From the "balcony of Romagna" – in the upper part of the town – runs a route that will allow you to discover the rolling countryside near Bertinoro. Following the winding roads, you will be able to admire the rural environment with its rows of vineyards, olive groves and orchards. Returning to Bertinoro, along the hill crests overlooking the sea, we suggest a stop at the Lombard church of San Donato in Polenta, once visited by Dante and celebrated by Carducci.
Bertinoro Tour
Useful Information
Points of interest
The Castle
The fortress is first mentioned in ancient documents dating back to before the year one thousand. It was undoubtedly built for defensive purposes, as it clings to the rock spurs of the Spungone and symbolizes a perfect symbiosis between architecture and nature.
Palazzo Ordelaffi
Towering over the main square of Bertinoro, Palazzo Ordelaffi - now the Town Hall - with its eight impressive Roman Byzantine columns built in Spungone stone, has been a witness to the historical events of the town for over seven centuries.
Wines and Flavours of Bertinoro
A generous land, with an offer of great seasonal products, which colour the hills with the green, gold and ruby hues of nature all year round. The many vineyards are testimony of a very long wine tradition, appreciated since Roman times. Today the tradition is consolidated in the "Bertinoro" sub-area that, in particular, offers Sangiovese and Albana wines of excellent quality. Here you will find something to satisfy all tastes.
Madonna del Lago Sanctuary (detour)
The sanctuary of the patron saint of Bertinoro is linked to the image of Maria which is preserved in the apse. According to tradition it was rescued from flood waters during the period of iconoclastic struggles. The painting, which was realized with tempera paints on a golden canvas, takes pride of place on an oak table.
Church of San Donato di Polenta
The fame of the church is due to Carducci, who often visited the hills of Bertinoro. In the poem "La chiesa di Polenta" the poet recalls the hospitality received by Dante Alighieri from Guido Da Polenta.
Francesca's cypress
This mythical cypress tree can still be admired on one of the hills near Polenta. The original tree was unfortunately destroyed by lightning, but was replaced by a new cypress that Carducci himself planted in 1897.
Fratta Terme
Definitely worth a visit to take advantage of the benefits to health and beauty, this unique thermal spa in Italy stands out for the number of healing water springs: there are at least 7 different types, all with beneficial qualities.
The Sanctuary of Casticciano
Casticciano was one of the first human settlements in the territory of Bertinoro and, certainly, an ancient site for the production of wine, as evidenced by the numerous Roman terracotta amphorae which have been found around the hill. It also hosts a fascinating and important seventeenth-century church, which is said to be the scene of miraculous events, as narrated also by the paintings found inside the Sanctuary.
Badia Abbey
The first mentions of the abbey - first Benedictine and then Camaldolese - are found in the "Annales Camaldulenses" before the year one thousand, where it is mentioned among the most important monasteries of the Romagna area. Today, totally renovated after the bombings of the Second World War, it hosts the convent of Franciscan missionary nuns.
The church of San Silvestro
The recent restoration of the church has brought to light the admirable work of architect Paolo Soratini from Camaldoli, who rebuilt the church in 1740. Something that should not be missed are also the drawings of the valuable stucco decorations which are also attributable to the famous architect.
