Surroundings

San Marino is an independent republic which lies near the Adriatic coast in central Italy, between the borders of Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions. Despite its Italian character, San Marino is very proud of its independent status, which brings in hundreds of tourists and tax-free shoppers every day.
Although the steep slopes, cliffs and castles of San Marino are impressive enough in themselves, what really takes your breath away is the view from the town. On a clear day you can see the Adriatic a few miles to the east, and in other directions the hilly land rises into central Italy. The most famous attractions of San Marino are its defensive towers. Two of these (the Rocca and the Torre Cesta) can be visited with a combined ticket and offer good chances to climb towers and explore ramparts. San Marino's fortifications were restored in the 1940s courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox, who used the republic as a film set for Prince of Foxes, starring Tyrone Power.There are various woodland routes marked out by signs, and if you have time it is worth wandering through the pretty woods, where the natural greenery is such a contrast to the busy streets nearby. For a good short stroll, just head along the main path which follows the clifftop. This leads to the third of San Marino's fortresses, a solitary tower called the Torre del Montale. The building isn't open to the public, but it is another great viewpoint and considerably less crowded. Along the way are various picnic spots and stone benches for a spot of peaceful contemplation. More colourful tourist appeal is to be had from the changing of the guard ceremony (at half-past every hour in the summer months) in Piazza della Libertà. San Marino's principal museum is the State Museum (Museo di Stato), which contains historical exhibits and artwork. There are also the museums of torture, waxworks, weaponry.

Republic of San Marino
50 km from Cervia

One of the most attractive cities in Romagna, it is famous for its beauty and for being the birthplace of more intellectuals and artists than any other town in the province, including internationally-famous poets and screenwriters past and present. Even a former Pope - Pope Clement XIV Ganganelli - was born here as some monuments dedicated to him recall. Art, culture, history and traditions are right at home; visitors can sense this in its narrow streets and squares and in the numerous events that mark the seasons and have become a great attraction for tourists. Its historical centre is more alive than ever, thanks also to careful reconstruction work that has taken care to maintain the vestiges of the past. Despite having over 20,000 inhabitants, it still retains a village atmosphere that focuses heavily on hospitality and where there is a strong cultural identity.
Since 1971 in July Santarcangelo hosts one of the most important international festivals of theatre in Italy "Festival Internazionale del Teatro in Piazza" (international festival of theatre, music and street preformances). The"Fiera di San Martino" ( November, the 11th) is an ancient cattle fair. Nowadays it's an important event dedicated to commerce, popular culture and entertainment.
"Balconi Fioriti" (May) is a flower show with a specialized market of plants, flowers and handcrafts; during the event all citizens of this beautiful city will make every effort to decorate their balconies, the streets and every corner of the town with flowers and plants.
The "Fiera di San Michele" (September, the 29th) is a traditional birds fair, dedicated to the environmental themes, animals, plants and natural food.
In Santarcangelo, since the '90, live the biggest and most active mutoid community of Europe.

Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN)
30 km from Cervia

Located at the heart of Romagna, along the slopes of the hills of the Forlì Apennines, just a few kilometres from Via Emilia, 15 km from Forlì and 13 km from Cesena, Bertinoro overlooks a fascinating landscape, where the view goes as far as to the sea.
Besides its hospitality and the wonderful bird’s eye view you can enjoy from the main square Piazza della Libertà – it is not by chance that it was called “Balcony of Romagna” –, Bertinoro is a typical example of Medieval citadel, featuring walls, towers and old houses, also known as the “Town of Wine”. The legend says that Galla Placidia, daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius, passed by and tasted a wine served in a poor cup, and she said "non di così rozzo calice sei degno, o vino, ma di berti in oro" (You should not drink this wine in such a poor cup.Rather it should be drunk in a gold goblet). This is where the name of the town comes from. From the top of Mount Cesubeo, a millenary fortress towers over the citadel. It dates to a time before the 10th century and was the residence of Emperor Federico Barbarossa in 1177, and his court and militia, and then the bishop’s seat since 1584. Today, the defensive structure still preserves its medieval appearance. Inside the Fortress, there are the offices and apartments of the old bishop’s seat, a large balcony looking at the village and an impressive 17th-century hall decorated with Baroque frescoes. Today the Fortress is home to the University Residential Centre of Bertinoro of Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna and the Interreligious Museum. Recently founded by the Diocese of Forlì-Bertinoro, the Museum investigates the common aspects of the three monotheist religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The medieval village of Bertinoro is also considered the “Town of hospitality” because of the presence of the Column of twelve rings, each ring corresponding to one of the twelve families of the town; a stranger who arrived and tied up his horse to one of the rings was the guest of the family to whom the ring belonged. The tradition is repeated every year on the first Sunday of September.

