Culture and relaxation around Forlì

An itinerary in the Romagna area of Forlì dedicated to travelers who are looking for the combination of relaxation and culture; an opportunity to visit interesting places of art and culture, an unforgettable experience to make yourself at home and take a break.

Stage 1 - Terra del Sole

A few kilometers from Forlì (Link ERT), on the road that leads to Castrocaro Terme, you can find Terra del Sole (link to ERT), also called “Eliopoli” (City of the Sun).
Built by the will of Cosimo I De 'Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, in an attempt to create an "ideal fortified city", it is one of the few urban centers with a precise date of foundation: 8 December 1564.
It still retains the charm of a city-fortress, surrounded by a wall of 13 meters high, enclosing monumental buildings such as the Church of S. Reparata, the Palazzo dei Commissari or Pretorio (links to Turismo Forlivese), the Palazzo dei Provveditori, the Palazzo della Cancelleria and other manor palaces.

Stage 2 - Castrocaro Terme

Continuing on via Guglielmo Marconi, 2 kilometers from Terra del Sole, you reach Castrocaro Terme (connection to ERT), a spa town immersed in an area rich in nature and history. A visit to the Fortress of Castrocaro (link to the Fortezza di Castrocaro site) is a must, one of the best examples of medieval fortified architecture, which houses the Historical Archaeological Museum (link to the site of the Fortezza di Castrocaro site) of the city. Perfectly integrated with the environment that surrounds it, the fortress embraces the physiognomy of the cliff around which it was built.
Here the Terme di Castrocaro (link to the Terme site) offer health and wellness programs all year round, in an environment where time really seems to stand still, far from the frenzy of everyday life.
For those in search of tranquility, a walk to the River Park is also ideal (link to the dedicated site of the Municipality of Castrocaro), a green area intersected by the Montone River. The park, which extends for about 3 km, is equipped with picnic areas, fountains and a fitness trail. The access point is located at the height of the bridge on Via Conti, right next to the spa.

Stage 3 - Rocca delle Caminate

Passing from San Lorenzo in Noceto we continue towards Predappio (connection to ERT) and from here, taking the SP 126, we reach Rocca delle Caminate (connection to the Rocca delle Caminate site), built between the Rabbi and Bidente rivers, in a dominant position over the valleys underlying.
Its watchtower is probably of Roman origins, while the castle dates back to the 10th or 11th century. A must-see of the Rocca is the panoramic terrace, from which it is possible to enjoy the breathtaking view of the valleys, as far as the Adriatic Sea.
The Rocca (a fortress) can be visited on weekends or by reservation (for groups). It is now a center of high university education, a location for events, conferences and historical re-enactments and it offers the possibility of guided tours to discover its history and its evolution over the centuries.

Stage 4 - Meldola

Continuing along the road to Ravaldino in Monte for about 6 kilometers, you will come across another imposing fortress that dominates the area: the Rocca di Meldola (Turismo Forlivese connection), one of the largest in Romagna.
The fortress has had a troubled history: passed from hand to hand several times, it was besieged and conquered by opposing factions, plundered and damaged by an earthquake.
Curious people will also love the Silkworm Museum (Forlì Tourism link), in via Roma 3 / A, that testifies how in past centuries Meldola (Link ERT) was at the top of world silk production, competing with China and Japan.

Stage 5 - Fratta Terme

A few kilometres away along the Strada della Barca the opportunities for relaxation continue: Fratta Terme (connection to ERT) offers the possibility to enjoy the magical atmosphere of its thermal baths (connection to ERT). Eleven springs for seven different waters that flow from the Thermal Park, wellness treatments and thermal paths for all ages and a thirteen-hectare park where you can stroll surrounded by greenery.

Stage 6 - Bertinoro

Not far away, (continuing towards Forlimpopoli, then taking Via Cellaimo), the itinerary finally ends in Bertinoro, a spectacular medieval hilltop village with a breathtaking view over the Romagna landscape that earned the nickname of “Balcony of Romagna”.
Going up from via del Soccorso and passing through the Porta del Soccorso you arrive at the majestic Rocca (connection to Turismo Forlivese), built in the 10th century and considered one of the most feared defensive works of the time.
Currently the fortress houses the University Residential Center and the Interreligious Museum, with its rooms dedicated to the history of the three monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
The real heart of Bertinoro, however, is the Piazza della Libertà, overlooked by the Cathedral, Palazzo Ordelaffi, the current seat of the Municipality of Bertinoro, and the Clock Tower.
In addition to the scenic and architectural beauties, the village is renowned for its wine production, so much that it has been called the "city of wine". You absolutely have to stop in one of the many bistros or cellars you can find there, to taste a glass of excellent wine accompanied by a dish of typical local cuisine.

Culture and relaxation around Forlì

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