Discover Dovadola

The town’s history can be seen in its buildings and works of art, while routes also take in specific destinations beyond the center.

The Rocca and historic fortifications

The Rocca dei Conti Guidi is an important example of medieval military architecture and dates back to the 12th century. Its keep guarded the road between Romagna and Tuscany. This connection provides the historical context for the building: the Rocca represents a time when controlling important routes was part of a fortification’s military function.

The historic center is also defined by a fortification built by the Guidi counts around the 12th century. Residents call it “La Roccaccia.” The name adds a local designation to the story of the town’s defenses, one that remains associated with its appearance today.

Abbey, churches and art

The Badia di Sant’Andrea was built in the 11th century on the site of an earlier abbey founded by Cluniac monks. The abbey houses the sarcophagus containing the mortal remains of Benedetta Bianchi Porro. Believers from all over Italy make pilgrimages there to pay their respects. It also houses a valuable triptych by the painter Giacomo Zampa of Forlì (1731–1808).

The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea has a Romanesque façade and preserves paintings from the Romagnol, Umbrian-Marchigian and Bolognese schools. The Oratorio di Sant’Antonio e San Gennaro is another example of sacred architecture, this one dating from the 18th century. Together, these buildings and works of art offer different points of interest on a tour of Dovadola’s religious history.

The history of the Church of Santissima Annunziata began with a hermit from Ballistra, who initially founded it as a place to sleep. It later became a place of worship and was run by Dominicans from 1318. In the second chapel on the left, the church preserves a valuable 14th-century wooden crucifix. The history of the institution is thus connected with a specific work of art.

Montepaolo and walking routes

Saint Anthony of Padua lived in Montepaolo for more than a year in 1121/1122, in the small Franciscan convent. The two routes mentioned head in different directions or to different destinations: the Cammino di Assisi runs from Dovadola via the Eremo di Montepaolo to Assisi. The Sentiero della speranza leads on foot to a cave near Montepaolo. According to local tradition, the cave was a place where the saint could find solitude and pray. If you plan to take the Cammino di Assisi, check the current trail conditions on the official route website.

Cycling, crafts and regional cuisine

Near Dovadola, the climb to Passo Monte Trebbio is a classic destination for cycling tourists. It is six kilometers long, with gradients of 10 to 12 percent. A monument to cyclists stands beside the road at the pass. The route details and the monument offer two specific points of interest if you are interested in cycling in the area.

Dovadola is also home to the historic workshop of violin maker Luigi Foscolo Lombardi. His grandfather founded it in 1897, and his father continued to run it. The family history makes the workshop an example of a local craft tradition maintained across generations.

Preparing for the truffle festival is also part of the local scene: volunteer Sfogline from the Pro Loco hand-roll several thousand egg noodles and tagliatelle for the occasion. They are served with meat ragù and truffles. Alongside defensive architecture and sacred art, crafts and a specific culinary tradition also offer ideas for planning your trip.

A distinctive feature of the landscape

Along the SS67 before Dovadola, the cemetery is home to remarkable, monumental cypress trees. They complement the historic buildings with a striking feature of the local landscape.

Discover more destinations: Cesenatico, Terra del Sole, San Vittore, Montetiffi, Longiano, Gatteo-Sant'angelo, Carpinello, San Piero In Bagno

For the wider travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.