Bertinoro (FC)
28 km from Cervia

Predappio

COSA VEDERE Il centro urbano di Predappio Nuova è costituito da un lungo viale (che oggi si chiama, ironia della sorte, Corso Matteotti), su cui sorgono varie costruzioni. In fondo al viale c’è la vasta Piazza S. Antonio, dominata dalla Chiesa omonima, realizzata tra il 1925 e il 1934. Sulla stessa Piazza si affaccia, dall’alto di una collinetta, il Palazzo Varano: di origine forse romana, fu in tempi più recenti sede delle scuole elementari per divenire poi sede del Municipio, funzione cui assolve tuttora. Interessante la scalinata di accesso al palazzo: vista dall’alto la gradinata ha la forma di una freccia che indica Rocca delle Caminate, antico castello medievale restaurato e donato a Benito Mussolini dall’Ente Provinciale Fascista di Forlì con il concorso di fondi elargiti da privati cittadini; la rocca è ben visibile, in lontananza, dalla sommità dei gradini. In Piazza S. Antonio è da segnalare la Casa del Fascio, edificio realizzato da Arnaldo Fuzzi tra il 1934 e il 1937. La Casa del Fascio si distingue per un’architettura monumentale, che rielabora in maniera originale il repertorio dell’architettura classica: di forte impatto la torre littoria, definita “virile e modernissima”.. Percorrendo Corso Matteotti si vedono altre costruzioni che rappresentano la città fascista ideale: l’ex Albergo Appennino fu costruito per dare accoglienza ai cospicui flussi di pellegrini in visita a Predappio; l’Ufficio Postelegrafonico fu dotato di particolari accorgimenti tecnici che rendessero agevole il servizio; il Mercato dei Viveri fu progettato a forma di esedra, in modo da incorniciare visivamente la casa natale del Duce, che si scorge fra la vegetazione. A circa 1 km da Predappio il Cimitero di San Cassiano in Pennino, ricostruito completamente dal potere fascista in stile pseudo-bizantino, racchiude l’antica Pieve di San Cassiano (X-XI sec.).

Nel cimitero è visitabile la tomba di Mussolini e della sua famiglia. Nelle vicinanze di Predappio si trova la Chiesa di Sant'Agostino: in stile romanico, conserva all’interno pregevoli affreschi. Nel nucleo medievale di Predappio Alta, a 3 km dall’abitato moderno, sorge la Rocca dei Calboli, antico presidio strategico, visibile esternamente. Alla rocca si accede superando la “Portaccia”, accesso medievale al borgo fortificato.
SUGGERIMENTI - Predappio è la città del Sangiovese, che in questa zona, grazie alla particolare composizione del terreno, dà origine ad un vino robusto e strutturato. Consigliamo di assaggiarlo nelle più famose ed antiche Cantine di Predappio Alta: le Cantine Zoli, che accolgono oggi il ristorante-enoteca “Vècia Cantena d’la Pré”, ove si scende nel sottosuolo fino a diversi metri di profondità. Nei locali medievali dell’edificio è pure allestito un Museo del Vino. - Agli appassionati di motociclismo consigliamo di partecipare in maggio all’ormai celeberrima “Mototagliatella”, meeting declinato in forma goliardica ove si danno appuntamento centauri di tutta Italia… È un avvenimento “moto-gastronomico” vietato agli astemi! - Durante il periodo natalizio un originale presepe è allestito nelle grotte della Solfatara, l’ex miniera di zolfo di Predappio Alta.

