boasts monuments of the late-middle ages such as the Parish Church and the Franciscan Convent where an enormous 700-yearold cypress tree can be seen.

Well worth a visit is the Malatesta Fortress or Rocca del Sasso, which incorporates buildings of different periods that testify to the importance of the town over the centuries.

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Food festivals In May at Bellaria - Igea Marina, the Sagra del ‘pinzimonio’ (festival dedicated to the typical sauce made of olive oil, pepper and salt into which raw vegetables may be dipped). At Torriana, at the end of July, Scorticata, la collina dei piaceri with a range of different gastronomic proposals.

In September, always at Torriana, the sweet Honey Festival.

In mid-September, the Fiera di Santa Croce is staged at Verucchio, with food stands, free tasting and music. In November, at Santarcangelo di Romagna, the Fiera di San Michele, while, to warm the cold winter evenings, there is the Fiera di San Martino, often called for fun, the Fira di bec (fair of the cuckolds).

The Stop Bellaria-Igea Marina Campsites: Happy**** Viale Panzini, 228 Tel. 0541 346 102 Riccardo*** Viale Pinzon, 310 Tel. 0541 331 503 Equipped areas: L’Adriatico Parking Via Benivieni, 12 Tel. 0541 330 214 / 339 4325498 Parking delle Robinie Viale Pinzon, 258 Tel. 0541 332 301 / 339 1900654 Rio Pircio Via Benivieni, 4 close to sea near Parco Pavese Tel. 0541 330 004 / 339 1871689 Stopovers: n the car-park of via dei Mille Igea Marina; in two large areas above the canal harbour. That on the right of the harbour is guarded in summer.

Camper Service: at the Iper Romagna supermarket at Savignano Mare and near the Campeggio Riccardo.

Santarcangelo di Romagna Campsite: Valmarecchia** Via Baduccia Loc. Sant’Ermete Tel. 0541 758 890 Equipped area: along the via Emilia at the foot of the old-town centre. The area is known as ‘Francolini’.

Torriana-Montebello Stopovers: in Loc. Montebello, in the town centre, car-park.

Verucchio Equipped area: in via Martiri in the Parco Dasi.

Stopover: in the car-park in Piazza Battaglini.

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Markets Igea Marina Friday Bellaria Wednesday Santarcangelo di Romagna Monday and Friday Verucchio Saturday 1. Montecolombo, view 2. San Clemente, a cell in the cemetery 3. Montefiore, the fortress well 4. Gemmano, view

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from Rimini to San Marino ITINERARY 14

Exploring ancient lands, discovering fine food

37 km route

Culture and Nature

Festivals and markets

From Rimini, drive along the Adriatica state road as far as the turn off for Coriano, a town that stands on a hill amid vineyards and olive groves, country houses and old farms dating back to the times of the Malatestas.

For the past 150 years, thanks to its endless beach, exciting night life and its cultural and artistic heritage, Rimini has been the capital of seaside holidaymaking.

The countryside which surrounds the city is of rare beauty; the hills of Coriano and of the mid Conca Valley for instance are a perfect example of close co-existence of countryside, nature and ancient settlements – villages like Montecolombo, situated on a hill top with panoramic views of the coastal plain and lower part of the valley, with its Castle structured as a real medieval village. Not far away is Montescudo, where rural and farming traditions abound.

Food festivals At Coriano in September, the Fiera del sangiovese is staged, and at the end of November, at the Olive Fair, autumn products and new oil and wine can be tasted. At Montecolombo, in mid July, the Tripe and strozzaprete festival is held.

In mid August, Montescudo organises the Potato Festival; potatoes are cooked in a thousand different ways and there is also a farm produce and crafts fair that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Highly spectacular are the Giornate medievali (Medieval Days) organised in the Republic of San Marino between endAugust and early September.

On 3 September, the Republic dresses up to celebrate its patron saint and founder with stalls and a large bingo competition. San Marino celebrates the New Year in the open air with dances, music and fantastic fireworks which go to join those of the other surrounding valleys, offering a truly unparalleled show.

