Borello: Sulphur History, Hiking and Cycling

Borello brings together several practical topics for planning a trip: the confluence of the Torrente Borello and the Savio, the history of sulphur mining in the hilltop locality of Formignano above Borello, and hiking and cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Borello, you can start by choosing your main focus: cultural history, hiking or cycling.

Sulphur History and a Mural

Formignano, a hilltop locality in the Valle del Savio above Borello, was home to an important sulphur mine until 1962. This ties the mining history to a specific place and period. At Palazzo Gualtieri in Borello, painter Gianluigi Romboli created a large mural on the side of the building facing Via Paternò. The work is 14.5 metres long and 4.4 metres high—its dimensions make the scale of the painting immediately clear. Soon after it was completed, many people came to admire it; Renzo Zignani explained the work to visitors at the time.

River and Hiking Trails

Near Borello, the Torrente Borello, a roughly 30-kilometre-long stream, flows into the Savio River. The stream’s name also appears on the Cesena–Linaro stage of the Cammino di San Vicinio: the route leads to the bridge over the Borello stream and then follows the “sentiero delle lavandaie” to Linaro. If you are planning this stage, check the current route in advance.

When “Il pensiero dei minatori” was inaugurated in Formignano on 28 April 2024, there were hiking routes of 4 and 6 kilometres. The two-kilometre difference makes it easy to compare the route lengths. The inauguration took place in the past; before planning your trip, check locally whether the trails are currently open.

Cycling Routes and Connections

The “Terra di Murales e Zolfo” circular cycling route runs from Borello via Aie di Formignano and Luzzena, then back to Borello. It is rated moderate to easy for riders with good fitness. With an e-bike, it is considered easy, but still requires confident bike handling. When choosing a route, consider both the fitness rating and the need to control your bicycle safely.

The long route of the “Fondo del Fumaiolo” is listed as 120 kilometres for the 2026 edition. It passes through Borello and returns there. Its length and route make it a useful point of reference for planning your trip.

A route for pedestrians and cyclists between Borgo delle Rose and Borello runs along Via Linaro. It is about 700 metres long and was reported as fully usable on 2 September 2025. If you plan to use the route, check its current condition before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Corniolo, Montecchio, Premilcuore, Montiano, Forlimpopoli, Fratta Terme, Montepetra, Alfero.

For the broader travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.