Maggiori informazioni:
Predappio provincia Forli Cesena
55 km da Cervia

hidden Predappio provincia Forli Cesena
hidden 55 km da Cervia

Renowned seaside town on the coast of Romagna, located between Ravenna and Rimini. In the picturesque historical center, which resides harmonically among modern urban structures, people can still get a sense of the atmosphere of the old fishermen's village. The soft sandy beach which stretches out towards the sea, with its well-equipped beach centers, and the hinterland, with two big parks, are only a few of the distinctive features of Cesenatico. Its "Giardini al Mare” is a lively place, a long green area where people can sunbathe while walking peacefully. Where to visit and what to see The origin of Cesenatico dates back to 1302, when the harbour was dug and the fortress was built in order to defend it. In 1502, Leonardo da Vinci designed the Canal Harbour, which is still the pride of the town. On August 2 1849, Garibaldi with Anita and two hundred followers sailed from this harbour on fishing boats called "bragozzi" in order to rescue Venice. In the oldest part of the Canal Harbour, the Maritime Museum with historical boats shows the seafaring identity of Cesenatico. Not far from there, it is possible to admire Casa Moretti's spaces, with every day objects and original writings of the well-known 20th century poet. The town is really loved by cyclists thanks to the facilities it offers and to international cycling events which are held mainly during the spring. Whereas during the summer it is mostly visited by families for the quiet and relaxing atmosphere that characterizes it. The various lists of summer events offer concerts, themed nights with tastings, the well-known Sunrise Concerts or night classical music perfomances together with the outdoor theatre events and typical markets every evening.



Cesenatico provincia (FC)
11 km from Cervia

Riolo Terme is one of the most well known Italian spa & vacation centre, situated in the Senio Valley.
The old part of the village was founded as a borgo in the fourteenth century surrounded by a strong wall. The more recent part of the village spreads towards the majestic “Parco delle Terme” (Spa Park) in perfect fin de siècle style. The name "Riolo" derives from “Rio Doccia” (Shower Stream) a fine stream, like rainwater that flows down near the Fortress. For over two centuries the village was known as "Riolo Secco" (Dry Stream). In 1914 the town was named "Riolo Bagni" due to the therapeutic properties of the surrounding springs. The current name was adopted in 1957 thanks to the importance acquired by the local thermal centre. The thermal complex at Riolo is equipped for providing treatments for respiratory problems, throat problems, and a number of other health problems with natural waters and muds. The "Terme Bimbo" (Spa Baby) dedicated to children is equipped with games, and cartoon videos. Another section houses the thermal swimming pool with hydromassages with different strength jets.
The first Italian "Metodologie Naturali" (Natural Methods) centre opened in 1996, combines the traditional healing powers of the spa waters with the most advanced forms of modern natural therapies, including phytotherapy using natural herbal products.

Riolo Terme (RA)
60 km from Cervia

Brisighella is located in the lower valley of the River Lamone, just a few kilometers from Faenza (Km 13), in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, between Ravenna (km 60) and Florence (km 87). The medieval and thermal town is famous for its hospitality and for Green tourism, it is a member of the club “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” and has been awarded the “Bandiera Arancione”, a quality label for sustainable tourism and environment by the Italian Touring Club. Brisighella boasts also other important awards such as: the “Città Slow” label and “Città dell’Olio e del Vino”. The high quality of tourist services, the tranquility of this area along with its historical heritage, the rich selection of local dishes and wines and a large number of artistic and cultural events make it an ideal spot for relaxing and for devoting yourself to personal care. Brisighella can be visited all year round, even though the best period to visit it is from Spring to the end of Autumn. The village is set against a chalky hill dominated by three selenite cliffs, upon which the Fortress Rocca Manfrediana, the Clock Tower (built in 1290 and restored in 1850) and the Sanctuary of Monticino (18th century) stand. The village is made up of ancient lanes and streets, remains of defensive walls and stairways carved into the chalky rocks. The ancient Via del Borgo, also called “Via degli Asini” (Donkeys Alley), used by carters for carrying chalk using donkeys, is an elevated covered street with arched open windows of different sizes. Brisighella boasts the birth of eight cardinals and has many sacred buildings: the most important of which is Pieve di S. Giovanni in Ottavo, also called Pieve Thò, a Romanesque church built in the 8th century and rebuilt during the 11th and the 12th century. About five hundred meters from the city centre, the Thermal Centre, which can be easily reached on foot, has an outdoor swimming pool. Embedded among the chalky rocks a few kilometers from the town, Carnè Park with its visitor’s centre and Tanaccia Cave represent some of the most beautiful spots of the Regional Gypsum Vein Park of Romagna. Numerous festivals and local events are held all throughout the year where you can get to know local products, arts, history, and the architecture of this traditional area.

