Forlì-Cesena: Culture, Nature and Regional Routes

Forlì-Cesena combines archaeological collections and medieval defensive architecture with monastic sites, natural areas, and cycling and hiking trails.

Archaeology, Art and Fortress Architecture

At the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Sarsina, you can see archaeological finds, mostly from the local area, dating from prehistory to late antiquity. A particular focus is the Roman period, from the 1st century BC to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. After extensive renovation, the refurbished museum reopened to the public. The reassembled Roman funerary monuments include the 13.5-metre-high gabled mausoleum of Rufus, built towards the end of the 1st century BC.

In Forlì, a collection brings together 70 paintings representing major Italian art movements of the mid-20th century, united by the theme of work. In Cesena, a walking tour follows the inner ramparts and the old prisons; an exhibition of tournament weapons is also part of the experience. This offers a choice between a thematically focused painting collection and a tour through historic defensive areas.

Near Galeata lies the Roman city of Mevaniola, where parts of the baths and small theatre are open to visitors. Check visitor arrangements before your trip. Also in Galeata, the Villa di Teodorico is considered an important testament to the region’s history, culture and identity. In Predappio, a signposted walking tour leads year-round to significant, almost unchanged examples of architecture from the Fascist era.

The Rocca dei Conti Guidi in Dovadola is an important example of medieval military architecture. Its 14th-century walls have largely retained their original lines. In Terra del Sole, the town fortifications extend for more than two kilometres and preserve the character of a fortified town. Both places offer tangible points of interest if defensive architecture is among your travel interests.

Monasteries, Nature and Outdoor Activities

The Abbazia di Santa Maria del Monte is an ancient Benedictine monastery on Colle Spaziano in Cesena. The adjoining Basilica of Santa Maria del Monte is a diocesan Marian shrine. The abbey welcomes visitors on recurring occasions: for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and on 31 May, marking the end of the month of May, dedicated to Mary. These dates give a visit to the monastery a special religious significance.

The Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna covers areas in the provinces of Forlì-Cesena, Arezzo and Florence. Its roughly 36,000 hectares are divided equally between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. Around 600 kilometres of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding; in winter, ski touring and snowshoeing are also possible. The park also offers nine Sentieri Natura and, in Campigna, the accessible “Sentiero per tutti… i sensi” trail.

The protected landscape of Monte Fumaiolo offers opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, climbing, horse riding and winter sports. Another natural highlight is the Cascata dell’Acquacheta, a waterfall around 70 metres high. When planning your trip, you can take these different attractions into account without treating them as a single, unified route offering.

Pilgrimage and Cycling Routes, Regional Products

The official Via Romea Germanica branches into several routes near Forlì and Cesena. From Forlì, its route passes through the Bidente Valley via Meldola, Civitella di Romagna, Galeata and Santa Sofia, continuing as far as Campigna. For cycling trips, the Rubicone Tour Bike is a circular route through the province that takes in historical, cultural and scenic sights; it is suitable for all ability levels. Cesenatico is considered a centre for cycling tourism thanks to its specialist facilities and numerous related services.

The Food and Wine Route of Forlì-Cesena covers 534 kilometres and has been extended to include eleven mountain municipalities. It features typical Romagna DOC wines: Albana, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Cagnina and Pagadebit. Other products include Romagna cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, fruit and vegetables, mushrooms, truffles and piadina. The province also combines medieval castles and fortresses with landscapes of vineyards and olive groves.

The time of year may also influence your choice: the national park lists ski touring and snowshoeing for winter, while the signposted architecture tour in Predappio is open year-round.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bertinoro, Cesena, Cesenatico, Gatteo A Mare, Modigliana, Roncofreddo, Longiano, Forlì, Cento, Castrocaro Terme, Borello, Bagno Di Romagna, Forlimpopoli, Savignano Sul Rubicone, Montecchio, San Mauro A Mare, Montiano, Sala, Villamarina, Civitella Di Romagna, Quarto, Fratta Terme, Rocca San Casciano, Gambettola, Portico E San Benedetto, Tredozio, Mercato Saraceno, San Mauro Pascoli, Cagnona, Verghereto, San Piero In Bagno, Santa Sofia, Campigna, Ronco, Corniolo, Predappio Alta, Borghi, Predappio, Selva-Ansaldo, Dovadola, Balze, Gatteo-Sant'angelo, Santa Maria Nuova, Premilcuore, Meldola, San Benedetto In Alpe, Camposonaldo, Fiumana, Terra del Sole, Montetiffi, San Vittore, Il Monte, Galeata, Montepetra, Carpinello, Sogliano Al Rubicone, Alfero and Musano.

For the main travel overview: Emilia-Romagna.