The road that leads to Montecolombo and Montescudo offers beautiful scenic views of the mid Valconca (river Conca valley) where hills towns still maintain their original layout and numerous medieval-Renaissance monuments can be seen.

From here, amid the green countryside, through the village/castle of Albereto, the road reaches the ancient Republic of San Marino, where open-air tourism finds a warm welcome.

Worth a visit: the village of Albereto, the Museum of Farming Traditions and the Museum of the Eastern Gothic Line, with artefacts from the Second World War. The picturesque Rocche (fortresses) of the Republic of San Marino, which can be seen from virtually anywhere along the coast, are built on the top of Mount Titano.

This is the oldest State in the world, founded in 301 A.D. by a stonecutter called Marinus, who took refuge here after leaving Dalmatia.

Some of the major sights in the Republic are: the Three Fortresses, the Palazzo Pubblico, the State Museum and the restored San Francesco Art Gallery.

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1. Mondaino, Palio del Daino 2. Montescudo, Torre Civica 3. Coriano, olive picking 4. Mondaino, Palio del Daino

Markets Rimini Wednesday and Saturday Coriano Thursday Montescudo Sunday San Marino: at Borgo Maggiore Thursday at Serravalle Friday

The Stop

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Rimini Campsites: Torre Pedrera*** Via San Salvador, 200 Torre Pedrera Tel. 0541 7204 37 Italia International*** Via Toscanelli, 112 Viserba Tel. 0541 732 882 Belvedere** Via Grazia, 9 Loc. Viserbella Tel. 0541 720 960 Maximum Internazionale*** Via Principe di Piemonte, 57 Miramare Tel. 0541 372 602 Equipped areas: in the Fantoni car-park, a crossroads of via Flaminia Conca, former exhibition centre area, Rimini Sud A14 motorway exit.

Punti Sosta: at the Regina Pacis sports ground near the Hospital;

at Centro Flaminio; at Bellariva, along Lungomare Di Vittorio (promenade); at Miramare, close to Campeggio Maximum; in old Exhibition Centre area, in via Euterpe and Piazzale Bornaccini; Madonna delle Grazie, in Loc. Covignano; in Piazzale Kennedy, car-park of Parco Briolini; in former Atam area in viale Baldini.

Camper Service: Car-park in via Chiabrera, 4 guarded; at ‘Quelli del camper’ sales centre Via Nuova Circonvallazione, 57 Tel. 0541 773 163 Holiday farm: Biolife Via S. Salvatore, 29/31 San Salvatore Tel. 0541 730 204

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Monte Colombo Holiday farm: Il Campanaccio Via Casiccio, 5 Tel. 0541 984 643 Montescudo Stopover: in car-park below walls, at filling station.

Repubblica di San Marino Stopovers: via Napoleone in car-park no. 9 and car-park no. 10, close to cable-car.

Locality Cailungo Campsites: San Marino Tourist Centre with equipped area, S. Michele, 50 road Tel. 0549 903 964

Locality Acquaviva Equipped areas: on the plain of Ca’ Martino, at the Dairy (Centrale del Latte).

Locality Murata Equipped areas: Campo dei Giudei road close to car-park no. 12.

Locality Borgo Maggiore Equipped areas: at car-park no. 13 of the Baldasserona, 300 m from Borgo MaggioreSan Marino cable-car station.

Locality Serravalle Equipped areas: close to Serravalle sports facilities, opposite new Sports Stadium.

from Riccione to Grotte di Onferno ITINERARY 15

Nature and treasures of the Malatestas

34 km route

Culture and Nature

Festivals and markets

From Riccione to San Giovanni in Marignano, called the granary of the Malatestas, passing through glorious countryside. Following the course of the River Conca, you come to Morciano di Romagna, a point of transit between the plain and the hills.

Riccione has always been a fashionable locality, with Viale Ceccarini, its elegant boutiques, modern bars and cafés and a beautiful equipped beach. This is one of the most ‘in’ spots of the entire Romagna coast.

Food festivals Ever since the Middle-Ages, the ancient Fiera di San Gregorio has been held at Morciano di Romagna in mid March.

This includes an animal market with horses, cows, sheep and farmyard animals and an exhibition of crafts and industrial/ farm products.