Brisighella (RA)
56 km from Cervia

This ancient town is located on an enormous rocky outcropping, which cannot be scaled from any side, just behind the Republic of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera, in the Marecchia Valley.
San Leo, a magnificent art capital mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Divine Comedy, is the heart of the historical region of Montefeltro and the town that gave it its name. Famous for various historical and geopolitical events, it has been the location for documentaries and films, is a popular tourist destination and a jewel of the province of Rimini.
Its extraordinary geological configuration, on a rocky mass with sheer sides, has led to its dual military and religious importance since prehistoric times, as seen by its precious architectural and artistic artefacts. All of the imposing defensive fort, which can only be reached by a single road carved out of the mountain, seems to extend out of the mass of rock that supports it, up to the highest point of the spur where the Fort by Francesco di Giorgio Martini sits.
Once the town was called Monte Feltro, from Mons Feretus, a name linked to the important Roman settlement built up around the temple dedicated to Jupiter Feretrio.
It was constantly a source of fighting, until it was finally conquered in 1441 by the young Federico da Montefeltro, who fought long and hard with the Malatesta family for dominance of the Marecchia Valley. It has hosted such personalities as Dante and San Francesco d'Assisi, who received the stigmata on Mount Averna here. Taken from the Papal States in 1631, it became a horrible prison where, among others, the Count of Cagliostro (1795) and Felice Orsini (1844) lived out their last days. Named among the “Most Beautiful Towns of Italy”, this lovely historic town is quite charming in every season. To this day, the rigour and beauty of the old town have remained intact and it boasts a number of Romanesque buildings like the parish church, cathedral and tower, along with several Renaissance buildings like the Medici Palace, which houses the elegant Museum of Sacred Art, the residence of the Severini-Nardini Counts and Palazzo Della Rovere, now the town hall. And last but not least, San Leo has a great view of the surrounding mountains, along the Marecchia Valley, all the way down to the sea.


San Leo (RN)
57 km from Cervia

The village was founded in 1216 after the destruction of the Casola castle by the troops of Faenza. There are many proofs that the valley was already inhabited, many archaeological remains prove the presence of ancient Etruscan, Gallic and Roman settlements.
Casola Valsenio is reached by ascending the Senio Valley through rolling hills covered in neat rows of grape vines. Before entering the town there is Cardello, an unusual building where the writer Alfredo Oriani spent almost the whole of his life. It retains only a part of its original character as it was substantially remodelled in 1926. Casola Velsenio is also the site of the Garden of Herbs. The garden was founded in 1938 by Prof. Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni, and today the botanical garden is the first in scientific importance in Italy and one of the most important in Europe.
Famous for its food and wines, also listed in the "Strada del Sangiovese e dei sapori delle colline di Faenza".
Festa dei Frutti Dimenticati: created in 1981, it's an exhibition of products and autumnal fruits that are not used no more. Wild plants or cultivated in the gardens and orchards of the house for domestic consumption since the late Middle Ages, the forgotten fruits are characteristic of the autumn season and represented a precious supply of food to be preserved with care, for the winter.
Herbs in Bloom: the last weekend of may the Garden of the Herbs "Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni" organises two days of guided visits, meetings and workshops to learn how to use medicinal herbs.
The Maroons of Casola Valsenio: it's a food festivals that offers the chance to know the world of chestnuts and maroons and learn typical recipes.
The Spring Celebration takes place every year on 25th Aprilat Casola Valsenio. This is an allegory wagons parade. They are called Wagons of Thought and consist of original settings full of colours, costumes and spectacular effects, carrying silent and motionless figures in contrast with the noisy and cheerful atmosphere around.
Casola è una favola: the comic and kids' theatre of "Casola è una favola" (Casola is a fairytale) take place every Saturday in July and August in Piazza Sasdelli.


