In the heart of Romagna, a journey into the depths of the spirit unfolds—a path intertwined with the millennia-old history of sacred sites. Here, every stone bears the traces of ancient legends and preserves the faith that has endured through the centuries.
This land, steeped in tradition and enveloped in timeless charm, reveals itself through an unparalleled itinerary. Amid the imposing walls of Romanesque churches and the secrets of hidden monasteries, you venture along paths once trodden by pilgrims of old. Following this route, you reach abbeys and sanctuaries nestled among the gentle curves of the hills—places where time seems to expand, leaving room only for contemplation.
A journey suitable for everyone, requiring no specific technical skills and presenting no particular difficulties, offering an immersive experience. Every step is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, enveloped by the spirituality and timeless beauty of Romagna.
The journey begins within the ancient walls of Forlì, a city of noble traditions and an illustrious past, specifically at the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi, known as the Basilica of San Pellegrino Laziosi.
Saint Pellegrino, Patron Saint of the Sick
Living in the 14th century, Saint Pellegrino is famous for a miracle of healing. Stricken with gangrene in his leg due to his penance of never sitting down, he faced the risk of amputation.
The night before the surgery, while praying before a crucifix (the work was created by the artist Giuliano da Rimini and is located inside the church), he had a feverish dream in which Christ healed his wound. Upon waking, he realized he had been miraculously saved.
While still alive, he became known as the Holy Healer. For this reason, he is considered the patron saint of cancer patients and those suffering from chronic pain in the feet and legs.
The Church and Its Masterpieces - Built in the 12th century, it underwent several transformations over the centuries, eventually taking on its current form in the 18th century.
The façade, constructed of terracotta and characterized by understated simplicity, creates a fascinating contrast with the interior, which dates back to the 17th century. To the right of the church stands the striking chapel dedicated to Saint Pellegrino, whose design is attributed to the famous architect Giuseppe Merenda. Of particular interest are
Events
Every year on May 1, on the saint’s feast day, the traditional Festival of the Cedars takes place. According to tradition, Pellegrino Laziosi used these fruits for their supposed healing properties. Throughout the day, the square in front of the church and the surrounding streets come alive with stalls selling these fragrant citrus fruits.
Abbey of San Mercuriale: a historic and religious symbol of the city, located in the very center of Piazza Saffi.
Built in the 12th century in honor of San Mercuriale, a martyr venerated as the city’s patron saint, the abbey is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture.
To know
The bell tower adjacent to the Abbey, a majestic symbol of Forlì, is open to visitors during major holidays such as Christmas, Easter, October 26 (on the feast day of Saint Mercuriale), and during the feast of the Madonna del Fuoco (February 4), offering visitors a unique opportunity to admire the city from above.
The spiritual journey continues to Dovadola, 20 km from the center of Forlì, in the direction of Castrocaro Terme.
Blessed Benedetta Bianchi Porro
Dovadola is the birthplace of the Blessed proclaimed by Pope Francis in 2019 for the unwavering faith she demonstrated throughout her life despite her many sufferings.
After overcoming serious illnesses during her childhood, Benedetta was struck by a degenerative disease that left her paralyzed, deaf, and blind while she was still a teenager. Nevertheless, her love for God and her gratitude remained undiminished.
Today she is known for her miracles and was named co-patroness of Dovadola in 2022.
Abbey of Sant’Andrea, located at the entrance to the town (on Via Benedetta Bianchi Porro), has been home to the
remains of Benedetta since 1969. Her tomb, located in the Baptistery Chapel, is adorned with a bronze effigy depicting her, the work of sculptor Angelo Biancini.
For this reason, the Abbey of Sant’Andrea has been a pilgrimage destination for many years and is visited by the faithful from all over the world.
About 25 km from Dovadola lies Galeata, known for the Abbey of Sant’Ellero, which has been a place of great political and spiritual influence over the centuries in the Bidente Valley.
The Abbey can be reached from Galeata:
The Patron Saint’s Feast Day
Saint Ellero, the patron saint of Galeata, is celebrated on May 15. Throughout the month, every Sunday, the abbey and the tree-lined square in front of it come alive with religious celebrations and various events.
Curiosity
The crypt inside the Abbey houses the saint’s sarcophagus, behind which lies a small cell where he is believed to have withdrawn to pray.
The ceiling of the cell features a large slit carved into the rock, where the faithful traditionally rest their heads to receive the saint’s blessing and ward off headaches.
Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli: 2 km from Galeata, in the center of the village of Pianetto.
The Renaissance-style building features several altars along its side walls housing notable paintings, including “The Visitation” by Giovanni Stradano, a Deposition attributed to the school of Vasari, a fresco depicting the Annunciation and the Saints, and a canvas by Matteo Confortini depicting the Assumption of the Virgin.
The Miracle of the Madonna del Latte
The church was built in 1497 following a miraculous event: according to tradition, an image of the Madonna was seen weeping and shedding white drops resembling milk. Today, this image is preserved beneath a small shrine at the center of the nave, marking the actual site of the miracle and giving the church a very distinctive interior.
To know
Every year on September 8, the sacred image is carried in procession through the village.
Must-see
The adjacent “Mons. Domenico Mambrini” Civic Museum houses precious sculptural artifacts from the Abbey of Sant’Ellero, including the striking relief depicting the meeting between the saint and Theoderic. A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and art of the area.
The Shrine of Our Lady of the Eyes, located in Collina di Pondo, near Santa Sofia: a place steeped in mystery and charm, 300 meters above sea level.
The shrine’s exterior is simple and austere, while the interior is decorated with colorful and opulent paintings.
At the center is a depiction of the Virgin Mary wearing a crown, an object of veneration for the many pilgrims who visit.
Between history and legend
Hundreds of years ago, the site where the shrine now stands was crossed by a path frequented by pilgrims traveling to Rome. It is said that here the Virgin Mary appeared to a young deaf and blind shepherdess, who miraculously regained her sight and
hearing. Even today, faith in the miraculous properties of the nearby spring, especially for
eye and vision problems, attracts numerous devotees.
Tip
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the enchanting view of the valley and the surrounding hills.
Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Suasia: located about 9 km from Santa Sofia, taking Provincial Road 4 back toward Forlì, in the municipality of Civitella di Romagna.
Inside the Sanctuary are:
In recent years, the building has undergone significant restoration work, particularly following the fire in May 2014 that damaged part of the furnishings and the 17th-century frescoes (in 1780, another fire had destroyed the entire altar, except for the sacred image).
To know
The Shrine, a significant example of Tuscan Renaissance architecture, was built in the second half of the 1500s based on a design by the Florentine architect Zanobio Lastricati, at the request of the people of Civitella to commemorate the miraculous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to a young shepherd in 1556 near a small chapel situated by the Suasia stream, where the Marian image was kept.
Curiosity
The Madonna della Suasia is considered the protector against earthquakes after the sanctuary was spared from the disastrous earthquake of 1661 that destroyed the entire town of Civitella di Romagna.
