of Emilia Romagna

Landscapes
Forlì Cesena
Bertinoro Fortress
Commissioned in the first decades of the X century
by the Counts of Bertinoro, this impressive fortress,
that was idyllically set on the top of a privileged,
strategic position, was one of the most imposing
defensive structures of those times. Over the course
of the centuries, it has attracted large numbers of
noble people, such as Counts Cavalcaconte, Frederick
I Barbarossa (1177) and the Lords of Romagna, that is
to say Malatesta, Sforza and Borgia. In the XVI century,
it was turned into an Episcopal See. Since 1994,
the fortress has been the seat of the Residential
Centre of Alma Mater Studiorum University of
Bologna, and has hosted important training courses,
seminars and conventions. The ground floor is home
to the Inter-religious Museum, the only exhibition of
this kind in Italy that is dedicated to the places, gestures
and items that connect people with the three
major monotheistic religions in the world: Judaism,
Christianity and Islam.
Between Middle Ages and
Renaissance
The eagle, the keys and the lily are the symbols
of the imperial, papal and Florentine domination
respectively, that subsequently ruled the hills
of Romagna over the course of the centuries and
are now celebrated by the permanent exhibition
of historical remains and artworks on stage in the
Fortress of Castrocaro Terme. In summer, the castle
often arranges spectacular shows and events, historical
recollections and amazing food and wine festivals,
the latter being particularly appreciated since
the walls of the castle are home to the prestigious
wine cellar of the Route of Wine and Flavours of the
Hills of Forlì and Cesena. The nearby Terra del Sole
is the ideal city of the Renaissance, whose architectural
proportions mirror the harmony of universe.
Called “Eliopoli” (Greek name for City of Sun) by the
Humanists, it was commissioned by the Grand Duke
of Tuscany Cosimo I de’ Medici, and since 1579 it
has been the major centre of the Tuscan Romagna.
The fascinating atmosphere that permeates the
central Piazza Garibaldi mirrors the Renaissance
attitude of the city, what makes it an inestimable
heritage of great value.
Villages and Fortresses
The tour could start from Cesena, that is home to
one of the most fascinating fortresses of Romagna,
that was built by Galeotto Malatesta and is totally
surrounded by the lush Parco della Rimembranza.
Not to be missed is the nearby Montiano, whose
imposing fortress has been the residence of the
Malatesta Family since the XVI century. The castle
of Montenovo, that was contested among the
Archbishop of Ravenna, the Lords of Rimini and the
Lords of Cesena, was at the heart of a diplomatic
intercession by Frederick I Barbarossa. Longiano’s
Malatesta Castle rises on the top of a sweet local
hill and boasts breathtaking views over the lush surrounding
plain. Traces of the history of the Malatesta
can be seen in Monteleone di Roncofreddo and in
the walls of Borghi Castle too, that dates back to
the fifteenth century, when Sigismondo Pandolfo
Malatesta was the lord of the city. The lovely hamlet
of San Giovanni in Galilea still cherishes the ancient
sighting towers and the remains of the imposing
walls that once encircled the entire village.
Thermal resorts between
history and wellbeing
Relaxation, wellbeing, art, events and culture are
the major ingredients of a wonderful itinerary
across the province of Forlì. The tour could start
from the historical thermal resort of Castrocaro
Terme, with its fascinating Art-Nouveau/Art-Deco
Grand Hotel surrounded by the ancient trees of the
Park; visitors will then have the possibility to admire
the thirteen hectares of park that are home to
the seven thermal springs of the Grand Hotel Terme
della Fratta, that are rich in precious substances
and mineral salts, before reaching the three bathing
establishments of Bagno di Romagna, that are famous
all over Italy for the therapeutic properties of
their hot water and are totally surrounded by the
splendid National Park of Casentino Forests, Mount
Falterona and Campigna.
1. Bertinoro Fortress