Casola Valsenio
84 km from Cervia

The little town of the Apennines, in the heart of the Tuscan Romagna Region, is located along the E-45, the highway that goes from Rome, the capital city, to Ravenna, the harbor city that houses some of the best Byzantine heritage. It is a few tens of kilometers away from the Adriatic sea, on the North side, and from the Tuscan cities of Arezzo and Florence, on the South side.
Bagno di Romagna is the place where you can enjoy a holiday all year long. Itsspa, its nature, its culture and its food make it special any time of the year. Every time, every season, every mood is a hymn for slow life and wellness. In the coldest winter, its hot waters, that come out from natural springs at a temperature of 45 degrees, let you experience the pleasure of an outdoor spa and the beauty of a swim in the middle of the snow. During the spring blooming, Bagno di Romagna looks like a painted picture. Plenty of colours embrace you: the green of the wide Forest that covers the border with Tuscany; the yellow of the farm lands that go down toward the plane; the blue of the Comero lakes where you can fish, camp and walk, before a nighttime swim in the spa, open till late in the evening. In the summer, the historic centre turns into a background for art, culture and exhibits and the short pilgrimage to the Corzano church, the pedestrian avenue from San Piero in Bagno, the Comero lakes and the historic way to the Chiardovo natural spring give you a natural shelter from the warmth. When Autumn comes, enjoy the bush food: truffles and mushrooms enrich our recipes that become noble plates in the Michelen starred restaurants of the town and traditional food in the country resorts spotted along the abandoned Pietrapazza valley and the Comero area.Don't miss the so called Palace of the Captain, where the exhibition centre, the library and the historic archives are, and the Basilca of Santa Maria Assunta, a Roman Style church enriched by masterpieces of Renaissance painters and craftsmen. The Lama Forest (km 35) and the natural conservation area of Sasso Fratino represent the most important natural heritage of the Casentinesi Forest Natural Park.
Bagno di Romagna is also in the heart of a pilgrim network. First it is crossed by via dei Romei, the ancient pilgrimage route that connected Northern Europe to Rome. In the neighbourhoods of Bagno are the the Monastry of Camaldoli Monastero di Camaldoli (km 28), the Sanctuary of La Verna Santuario de La Verna (km 42), where San Francis had the stigmata, and the one thousand year old Basilica of Sarsina Basilica di Sarsina (km 20).

Bagno di Romagna (FC)
74 km from Cervia

Leaving behind the Adriatic coast, just hop on one of the many hills in Rimini to find peace. From a height of 436 meters, elegant Montebello dominates the valley of the Marecchia and Uso, offering even the most demanding visitor a fascinating journey through history, art and nature. The mighty fortress, once the scene of many battles, offers a breathtaking quiet, marked by a long history, it leads us to discover its treasures and its mysteries. Who is Azzurrina?
"... Year after year, the colours of the world and the story began to fade. Memories became dust in the minds of posterity and time took the opportunityto continue its course undisturbed. Passed a century.
Montebello changed its rulers. The new castle rulers were aware, by the voices of older, of an ancient legend associated with the castle. This legend was about a girl of a strange pale-skinned and blue hair. During certain days, at dusk, a faint moan seemed to come from snowfield. It was faint and people had to be very attentive to hear it. Passed almost a century and everyone, absolutely everyone, forgot Deline. Taht story seemed to be finally buried in the past. Then, one day, a strange day, began the sudden appearances ... "

Montebello (RN)
44 km from Cervia

Ravenna is located just a few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea. Its province covers the southern part of Romagna and extends from the sea to the gently rolling foothills of the Apennines.
Ravenna, the city of mosaics, has been recognised as a world heritage by UNESCO: eight historic buildings are on the World Heritage List. It is a treasure chest of art, history and culture of the highest order with ancient origins and a glorious past; it was a capital three times: of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric King of the Goths, and of the emperor of Byzantium. It houses the mortal remains of Dante Alighieri and keeps his memory alive with important events. Just a short distance from the sea, Ravenna also offers a rich variety of occasions for visits and holidays.
The culture offered by Ravenna is rich and diverse in every season: besides the possibility of visiting the eight Unesco historic buildings (Basilica of San Vitale, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Neonian Baptistery,St. Andrew’s Chapel, Arian Baptistery, Basilica of S. Apollinare Nuovo, Theodoric’s Mausoleum, Basilica of S. Apollinare in Classe), the MAR - City Art Museum holds regular high profile exhibitions and keeps several permanent collections including the Contemporary Mosaics Collection. TAMO - Tutta l'Avventura del Mosaico (TAMO - All the adventure of mosaics) is located in San Nicolò and hosts a permanent exhibition with the main focus on the archeological aspects of mosaics; National Museum of Ravenna offers a varied display of collections, including finds from excavations of Roman and Byzantine sites. The ‘Parco della Pace’ is an open air exhibition of mosaics produced by internationally famous artists. The evocative “silent area” in the old city centre contains the tomb of the great poet, Dante, the Quadrarco di Braccioforte and the Basilica of San Francesco; throughout September celebrations and performances take place in these places. In the silent rooms of the Classense Library articles left by Lord Byron and many other important historic personalities who stayed in the city can be seen. The Risorgimento Museum contains engravings, documents, and objects from the Risorgimento and from the exploits of Garibaldi in Ravenna and all that ensued. The Public Gardens of the city provide a backdrop to the sixteenth century Loggetta Lombardesca and the Planetarium. The Rocca Brancaleone, of the Venetian period of rule, contains a luxuriant garden and an arena for open air events.

