Meldola is located at the entrance of the Val Bidente. Its history is punctuated by bitter clashes that highlight the strategic importance of the place. In the 11th century the Archbishops of Ravenna built the imposing castle that still dominates the town. Like the entire territory of Romagna, Meldola was placed under the dominion of the Popes and, in the meantime, saw the alternation in the town government, in addition to the Venetians, of the Ordelaffi, Malatesta, Cesare Borgia, Pio da Carpi, Aldobrandini and Doria Panphili Landi families.

Among these families we can mention the Ordelaffi, the Malatesta, the Aldobrandini who have left numerous monumental buildings that characterise the town (Loggiato Aldobrandini, Ponte dei Veneziani). In 1797 Meldola was occupied by French revolutionary troops. In 1815, following the papal restoration, the old Borghese Lords Aldobrandini returned and in 1834 sold the property of the Rocca di Meldola to the Doria Panphili until 1922.

Meldola is a town of over ten thousand inhabitants located in a particularly fortunate area: it is, in fact, no more than forty kilometres from the tourist Adriatic Riviera and no more than forty kilometres from Passo La Calla and Foresta della Campigna. The territory was certainly an ancient meeting place between the so-called Umbrian populations, located on the hill buttresses, and the Gauls advancing from the plain. It was for sure home to many Romanized families during the colonization period, as evidenced by the numerous and important testimonies (marbles and mosaics) that came to light.

In the following centuries the history of Meldola is punctuated by bitter clashes that highlight the strategic importance of the place. For example, in the 11th century the Archbishops of Ravenna built the imposing castle that still dominates the town.

Like the whole of Romagna, Meldola subsequently sees lords and gentlemen taking turns in the government of the town. Among these families we can mention the Ordelaffi, the Malatesta, the Aldobrandini who have left numerous monumental buildings that characterise the town (Loggiato Aldobrandini, Ponte dei Veneziani).

Meldola has been the epicentre of important economic phenomena such as the production of silkworms (there is a dedicated museum), spinning mills, important quarries and agri-food markets that have brought the town to the attention of national and, in the case of spinning mills, also international operators. Due to the importance of these trades, on 7 September 1862, by royal decree, Meldola was given the title of town.

The current economy is based on agriculture, livestock, construction and manufacturing activities of wood and furniture and brick kilns, metalworking activities, plastic and clothing activities present in the territory in both artisanal and industrial dimensions.

To see in the surrounding area: the natural reserve of the Bosco di Scardavilla with the hermitage and the monastery, the walled village and the castle of Teodorano, and on the pass on the border with the Municipality of Predappio, the Rocca delle Caminate.

How to get there: From Forlì, take the State Road 310 Bidentina.
Distance from Forlì: 14 km. | Distance from Forlì highway exit: 19 km. | The nearest train station and airport are in Forlì.