A journey through the history of Lower Romagna, taking in the ancient civic towers that have characterised the towns since the 12th century, and the fortresses that still define the urban landscape today with their imposing presence.
A two-day tour to discover the fascinating aspects of these monuments, such as the tolling of the bells that marked the moments of daily life in the town, and the historical and legendary tales of women, knights and bandits whose paths crossed here.
Useful info
This itinerary is best explored by car, though those in good physical condition may also follow it by bike.
Tip
For those interested in art and history, we also recommend the following itineraries:
The Civic tower of Bagnacavallo stands near “Palazzo Vecchio” in the main square of this charming village, a small town nestled in the countryside of Ravenna.
It was built with bare bricks approximately in the middle of the XIII century and then it was fitted out with a clock in the early XVI century during the political control of the Este family.
Finally, it was designated as a jail from the XVIII to the XIX century where the bandit Stefano Pelloni known as “il Passatore” was imprisoned in 1849.
Curiosity
At the base of the tower, you can see large nails, which the people of Bagnacavallo have always used to hang up items found along the road: anyone who has lost something knows where to go and look… “provided someone has found it”.
A few kilometres from the town stands the beautiful Torre di Traversara, a private residence situated in the Bagnacavallo countryside close to the River Lamone. Built in the 14th century by the Traversari family of Ravenna, it was converted into a villa in 1736. Passing through various families over the centuries and severely damaged by the bombing of 1944, after its reconstruction it was home to the painter Giuseppe Rambelli, a pupil of Fattori.
The Tower was built in Cotignola in 1376 by Sir John Hawkwood, known as Giovanni Acuto, a famous English captain who had received the feud from Pope Gregorius XI in 1370. It was destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt in 1972.
Inside the tower, the civic bell known as “E’ Campanòn” is kept, on which an inscription says why the bell was rung ”Arma – Ignem – Excubias – Senium – Sontesque – Senatum – Jubila” (war, fire, sentries, river Senio, bandits, Senate, festivals).
Events
Don’t miss the performances taking place in July at Romagna’s only straw amphitheatre. In a wide floodplain of the River Senio, bathed in moonlight and starlight, stands the ephemeral Straw Bale Arena. Here, concerts, theatre, storytelling, land art and poetry readings come to life on a bed of straw and imagination.
The Rocca Estense in Lugo is an important example of the strongholds that characterized the town's development in the second part of the Middle Ages, especially in Romagna, and its present aspect dates back to the XVI century.
As a matter of fact, the most important period for the stronghold development was during the political control of the Este family (1437-1598) during which the features of its defensive system were deeply changed.
After the annexation by the Papal States, the military features of the fortress became “more gentle” with the creation of the Hanging Garden at the end of the XVIII century. The fortress has been hosting the town hall since 1847 and its halls have a remarkable cultural and historical appeal.
Events
Every May, the square in front of the Rocca hosts the historical procession of the Contesa Estense, which re-enacts the celebrations held to welcome Duke Borso d’Este in 1471, as he made his way to Rome to receive from Pope Paul II the investiture of the territory of Romandiola Ferrarese.
The defensive system of Bagnara di Romagna dates back to the XIV century and it is the only example of a still complete Medieval “castrum” in the whole emiliano-romagnola plain.
The present fortress was built in the XVI century on the ruins of the previous one. Its reconstruction took many decades and it was possible thanks to the lords that used to dominate Bagnara such as the Bishop of Imola, the Manfredi family, the Colleoni family, Girolamo Riario and Caterina Sforza. The last works involved the keep in 1479 and the elegant porch commissioned by Caterina herself.
After the ephemeral occupation by Cesare Borgia known as “il Valentino”, approximately in 1500, Bagnara experienced some troubled decades until its return under the control of the Papal States. The fortress became the residence of the Bishop of Imola’s commissioner, so it became a home, the two towers were covered with bricks, and the other locations were earmarked for civil use.
In the keep it is possible to admire the top, the pillboxes and the underpasses but it is also possible to admire the East tower which is a real jewel.
To know
The fortress houses the Fortress Museum, featuring interesting archaeological finds that shed light on the origins of the small village.
Must-see
The mural dedicated to Caterina Sforza, the ‘Tiger of Romagna’, which dominates the wall of a private residence just a short walk from the town’s main gate.
Events
Don’t miss Popoli Pop in June, an event that involves the whole village and brings music, art and cuisine from different countries around the world to its narrow streets, promoting encounters and understanding between different cultures.
The clock tower of Sant’Agata sul Santerno stands where the ancient Medieval castle used to be, in particular, the ancient castle gate called “La porta” (the gate).
The big arch gate has a bell known since 1487 as “la campana della ragione” (the bell of reason).
Curiosity
It is said that ‘The Bell of Reason’ brings happiness to anyone who walks through the door whilst it is ringing.
Rebuilt in the second half of the XVIII century by architect Cosimo Morelli after a fire, the clock tower of Massa Lombarda stands on a side of the main square and it is the architectural symbol of the town as it can be seen from quite far away.
Curiosity
On 25 January, the town celebrates its patron saint, Saint Paul, a festival linked to the ancient tradition of the ‘Spie dei mesi’ (in the local dialect, ‘Al spej di mis’), when farmers used to observe the weather during the first twenty-four days of January and note it down on the calendar. Each day was considered a ‘spia’ (indicator) capable of revealing what the weather would be like in the coming months. The outcome was then symbolically entrusted to St Paul’s Day, when forecasts for the coming year were drawn up.
The tower called “the bell tower” stands in the main square of Conselice and it is the municipal tower. It was built with the church of San Martino in 1830 by architect Giuseppe Magistretti.
It was then rebuilt in 1871, it is 36 metres high and it hosts the clock and the church bells.