Ravenna
24 km from Cervia

Between the Romagna Apennines and the sea, about 15 km from the Adriatic Riviera of Rimini and about 30 km from Ravenna, is Cesena, a beautiful Malatestian town.
One of the most important artistic points of interest in Romagna, Cesena is a must for good food and wine lovers. The lordship of the Malatesta family brought Cesena to the apex of its culture and history, with some architectural and artistic treasures that can still be visited today. Cesena’s important international position in the agri-food sector and its culinary traditions place the town among the most important destinations of the Romagna hinterland.
Cesena is an interesting destination all year round. Among its treasures is the Malatestian Library, one of the most important examples of an Italian fifteenth century library. The reason why the library is so precious is that it has remained completely unchanged, as it was five centuries ago. Due to its extraordinary heritage, it was included in the Unesco “Memoire du Monde” list. The Malatesta Family, also built the fortress of Cesena, one on the most impressive of Romagna. It can be seen from its bastions, with its two buildings: the ‘male’ and ‘female’ towers. The latter hosts the museum of agricultural history which offers visitors an insight into the rural areas of Romagna over the years. The walkways inside the walls are also extremely mysterious and charming.If you visit Cesena, you can’t miss a walk in the lively streets of the old town, from Piazza del Popolo to Palazzo del Ridotto, with the bronze statue of Pius VI, from the Cathedral of S. Giovanni Battista, with the chapel of Madonna del Popolo and the Museum of Sacred Art, hosting the precious painting of Madonna della Pera by Paolo Veneziano, to the “Alessandro Bonci” theatre, a true neoclassical jewel. The culture offered is complemented by the museum of Natural Sciences, the Municipal Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Centuriation. On a hill, visible from everywhere in the town, is the Abbazia of Santa Maria del Monte about a thousand years old. The Abbey is famous for its internationally known collection of ‘ex-votos’ (wooden votive tablets), some of which were painted more than five centuries ago, and for the impressive dome painted by Giuseppe Milani. The Abbey also hosts some important and precious paintings and a laboratory for the restoration of ancient books.
The culinary traditions of the area are very varied, influences range from the Tuscan Apennine ridge to the flavours of the coast. Always present on the table are piadina which you can also taste in the typical kiosks, and wines, from the famous red Sangiovese, which fits perfectly with soup and meat, to the white Albana and Trebbiano. Cesena is also included in the “The Wine and Dine Route through the Hills of Forlì and Cesena”.

Cesena (FC)
22 km from Cervia

The first bathing establishment was built in 1843. Since then, Rimini has been the principal summer resort on the Adriatic Coast and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Italy. Rimini is also a city of notable historical interest. In 390 B.C., Rimini was occupied by the Senone Gauls who established a workshop to coin their own currency. In 295 B.C. the Romans arrived and founded a real colony in 286, Ariminum, that aquired strategic importance. It became a crucial junction for communications; a starting point for the Flaminian Way leading to Rome (220 B.C.), the Emilian Way toward Piacenza (197 B.C.) and the Popilian Way toward Aquileia (132 B.C.). Caesar passed by after crossing the Rubicon (50 B.C.). Also Emperor Augustus (9 B.C.) came this way and had the bridge over the River Marecchia built. The same bridge was later completed by Tiberius, who gave it its name. It was, in fact, to honour Augustus that the people of Rimini erected the famous arch, doorway to the city. After the barbarian invasions Rimini enjoyed a golden age in the 13th century, when it became an indipendent municipality. New constructions such as Palazzo dell'Arengo (1204), Palazzo del Podestà (1330) and new city walls were added to the city. An important school of painting developed, due in part to the presence of Giotto. In 1295 the Malatesta name appeared and belonged to a family that was not only concerned with warfare but was also a patron of art.They beautified the city with works like: the Malatesta Temple, the principle example of Renaissance architecture, and Sismondo Castle. Most of the vestiges of the past are now kept in the City Museum which contains more than 1500 works from the geological development to nowadays.
In Ferrari square, near the City Museum, a house from the Roman period called the Surgeon’s House has been recently brought to light. A small Pompei with splendid mosaics which has already become famous in the world owing to its unique archaeological finds. Here archaeologists have found one of the richest surgical and pharmaceutical equipment of the ancient time.

