Forlimpopoli and Bertinoro: A Journey between Art and Taste

The route starts from the "T. Aldini" Civic Archaeological Museum in Forlimpopoli, known as MAF, located in the heart of the town.
Founded in 1961, this precious institution is housed in the charming halls of the Rocca Ordelaffa, an imposing structure dating back to the Renaissance that adds a unique charm to the museum experience.

MAF represents a real journey through time. Its collection offers a fascinating picture of daily life, funeral rites and construction techniques that have characterized the different eras of local history, from prehistoric testimonies to the Renaissance period.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the past and discover the secrets of the civilizations that have inhabited these lands.

A short distance from the MAF is Casa Artusi: a landmark for Italian gastronomic culture and home cooking, it is located within the historic complex of Church of the Servants in Forlimpopoli.
The facility is organized into various spaces, each dedicated to different facets of culinary culture: a restaurant, a library, a museum, a cooking school, a wine cellar, and a shop.

This unique venue offers an immersive experience for anyone wishing to delve deeper into Artusi’s legacy and experience the art of home cooking firsthand.

Events

During the summer, Forlimpopoli becomes the capital of “eating well” to celebrate its illustrious native son: the gastronome Pellegrino Artusi, author of the famous treatise *Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well*. For nine days, the historic center comes alive with a festival where the streets, squares, and alleys are renamed after the chapters of Artusi’s manual.
The star of the Festa Artusiana is , of course, home cooking: restaurants and the many food stands set up for the event offer their own interpretations of the 790 recipes taken from Artusi’s book. All around, sounds, aromas, and flavors blend together to create a unique atmosphere.

Second stop: Bertinoro, about 8 km from Forlimpopoli, in the direction of Cesena.

Must-see

• Piazza della Libertà, the heart of the town, known as “The Balcony of Romagna, ” offers a breathtaking view that lives up to its nickname. On one side stand the majestic Cathedral, Palazzo Ordelaffi, and the Tower, while on the other, a sweeping view opens up over the Romagna plain, stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea.
• The “Column of Hospitality,” dating back to the 13th century, is better known as the “Column of the Rings.” Adorned with twelve rings, it was erected to resolve disputes among the town’s twelve families. The column allowed visitors to tie their horse to one of the rings, thereby becoming guests of the family that owned it. This practice involved the entire community in a ritual that reflected the welcoming spirit of the Bertinoro region. Even today, it remains a tangible symbol of Bertinoro’s traditional hospitality.
• “Campana dell’Albana”: a sculpture by the artist Guerrino Bardeggia, whose tolls still mark the beginning of the grape harvest today, thus heralding the arrival of a special moment for the town’s community.

Tip

The most evocative time to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape is undoubtedly at sunset, while sipping a good glass of wine seated at one of the bars in the square.

Curiosity

Bertinoro, also known as the “City of Wine,” is famous for its extensive wine production. It is said that its name derives from Empress Galla Placidia. According to legend, on a hot summer day in 424 A.D., the empress tasted Albana wine offered to her by a local farmer in a simple terracotta jug and, struck by its aroma and flavor, exclaimed: “Oh Albana, you are worthy of being drunk from a golden cup!”

As you continue strolling through the village, you’ll discover other unique features that bear witness to Bertinoro’s deep historical ties to the winemaking tradition:

• “Strada della Vendemmia” (Grape Harvest Street): a short alley that begins on Via della Trinità, along which seven splendid paintings by local artists are permanently displayed, depicting the most significant moments in the life cycle of the vineyard and wine.
• Monumento al Vignaiolo (Monument to the Winemaker), a bronze sculpture by Mario Bertozzi of Forlimpopoli, erected in 1976 and located in Largo Cairoli. Here, every year during the Festival of Hospitality, the “New Winemaker” ceremony takes place at its base, during which a winemaker who has recently started their business or distinguished themselves through innovation in the sector is honored.

Tip

For those wishing to explore the surrounding hills, we recommend a visit to one of the many wineries near Bertinoro. It’s an unmissable opportunity to savor the traditional dishes of Romagna cuisine and taste the fine local wines.

Events

The Festival of Hospitality is one of Bertinoro’s most iconic events and celebrates the town’s historic tradition of hospitality. Every September, the town comes alive with a rich program of activities that culminates in the traditional ceremony at the foot of the Colonna degli Anelli, a symbol of the town’s hospitality.
The event features numerous activities dedicated to the finest products of the Bertinoro hills, a region known for its picturesque landscape and its high-quality food and wine traditions.