In mid-August, Gemmano stages the Sagra delle pappardelle al cinghiale (Festival of wild boar pappardelle)and offers visitors gastronomic specialities.

Every Sunday in October, the Chestnut Festival is held at Montefiore Conca.

Behind the town, towards the Conca Valley, lies peaceful countryside, only occasionally scarred by erosion furrows, with towns such as Morciano di Romagna, with its ancient trading vocation and a strategic position between the plains and fertile hills. From here the road climbs towards Montefiore Conca, formerly the old capital of the valley, one of the most authentic and best preserved towns of the Signoria in terms of landscapes and monuments, reputed to be one of ‘the most beautiful villages in Italy’.

Continuing through Serra di Sotto and Serra di Sopra, along a winding scenic road, you then reach Montefiore Conca.

Continuing along the old via Pedrosa, amid oak, olive and chestnut trees, you come to Gemmano, and finally, along a breathtaking scenic road, the Onferno Caves.

Its restored fortress, the Rocca Malatestiana, dominates the valley and the whole of the old-town centre with its narrow streets and artisan workshops.

Gemmano is a must for anyone wanting to enjoy the pristine natural surroundings of the Rimini hills with breathtaking scenery, including the Onferno Nature Reserve and its caves, a karst system of considerable importance, first explored by Quartina in 1916.

The Stop

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Riccione Campsites: Adria*** Viale Torino, 40 Tel. 0541 601 003 Alberello*** Via Torino, 80 - Tel. 0541 615 402 Fontanelle*** Via Torino, 56 - Tel. 0541 615 449 Riccione*** Via Marsala, 10 Tel. 0541 690 160 Equipped area: in Piazza I° Maggio with camper service during summer.

Stopovers: area north of the canal harbour, after a couple of blocks, in the promenade car-park; at kilometre 216 of the Adriatica state road (baker’s shop corner).

Holiday farm: Agricamper S.S. 16 Adriatica al chilometro 180 Loc. Fontanelle, opposite Esso filling station Tel. 0541 690 201 / 602 185 Belvedere via Saffi, 17 - Tel. 0541 602 185 Misano Adriatico Campsites: Misano*** Via Litoranea sud, 60 Tel. 0541 614 330 Mithos*** Via Ponte Conca, 43 Tel. 0541 614 819 Montefiore Conca Stopover: car-park in via Europa, for campers and buses.

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A small underground river has sculpted these limestone rocks creating tunnels, rooms and recesses in the ground stretching for 750 metres. The caves are home to numerous bats.

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Grotte di Onferno Stopover: in car park.

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Markets Riccione Friday Morciano di Romagna Thursday

1. Rimini, hills 2. Riccione, the marina 3. Santarcangelo, Parish Church 4. Montegridolfo, the village 5. Verucchio, the museum 6. Rimini, hills

Gemmano Stopover: in town car-park.

Hostel: Via Castello di Onferno, 83 Tel. 0541 984 670

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from Cattolica to Montegridolfo ITINERARY 16

The borders of the Signoria

34 km route

Culture and Nature

From Cattolica, following the Adriatica state road and turning right, the road climbs up to Gradara (alt. 140 m) as far as the famous Malatesta Castle, with a short intermediate stop, if you wish, at the hospitable village of Granarola with sea view.

To the south, where the Romagna coastline borders that of the Marche region, in a large natural bay protected by the Gabicce headland, lies Cattolica, a major fishing port and a city with ancient seafaring traditions which today are kept at the Museo della Regina.

Continue on to Tavullia along the apparently flat road that stretches over a ridge of hills with a good view of the coast and Montefeltro, in the direction of Santa Maria del Monte, San Rocco and then Saludecio, which boasts a rich old-town centre. Further on are Mondaino and Montegridolfo with their mighty fortified walls.

On the hills, behind the town, in a wonderful scenic location, stands Gradara, with its restored Castello Malatestiano, surrounded by high walls and with its old town centre, where legend says the sad story of Paolo and Francesca took place.

Saludecio reveals its past as the most important town of the Conca Valley (between 1500 and 1800) in its streets and squares, onto which face elegant aristocratic houses and Towers that terminate directly in the beautiful surrounding countryside.

