In the land of Spungone - Bertinoro itinerary

The hills of Bertinoro’s area run on the rocky ridge of the Spungone, a special sandstone, that 3 million years ago was a beautiful coral reef back that used to populate the region. The Spungone marks uniquely the land of Bertinoro, rich in natural landscapes, historical remains and lush vineyards.

The proposed itinerary,from Capocolle to Fratta Terme passing through the village of Bertinoro and Casticciano, offers a unique view of the surrounding territory, where countryside and cultivated hills make nature quiet, wholesome and rich in biodiversity and specialities from the Romagna’s typical gastronomic tradition.
Landscapes of great charm guard a vast biological variety, thermal springs and excellent land for wine production.

Points of interest

Bertinoro City of Wine

Bertinoro is one of the hilly territories of the region most suited and devoted to the cultivation of vines and the excellence of Bertinoro certainly lies in the strong tradition of its wine production, to mention first of all the Albana, "the gold of Bertinoro", and the Sangiovese, without forgetting two other very special indigenous wines: Cagnina and Pagadebit.

Sanctuary of the Madonna del Lago

The sanctuary of the patron saint of Bertinoro is linked to the Marian image preserved in the apse, which, according to tradition, was rescued from the waters then present in the locality, during the period of the iconoclastic struggle. The painting, made with tempera colours on gilded canvas, is placed on an oak table.

The historic manor houses and villas

Within the territory of Bertinoro various ancient villas and manor houses witness the interest of the noble families for this area and represent an important part of the artistic and historical landscape.

The wineries

Several wineries are scattered through the territory, where it is possible to stop by and discover the local traditions with a guided tour of the vineyards, of the cellars or a tasting of the excellent local wines.

Castle ("Rocca")

Ancient documents indicate the presence of a castle, already before the year one thousand, which was certainly built for defensive purposes and is welded to the rock spurs of "Spungone", a typical local calcareous sandstone, representing a perfect symbiosis of architecture and nature.

The Village

Bertinoro has always been named the "Balcony of Romagna" due to the magnificent views towards the sea and the hillsides embracing the ancient village with cobbled streets and glimpses of other times. The heart of Bertinoro is the spacious and elegant Piazza della Libertà, which opens onto the Romagna plains, on one side, and on the Cathedral, Palazzo Ordelaffi and the Tower, on the other side, having, in the background, the "Column of the Ring" (Colonna delle Anella), the symbol of hospitality and core of the history and traditions of the village.

The flavours of Bertinoro

By stopping in one of the many farms and wineries scattered in the Bertinoro countryside, you can discover the quality of the great products that thisgenerous land offers in every season of the year.

Dining in Bertinoro

Walking through the streets of the village, it is inevitable to stop in one of the numerous cafés and piadina shops (piadinerie) to taste the delicious specialities of the area, accompanied by a glass of excellent wine.

Sanctuary of Casticciano

Casticciano is one of the first places of human settlement in the Bertinoro area and, certainly, of wine production, as is witnessed by the numerous terracotta amphorae of the Roman period found on this hillside. Here there is an important seventeenth-century church, which was the scene of miraculous events, that are narrated in the paintings inside the Sanctuary.

Benedetta Bianchi Porro

She was declared venerable by the Catholic Church for her behaviour and faith, which was kept alive despite her suffering, and later beatified by Pope Francis in 2019. In May 1944, more or less close to the first bombing of Forlì, her family evacuated to Casticciano of Bertinoro and for a period took refuge in a cave at the foot of the Hill.

Staying overnight in Bertinoro

The territory here is incredibly rich in places of particular charm and scattered with spectacular views among our hillsides, ideal for a relaxing stay immersed in the quiet and peace of nature.

Thermal Centre

Fratta Terme was established and developed around the historic thermal centre, which was recently renovated, immersed in the greenery of thirteen hectares of park. Unique of its kind, the thermal centre offers seven different spring thermal waters.

Adventure Park and Swimming Pool

The first adventure park of Romagna for vastness and number of routes, and one of the best equipped in Italy. Acrobatic itineraries for all ages for those who want adventure, and two swimming pools surrounded by greenery for those in search of peace and well-being.

Via Romea Germanica

This ancient path of about 2000 km is a great European itinerary of culture and faith. It crosses different countries, touching important Italian cities, with a particularly fascinating naturalistic route along which the town of Fratta Terme is located.