Third stop
To reach Bertinoro, known as "The Balcony of Romagna", from Forlimpopoli, follow via Duca D’Aosta to the roundabout that crosses Via Emilia. From there, take Viale G. Matteotti in the direction of Cesena and, after about 1 km, turn right into Via Dante Alighieri. Continue on SP 39 for about 7 km. Crossing the Ospedaletto district, you will reach Bertinoro in a few minutes. Bertinoro, also known as the "City of Wine", is famous for its intense wine production. It is said that its name derives from the empress Galla Placidia. According to legend, on a hot summer day in 424 AD, the empress tasted Albana wine offered to her by a local farmer in a simple earthenware shard and, struck by its aroma and flavour, exclaimed: "Oh Albana, tu sei degna di berti in oro!", which means literally: “Oh Albana, you are worthy to be drunk in gold!”
Walking through the charming cobbled streets of the old town you arrive at Piazza della Libertà, the heart of the village, where the majestic "Column of Hospitality", better known as the "Ring Column", dates back to the 13th century. The column, adorned with twelve rings, was erected with the aim of resolving disputes between the twelve families of the city. This column allowed visitors to tie their horses to one of the rings, thus becoming guests of the ring owner's family. This practice involved the entire community in a ritual that reflected the welcoming spirit of the lands of Bertinoro. Even today, it represents the tangible symbol of Bertinoro's traditional hospitality.
Piazza della Libertà, known as "The Balcony of Romagna", offers an extraordinary panorama that does justice to its nickname. On the one hand, the majestic Cathedral, Palazzo Ordelaffi and the Tower stand elegantly, while on the other there is a generous view of the Romagna plain, which extends to the Adriatic Sea.
Here you can also find the "Albana Bell" by the artist Guerrino Bardeggia, whose chimes, even today, mark the beginning of the grape harvest, announcing the coming of a special moment to the town community.
The most evocative moment to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape is certainly at sunset, sipping a good glass of wine while sitting in one of the bars in the square.