The luscious greenery of the area has made Saludecio into a herbal and medicinal herb study centre. Just a few kilometres away is Mondaino with

Festivals and markets its singular Piazza Maggiore, which has an oval shape and an elegant 18th C. portico, accessible through a fortified gate dominated by the fortress, the Rocca Malatestiana.

Only a short drive away is Montegridolfo, formerly a Castle built to defend the border with the Montefeltro region of the Marche and now a skilfully restored village incorporated within still intact walls.

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Cattolica Equipped area: at the bus station.

Stopovers: at Piazza del Mercato Scoperto, except Saturday until 3 pm; at the Dolphinarium; in the Sports-ground car-park and that of the “Le Navi” park.

Gradara Equipped areas: private parking area under the walls of the Castle with access from pay car-park; in the town car-park in Piazza Paolo e Francesca, 250 m before the castle wall. Ticket required for first 5 hours then free of charge, bus service.

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Markets Cattolica Saturday Saludecio Sunday Mondaino Thursday Montegridolfo Tuesday

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Food festivals At Saludecio, during the period around 25 April, Salus Erbe and in mid-July, Il sabato dei villaggi with food stalls and traditional produce.

In mid November, Mondaino stages a Truffle Fair, while at the end of November, visitors will find honey, oil, precious truffles and cheeses at the Fiera di Santa Bibiana.

In mid-December, at Montegridolfo, a day dedicated to new olive oil during which a regional competition is staged between top-quality extra-virgin olive oils to award the Il novello di Romagna prize.

The Stop

1. Mondaino, the Rocca Malatestiana 2. Mondaino, Palio del Daino 3. Montegridolfo, entrance gate 4. Saludecio

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Santa Maria del Monte Holiday farm: Il Dragoncello Via Marchetta - Tel. 0541 981 769

Torre Del Poggio Via dei Poggi, 2064 Loc. Poggio S. Martino Tel. 0541 955 195

Saludecio Equipped area: in Via Tassinara, 81 Loc. Pulzona Tel. 0541 987 847 Stopover: in the ‘Gioco del Pallone’ car park outside Porta Marina.

Holiday farms: Eby via Tassinara, 81 Loc. Pulzona Tel. 0541 987 847 Da Maget (including tent areas) Via Meleto 443 Loc. Meleto Tel. 0541 855 117

Mondaino Stopover in car-park under and outside the walls.

Montegridolfo Stopover: in the Castle car-park.

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The holiday offers are available at:

www.adriacoast.com Or may be requested: Fax +39 0547 675 192 info@adriacoast.com IAT Tourist Information Office open all year Unione Prodotto Costa Palazzo del Turismo Viale Roma, 112 47042 Cesenatico (FC) Tel. 0547 675 212 Fax 0547 675 192 info@adriacoast.com www.adriacoast.com

www.adriacoast.com The touristic website of Adriatic Coast of Emilia Romagna with all the localities, events and holiday offers and where to book.

Photographs: Lino Bottaro, Paolo Equisetto, Gianluca Liverani, Maurizio Montanari, Gian Paolo Senni, Dino Scaravelli, Luigi Tazzari, Adriana Ugolini, APT Servizi, Tourist Authorities of the Provinces of Ferrara, Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena, Rimini, and Tourist Authorities of the coastal municipalities, Unione Costa archives Graphic design: Studio Pleiadi - Cesena Editorial Co-ordination and copy: Rodolfo Bartoletti, Maria Saccomandi, acknowledgements Simona Benzi and the magazine “Turismo all’aria aperta” Printed in October 2007 Graph, San Leo

In provincia di Ferrara

Gatteo a Mare Piazza della Libertà, 10 - 47023 Gatteo a Mare (FC) Tel. 0547 86 083 - Fax 0547 85 393 iat@comune.gatteo.fo.it www.comune.gatteo.fo.it/gatteomare

Ferrara Castello Estense - 44100 Ferrara Tel. 0532 209 370 - Fax 0532 212 266 infotour@provincia.fe.it www.ferrarainfo.com