Rimini
33 km from Cervia

This town in the high Marecchia Valley is located along the western side of Carpegna Mountain, which slopes down towards the Marecchia River, and is easy to get to from the Rimini coast.This renowned environmental and cultural center of tourism, sung about by Tonino Guerra, is home to numerous beautiful places, as most of its territory is within the grounds of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Natural Park; this is a great area for taking relaxing walks in the lush Apennines.
It owes its urban layout to the union of two castles; Billi on Rupe and Penna on Roccione. Of ancient origins, it was inhabited by the Umbrians, Etruscans and Romans and developed around 1000 with the addition of fortifications, defenses and religious buildings that created a delightful old town. It was a feudal territory of the lords of Carpegna, before passing to the Malatesta family, of whom it claims to be the "hometown". After the fall of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Federico da Montefeltro came to power. Vestiges of the past and the monumental and artistic heritage of the town and nearby villages create a prestigious cultural itinerary, best enjoyed from spring to autumn when the weather is nice. Further proof of this are the several museums like "A. Bergamaschi" Diocesan Museum of the Montefeltro, Mateureka Calculus Museum, the Museum of Sasso Simone and Simoncello Park, the World of Tonino Guerra and The Places of the Soul, dedicated to the poet whose unusual creations can be found in Pennabilli and nearby, and which create a bizarre yet evocative poetic itinerary.
Every year in July, at the Oliveri palace, the National Market Exhibition of Antiques is held, one of the best of these types of shows in Italy. There is also the event "Artists in the Square" which is both folklorist and international as it is an international festival of street art, which takes place around mid- June.

Pennabilli (RN)
79 km from Cervia

Faenza, along the via Emilia, is an ancient Roman city. Only a few architectural examples remain of the medieval period, for example: St. Hippolytus and the churches of St. Maria Foris Portam and the Commenda. The same cannot be said for what was one of the brightest periods of Faenza during the dominion of the Manfredi family. In fact, a thriving era began with the rebuilding of the Cathedral in 1474, with the influence of Tuscan renaissance art. Artists such as Giuliano and Benedetto da Maiano, Donatello, the Della Robbia, Biagio d'Antonio of Florence and others moved to Faenza to work. The Baroque period instead boasts many great architectural works that represent the current face of Faenza: the structure of the two main piazzas with fountain, the clock tower, the loggias and the arcade wings of the Palazzo del Comune (Town Hall) and the Palazzo del Podestà. Most of the church convents were then rebuilt in elegant late Baroque style, as were many aristocratic buildings. The blooming neo-classic age at the end of the XVIII century up to the first thirty years of the following century remains the same, with examples of artistic importance through the works of Giuseppe Pistocchi, Giovanni Antonio Antolini, Felice Giani, Gaetano Bertolani, Gianbattista and Francesco Ballanti Graziani, Antonio Trentanove and Pietro Tomba. Amongst the many works, Palazzo Milzetti majestically seals what was the Romagna civilisation of neo-classicism under both an architectural and decorative profile.Faenza's Ceramics
The ceramics of Faenza boasts a tradition of many centuries that also today continues to hold significant importance in artisan and industrial expression. The geographic location of the city makes it a meeting point between the Tuscan and Po cultures, becoming a ceramic centre of primary importance since the Middle Ages. The fame of these products of Faenza is such that the majolica is known throughout the world with the French name Faience.


