Overview

A province to explore, among medieval fortresses, vineyards and olive groves

Forlì-Cesena is a province of significant artistic and cultural interest in the southeast of Emilia Romagna. When in Forlì, be sure to visit the Romanesque Church of San Mercuriale and the Castle of Ravaldino, which is also known as the Fortress of Caterina Sforza, named after the woman who commissioned its construction. Currently, you can only admire the citadel from the outside, but you can visit the Malatesta Fortress in Cesena, overlooking Piazza del Popolo, and the Malatestiana Library, with its impressive array of books, manuscripts and incunables.

Also known as “the city of the three Popes” because Pius VI, Pius VII and Benedict XIII were born there, Cesena boasts beautiful countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Every year in spring when the weather starts to improve, some local venues organise picnics immersed in nature, ideal for a romantic date or with friends.

The most characteristic villages in the area include Bertinoro, also known as the “Balcony of Romagna”, Rocca di Castrocaro, Predappio, a small town linked to Mussolini but with a delightful medieval centre, and Rocca San Casciano, a very small village built around the main square. During the atmospheric “Bonfire Festival” at the end of April, the village bursts into life with dancing, floats, music and, of course, spectacular fires.