There is a Romagna that pulses with nature, silence and authenticity, a world away from the beaten track, whose landscape changes at every turn, among ancient forests and villages of stone. It is the Romagna of the Bidente and Lamone valleys, two Apennine ridges describing a journey to be enjoyed slowly, step by step.
This 48-hour itinerary is an immersion in the green heart of the Romagna hinterland, through nature parks, UNESCO reserves and hamlets steeped in history.
Along the way, each stop offers the opportunity to rediscover the slow pace of travel, allowing yourself to be surprised by unexpected views, authentic flavours and encounters with nature, which here manifests itself in its wildest and most primitive form. From the centuries-old woods where deer and eagles roam, to the fortresses that tell tales of nobles and battles, to the genuine flavours of the Romagna cuisine: this is a journey to be enjoyed to the fullest, involving all your senses.
The route is designed for those who love walking, exploring, and listening. You don't need to be an expert hiker or mountaineer: all you need is curiosity and the desire to be guided by the emotions, stories and amazement that this corner of Romagna holds.
Each stop offers the possibility of outdoor experiences, cultural and food-and-wine visits, with options to stop and sleep or taste local products.
A unique travelling experience: whether it's the morning light filtering through the branches of the forest, or the silence suspended on a rock overlooking the valley, every moment will be part of a story to take with you.
The journey begins in Santa Sofia, a hamlet nestled in the Bidente Valley about fifteen kilometres from Forlì, an ideal starting point for exploring the entire valley.
After a short stroll through its charming historic centre with the typical mountain atmosphere, you reach the majestic Ridracoli Dam, gateway to the Lama Forest and one of the area’s main attractions.
The dam, an imposing structure blending in perfectly with the environment, creates an artificial lake with postcard-perfect scenery.
Here, you can spend at least a couple of hours in a more or less adventurous way, depending on the activities you choose.
Tips
Continuing north, you reach Corniolo, a small hamlet nestled amidst the lush woods of the Casentino Forests; this hamlet is dominated by the Romanesque Saint Peter’s Church, a small historical jewel in Romanesque style, inside of which the visitor can admire prestigious works from the workshop of Giovanni della Robbia and Giulio Ponteghini dating back to the 16th century.
To do
To stay the night, Corniolo offers a variety of possibilities, with strategically-located hotels and inns
Curiosities
San Paolo in Alpe is a large plateau at 1030 metres above sea level from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view that embraces the Campigna and Lama forests, including the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2017: a protected area of exceptional ecological value, with primary forests that host extraordinary biodiversity.
To taste
For dinner, try the “tortelli alla lastra”, a very old recipe from the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennine area, which is pasta cooked on a slab in the fireplace, from which its name derives.
The second day begins by moving to the nearby Lamone Valley with a stop in Modigliana, a hamlet steeped in history and traditions.
Stroll through its elegant squares, its historic buildings, including Palazzo Pretorio and the Church of San Domenico, the porticoes and the shops, until you reach the Rocca dei Conti Guidi. This imposing medieval fortress, from which you can admire an impressive view of the valley, is the hamlet’s main attraction and has centuries of historical tales to tell. Here, you can get to know the background of the Guidi family: find out about the history of this noble family and get captivated by the tranquillity of this charming hamlet.
Tips
Before leaving, enjoy a glass of Sangiovese in one of the local wine bars, and try some of the traditional dishes such as piadina stuffed with local cheeses and cured meats.
The journey ends in Brisighella, one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy, famous for its medieval architecture and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) olive oil.
To do
To taste
Stay and have an evening dinner: eating dishes like passatelli (a type of pasta) in broth, grilled meat and the inevitable PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) olive oil of Brisighella, a great way to end your itinerary in perfect Romagna style!
Events
During the year, there are numerous festivals and fairs that take place in the hamlet, getting you acquainted with the area’s traditional products, art, history and architecture.