San Mauro Mare Via della Repubblica, 8 - 47030 San Mauro Mare (FC) Tel. 0541 346 392 - Fax 0541 341 378 info@sanmauromare.net www.sanmauromare.net

Comacchio Via Mazzini, 4 - 44022 Comacchio (FE) Tel. 0533 314 154 - Fax 0533 319 278 comacchio.iat@comune.comacchio.fe.it www.comune.comacchio.fe.it

In provincia di Rimini

In provincia di Ravenna

Rimini Marina Centro Piazzale F. Fellini, 3 - 47900 Rimini Tel. 0541 56 902 - Fax 0541 56 598 infomarinacentro@comune.rimini.it www.riminiturismo.it

Ravenna Via Salara, 8/12 - 48100 Ravenna Tel. 0544 35 404 - Fax 0544 482 670 turismo@comune.ra.it www.turismo.ravenna.it

Rimini FS Piazzale C. Battisti, 1 - 47900 Rimini Tel. 0541 51 331 - Tel. Fax 0541 27 927 infostazione@comune.rimini.it www.riminiturismo.it

IAT Teodorico Via delle Industrie, 14 - 48100 Ravenna Tel. 0544 451 539 teodorico.iat@libero.it

Bellaria Igea Marina Via L. da Vinci, 2 - 47814 Bellaria (RN) Tel. 0541 344 108 - 344 574 - Fax 0541 345 491 iat@comune.bellaria-igea-marina.rn.it www.comune.bellaria-igea-marina.rn.it

IAT Classe Via Romea Sud, 266 - 48100 Ravenna Tel. 0544 473 661 classe.iat@libero.it Cervia-Milano Marittima Viale Matteotti, 39/41 - 48016 Milano Marittima (RA) Tel. 0544 993 435 - Fax 0544 993 226 iatmilanomarittima@cerviaturismo.it www.comunecervia.it/turismo

In provincia di Forlì-Cesena

Riccione Piazzale Ceccarini, 11 - 47838 Riccione (RN) Tel. 0541 693 302 - Fax 0541 605 752 iat@comune.riccione.rn.it www.riccione.it Misano Adriatico Viale dei Platani, 22 - 47843 Misano Adriatico (RN) Tel. 0541 615 520 - Fax 0541 613 295 iat@comune.misano-adriatico.rn.it www.comune.misano-adriatico.rn.it

Forlì Piazzetta XC Pacifici, 2 - 47100 Forlì Tel. 0543 712 435 - Fax 0543 712 755 iat@comune.forli.fo.it www.turismoforlivese.it Cesena Piazza del Popolo, 11 - 47023 Cesena (FC) Tel. 0547 356 327 - Fax 0547 356 329 iat@comune.cesena.fc.it www.comune.cesena.fc.it

Cattolica Piazzale Roosevelt, 5 - 47841 Cattolica (RN) Tel. 0541 966 697 - 966 621 - Fax 0541 966 695 iat@cattolica.net www.cattolica.net

Cesenatico Viale Roma, 112 - 47042 Cesenatico (FC) Tel. 0547 673 287 - Fax 0547 673 288 info@cesenaticoturismo.com www.cesenatico.it/turismo

APT Servizi Piazzale Fellini, 3 - 47900 Rimini Tel. 0541 430 111 - Fax 0541 430 151 info@aptservizi.com www.aptservizi.com Unione Prodotto Appennino e Verde c/o Provincia di Modena Servizio Turismo Viale J. Barozzi, 340 - 41100 Modena Tel. 059 209 520 - Fax 059 220 686 appennino@aptservizi.com www.appenninoeverde.it

Unione Prodotto Terme, Salute, Benessere c/o APT Servizi Via Aldo Moro, 62 - 40127 Bologna Tel. 051 4202 630 - Fax 051 4202 612 terme@aptservizi.com www.emiliaromagnaterme.it Unione Prodotto delle Città d’Arte, Cultura e Affari c/o APT Servizi Via Aldo Moro, 62 - 40127 Bologna Tel. 051 4202 641 - Fax 051 4202 612 info@cittadarte.emilia-romagna.it www.cittadarte.amilia-romagna.it