As well as the bright, lively side of Romagna, with its beaches and bustling squares, there is a more hidden and intriguing side, made up of quiet alleyways, ancient castles and stories passed down from generation to generation in hushed tones.
It is a place where history and legend are intertwined and where every town holds tales of mystery
This 48-hour itinerary takes you through castles, villages and cities of art, visiting places that are steeped in legends, mysteries and historical events which have, over time, fuelled the local imagination.
There are tales of ghosts roaming the walls of a castle, legends of pacts with the devil, mysterious secret societies, and stories of forbidden love that have shaped the history of this region of Romagna.
Not just places to visit, but stories to hear, clues to real events and folk tales that add to the mysterious charm of these lands: the perfect trip for exploring the area from a unique and captivating perspective.
Tip
Perfect for those who love discovering the lesser-known aspects of the area
Our journey starts in Ferrara amidst the towers of the Estense Castle, a symbol of the power of the d’Este family.
Impressive walls conceal the underground prisons, where rebellious nobles and political prisoners were imprisoned.
Parisina and Ugo
Among some of the best-known stories connected to the Estense Castle is the one of Parisina and Ugo. In 1418, Parisina Malatesta married Niccolò III d’Este, who was already the father of Ugo, whom he had had from a previous marriage.
A romance blossomed between the two young people; when the duke discovered it, both were condemned, imprisoned in the castle dungeons and executed.
Tradition has it that their spirits continue to roam the walls and cellars of the Estense Castle, heightening the mysterious allure of the place.
To know
Every Saturday afternoon at 3:30 pm, “Raccontare il Castello” takes place: This is a guided tour inside the Estense Castle which lasts about an hour and a half; the tour takes visitors through the frescoed rooms, courtyards and historic spaces of the fortress which is the symbol of the city.
To taste
Learn about Ferrara's cuisine, including cured meats, stuffed pumpkin cappellacci and Coppia Ferrarese with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which is the famous bread of Ferrara, made by joining two strips of dough into a central ribbon
Within its walls and underground chambers, the castle conjures up an intensely intriguing atmosphere where history and legend intermingle.
We then go on to Ravenna, where the art of mosaics is closely linked to at least two unusual mysteries.
The Stabbers’ Cult
One of the darkest tales involving Ravenna is that of this sect, which was active in the late 19th century.
Between 1868 and 1874, a series of attacks and murders shocked the city, involving ordinary citizens and some important public figures, including Cavaliere Cesare Cappa, who was stabbed near Vicolo San Vincenzo, and the young Celeste Gherardi, who was murdered with 26 stab wounds along Via Bassa. The trials of the time brought some of the perpetrators to justice, but many of the incidents remain shrouded in mystery.
Today, as you stroll through the Old Town, you can explore the places linked to these events, winding through alleyways and past scenes that still bear evidence of a turbulent past. Visitors can relive this and other stories on a guided tour that reveals Ravenna’s ‘dark’ history; it is an itinerary that goes beyond the usual tourist routes and combines death and beauty, murders and art.
The Basilica of St John the Evangelist
Commissioned by Galla Placidia following a storm at sea in 424 AD, it is involved in an intriguing legend.
The day before the consecration, the Empress is said to have had a vision: a radiant figure, identified as Saint John the Evangelist, who was burning incense in the church. When the apparition ended, Galla Placidia discovered that she was holding one of the saint’s sandals, which was interpreted as a sign of his presence.
The episode is still remembered today on the medieval portal of the basilica, and this is evidence of the intermingling of faith and mystery.
Curiosity
Name Galla Placidia is also connected to Albana di Romagna a white wine with a golden hue that has been produced in this region for centuries. Tradition has it that during a journey in 435 AD, the Empress tasted the wine in Bertinoro and remarked that it deserved to be drunk from a golden cup, thus contributing to the wine’s fame. Still today, Albana is a DOCG wine, and a symbol of the culture and traditions of the Romagna region.
In Ravenna, art and mystery blend together amidst mosaics and urban tales. As you stroll through its narrow streets and past its monuments, the city uncovers a lesser-known side, made up of stories and charming atmospheres.
After a good night’s rest in what was once one of the capitals of the Byzantine Empire, we set off the next morning for Rimini.
Here, the enchanting Borgo San Giuliano district is home to colourful houses and narrow alleyways, but also mysterious stories of missing sailors and crimes of passion.
Most notably, the legend of the “Ghost of the Lantern” recounts the tale of a sailor who still wanders the harbour, in search of revenge for a betrayal.
An evening stroll through the narrow streets provides an authentic Noir atmosphere, with bridges and gateways that feel like they've been guarding centuries-old secrets; indeed, according to some sources, there are still mysterious engravings on some of the ancient doors – symbols associated with seafaring superstitions.
Just a few steps away stands one of Rimini’s landmarks, the Tiberius Bridge, also known as the “Pont de ’e Dievul”, or Devil’s Bridge.
Legend has it that the building of the bridge was repeatedly delayed by collapses. According to the story, Emperor Tiberius therefore made a deal with the devil: in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross, the bridge would be completed in a single night.
When it was finished, however, the pact was thwarted by sending an animal across first. Even today, it is said that the notches visible on the balustrade (upstream side) are the marks left by the devil, enraged by the deception.
Tip
A stroll through Borgo San Giuliano is the perfect way to conclude your visit. Its streets are lined with murals devoted to Federico Fellini and the seafaring tradition, turning the neighbourhood into an outdoor museum where art, history and local identity all blend together. Amidst colourful scenes and folk tales, the neighbourhood paints a genuine and surprising picture of the city.
The last stop also keeps us in the province of Rimini, concluding our journey in Mondaino, where the famous Fortress is home to dark and eerie legends.
The Ghost of the Poet Giovanni Muzzarelli
One of the legends associated with the Fortress of Mondaino involves Giovanni Muzzarelli, a poet murdered in the 16th century, possibly because of a love affair. It is believed that his sudden disappearance was due to his alleged affair with the Duchess Elisabetta Gonzaga, wife of Guidobaldo da Montefeltro.
Tradition has it that his spirit was seen riding away from the village walls on horseback, as if in search of justice.
Still today, a stroll through the courtyards and ramparts of the fortress evokes a magical atmosphere, where history and mystery are intertwined.
To know
The Fortress, which is home to the Paleontological Museum, is primarily open on Sundays: however, it is possible to arrange a visit outside of opening hours by booking in advance
Event
If your trip is scheduled for August, it is well worth attending the Palio del Daino, which commemorates the day on which Count Federico da Montefeltro met Sigismondo Malatesta, lord of Rimini. For four days, the village is swept back to the Renaissance: the districts compete in games and tournaments, and the streets are brought to life with taverns, artists and performances, all of which offer an immersive experience steeped in history and tradition.
A village seemingly frozen in time, where history and legend merge into an enchanting atmosphere.
