Bagnacavallo

Bagnacavallo: the mediaeval village straight out of a film

The splendid town of Bagnacavallo in Emilia Romagna lies a few kilometres from the sea, immersed in the nature of the Ravenna hinterland, where the Romagna Apennines begin to rise.

From this fantastic location, you can quickly reach Ravenna, Faenza, Ferrara and Bologna, as well as the Po Delta Park.

The heart of Romagna

The art city of Romagna still boasts a well-preserved medieval village centre, with an urban layout unique in Romagna due to its original structure of porticoed streets, churches and noble buildings.

You can enjoy the wonderful hospitality of Romagna, bursting with smiles, good food, culture and harmony with nature.

What to see in Bagnacavallo

Whatever time of year you visit, you will be stunned by its artistic beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
We recommend starting at Piazza Nuova, with its oval shape and porticoed outline. Built in 1758 as a market square, today it hosts craft shops and a traditional tavern.

Don’t miss the parish church of San Pietro in Sylvis, among the best preserved in Romagna.
Dating back to the 7th century, it was one of the stops along the Via dei Romei. You can admire its interior, with frescoes from the 14th century Rimini school of painting.

Bagnacavallo in history

Several illustrious figures were born in Bagnacavallo, including painter Bartolomeo Ramenghi, known as Bagnacavallo. The municipal art gallery houses some of his works, including the Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, while the Collegiate Church of St Michael houses a splendid altarpiece designed by the artist.

You can continue your tour of the village by visiting the Cabinet of Prints of the Civic Museum of the Capuchins, Vicolo degli Amori (“Lovers’ Lane”) and the Giardino dei Semplici botanical garden. Near the town hall is the Goldoni Theatre, considered a “miniature La Scala”.

Next up is the 13th-century Convent of St Francis, which has been remodelled several times and was partially rebuilt in 1700. Well worth visiting are the attic named Sala delle Capriate, the former refectory named Sala Oriani, the monumental staircase and the Salette Garzoniane rooms, which now host cultural events.

Walking through cinematic history

As you stroll through Bagnacavallo, you might find yourself feeling as though you are on a film set. Well, you’re not wrong!
The village has such a cinematic soul that it has been chosen as a film location by several directors, starting with Vittorio De Sica, who shot The Raffle here in 1962.

Spending the night in Bagnacavallo

Given its well-placed location, a short distance from many cities but in the tranquillity of the countryside, Bagnacavallo offers plenty of comfortable, pleasant accommodation.

Agriturismo Palazzo Baldini is part of a group of aristocratic residences linked to the area’s agricultural past, which has been renovated and repurposed for hospitality. You can also stay at the Convent of St Francis, part of which is now a hotel.

Dining in Bagnacavallo: wines and desserts

Il Bagnacavallo is a local consortium that promotes the area’s specialities, from wine and spirits to vinegar and honey. But it is mainly wines and desserts that dominate local tables.

Don’t miss the red Bursôn from an ancient, indigenous variety of grape, or the passito wines that pair perfectly with desserts, especially autumn desserts such as sugal, piadot, savor with apples and quince fruit, and San Michele cake.

Dive into nature

The area is rich in cycle-tourism itineraries perfect for exploring the beauty of the local nature, dotted with parish churches, manor houses, oratories, fortresses and farmhouses immersed in the green countryside. The beauty of the hinterland dazzles with shades of green under the summer sun, the earthy scent of autumn when the leaves glow yellow and red, the winter mist that covers everything in a magical veil, and the explosion of spring flowers.

Just outside Bagnacavallo is the Podere Pantaleone, a natural habitat bursting with wild flora and fauna. From mid-May to early June, you can take part in guided night tours.

Seven kilometres away is Villanova, with its Marsh Grass Ecomuseum, which tells of a long relationship between humans and nature. The Sagra delle Erbe Palustri festival is held in September.