Faenza (RA)
50 km from Cervia

Founded by the Romans in the II century B.C. as the Forum Livii at the crossroad of Via Consolare with the road that led to Tuscany, the city is located in the eastern part of the Po Valley along the Via Emilia, a few kilometers from the seaside resorts of the Adriatic coast (30-35 km) and at the foot of the green hills of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines.
Forlì today still has significant traces of the Romanesque and the Renaissance times, when Caterina Sforza ruled the city unopposed. The region also retains a notable presence of the rich heritage of the age of Rationalism from the twenties and thirties. It is therefore a city of art; it also has a major university with prestigious faculties, a center dedicated to the creativity of young people where they can explore the frontiers of high technology applied to contemporary art.
The center of the city's life is Piazza Aurelio Saffi, with a monument dedicated to Saffi himself. Here, one notices the modern marks left by the heavy interventions of the Fascist era. The Palazzo del Municipio's origins hark back to the Middle Ages, while the Palazzo del Potestà dates back to the 15th Century. The monument that typifies the city the most is the Basilica of San Mercuriale, an old abbey with an impressive Romanesque bell tower and numerous artworks inside. Not far from here is the Cathedral, subjected to several repairs around 1970. Stroll along Corso Diaz, Corso Garibaldi, Corso della Repubblica and Corso Mazzini, all traversing the city and united by their elegance and harmony, although each one holds its own peculiarities. Forlì is also culturally important and is the location of many museums, including the A. Santarelli Archaeological Museum, the Civic Painting Gallery, the Pergoli Romagna Ethnographic Museum, Villa Saffi, the Aurelio Saffi Risorgimento Museum and the Romagna Theatre Museum.

Forlì
30 km from Cervia

 

Bologna

Capoluogo di provincia e della regione Emilia Romagna, Bologna è situata tra le montagne dell'Appennino tosco-emiliano ed il cuore della Pianura Padana. Punto d’incontro tra nord e sud, tra est e ovest, da Bologna si raggiungono facilmente la Riviera Adriatica nonché Venezia, Firenze, Milano e Roma.
Città d’arte, cultura e commercio con un'efficiente struttura fieristica e una rinomata tradizione manifatturiera e motoristica, Bologna è nota per i quasi 40 km di portici, i più lunghi del mondo. Chiamata anche la “Dotta”, per via della sua antica Università, e la “Grassa” per la sua gastronomia, la città si fregia del titolo "Città creativa della Musica UNESCO" e vanta un centro storico medievale tra i più estesi e meglio conservati d’Europa, brulicante di locali, osterie, teatri e botteghe. Patria di grandi artisti tra cui Giorgio Morandi, Guido Reni, i Carracci, Guercino, Aspertini, il suo fascino ha catturato anche personaggi illustri come Mozart, Carducci, Dante, Rossini e il Nobel per la Fisica, Guglielmo Marconi.
Con la sua arte e la sua storia Bologna sorprende il viaggiatore in tutte le stagioni, dalla festosa atmosfera dell’estate bolognese a quella magica delle illuminazioni natalizie. Un primo sguardo alla città non può che aversi dalla bella Piazza Maggiore dove palazzi medievali, testimoni della vivace vita pubblica e di un'intensa attività economica, si coniugano perfettamente con la modernità, conservando il loro fascino antico. Ne è l'esempio Palazzo D'Accursio, sede del Comune, all’interno del quale troviamo la moderna Biblioteca multimediale Salaborsa in stile liberty e gli scavi archeologici romani visibili da un moderno pavimento in vetro.

Tra i simboli di Bologna si annoverano la Fontana del Nettuno del Giambologna e le torri medievali. Fra tutte, s’innalzano maestose le Due Torri quella degli Asinelli (98 metri) e la sua “gemella” Garisenda (48 metri, citata nell'Inferno di Dante). L’Alma Mater Studiorum è la più antica Università d’occidente. La sua prima prestigiosa sede, l’Archiginnasio, si fregia di pareti dipinte con stemmi degli studenti e del Teatro Anatomico dove anticamente si svolgevano le lezioni di anatomia con tanto di dissezioni. Lungo le antiche vie e gli infiniti portici, una meraviglia del tutto inattesa sono poi i canali risalenti al XII secolo e visitabili anche nei percorsi sotterranei.
Un ricco patrimonio di opere artistiche è racchiuso nei suoi numerosi Musei e Gallerie, così come nei molteplici edifici religiosi tra i quali primeggiano il Complesso di Santo Stefano; quello di San Domenico che custodisce l’arca marmorea con le spoglie del Santo, opera di Nicolò dall'Arca con sculture di Michelangelo, e infine Santa Maria della Vita, che vanta un altro capolavoro di Nicolò dall'Arca, il gruppo plastico della Pietà.
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Bologna
100 km da Cervia

hidden Bologna
hidden 100 km da Cervia