The surroundings of Imola - known as Nuovo Circondario Imolese, extending from east to west and from north to south around the town - are packed full of history and heritage. This itinerary, with its many panoramic viewing and observation points, will take you through the highlights of a region which, being halfway between Emilia and Romagna, offers a uniquely engaging experience.
Walking through its towns and villages, you will come across medieval towers that tell fascinating stories, silent witnesses to the power and bountiful possessions of the noble families who once ruled over these territories. These towers are not only vestiges of past times but also a valuable architectural legacy, a tangible link with the ancient origins of these places.
This is a walker-friendly itinerary suitable for everyone, without any particular difficulties and therefore perfect for families, groups of friends or anyone who wishes to enjoy an immersive experience in the local culture. Each stop offers an opportunity to not only explore the scenic beauty of the area, but also enjoy a taste of the amazing local culinary and handicraft traditions.
These include the Castel del Rio Marrone chestnuts, Medicina onions, Castel San Pietro cheese, Casalfiumanese ravioli, Imola garganelli and much more.
Visiting Nuovo Circondario Imolese is not just about following an itinerary: it means living an enriching experience, a journey through history, great views and deep-rooted traditions. All you need to do is pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable adventure!
The suggested itinerary has been designed to optimise travel times throughout the territory of Nuovo Circondario Imolese. Of course it is completely customisable according to individual needs and preferences.
From the Imola exit on the A14 motorway, turn right and continue towards Mordano on the Via Selice; after about 12km you will reach the village of Bubano.
Bubano can also be reached from the centre of Imola by public transport.
The Bubano Tower was built in the 13th century and was part of the defensive wall system that protected the city and its surrounding area and communication routes. Its strategic position made of this tower an important observation point for spotting any incoming threats.
Of the ancient fortress commissioned by Caterina Sforza in 1493, only one of the towers above the stables is still intact today, while a part of the Maschio, the keep tower, was restored in 2014 and is now partly accessible as a museum.
The fortress or “Castle of the Countess” remained in the hands of the Sforza family until 1499, when it was conquered by Cesare Borgia after a long siege.
Once you reach the top, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. The hills, vineyards and fields stretching to the horizon create a mesmerizing backdrop for unforgettable photos.
The village of Mordano is only a few kilometres from the hamlet of Bubano.
The first buildings that you will see on entering the village are the so-called Twin Towers (Torri Gemelle) of Mordano - lining the entrance to the fortified old town of Mordano.
The towers are clearly inspired by medieval architecture with conspicuous battlements, as was customary at the time. The Twin Towers of Mordano, also known as the Torri di San Giovanni (St John's towers), are an important historical and architectural highlight of the area. They were originally built in the medieval period, precisely in the 13th century, when the region was characterised by a system of fortifications and defensive towers.
These particular towers were originally used for military and observation purposes, allowing communication routes to be monitored and the surrounding territory to be protected from possible assaults. Their position made them ideal buildings for strategic purposes, as they offered a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside.
Over the centuries, the towers have undergone several changes and restorations, reflecting the different historical eras and architectural influences. In addition to their defensive function, the Twin Towers also had a symbolic role - representing the power and status of the local community. The latest restoration works date back to the end of the nineteenth century: the ancient door of Caterina Sforza's fortress was replaced based on a project by engineer Brusi, who was inspired by the towers of the Venetian Arsenal.
Today, the towers are an important landmark for the Mordano community as well as a tourist attraction: visitors will appreciate not only the buildings' history, but also their impressive stance and panoramic views. The towers' pristine condition is indicative of the importance that the local community attaches to its own cultural and historical heritage.
After leaving Mordano, rejoin the Via Selice to reach Imola after approximately 12 km.
Once you reach Imola, by continuing in the direction of Faenza, just before a bridge you will see the Torre del Dazio (Toll Tower).
The Torre del Dazio toll tower was built in 1750 at the behest of Pope Benedict XIV on the site of a strategic crossing over the Santerno River, as a shelter for the tax collectors in charge of collecting the river crossing toll.
It appears as a small two-level fortification with four square towers, with a marble plaque on its façade recalling the events that led to the tower construction; a bell-shaped niche used to contain a terracotta votive plaque, depicting the Virgin Mary between Saints Cassiano and Pier Grisologo, now displayed in the Imola Art Gallery.
Unfortunately, the inside of the building may not be visited; the tower may only be admired from the outside: try picturing it surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the time!
An overnight stay in Imola in one of the many lodging facilities of the town will give you the opportunity to fully experience first-hand the atmosphere of the place - tasting the local cuisine and enjoying the local traditions.
Leaving Imola and joining the Via Montanara road climbing through the Santerno Valley, you will reach Casalfiumanese - a village just 15 km from Imola. From Casalfiumanese follow the road to Fiagnano and after about 10 km you will reach the Campanile (bell tower).
The Bell Tower of Fiagnano stands on the ruins of an ancient church which had been built in the immediate vicinity of the Castle of Fiagnano, on the ridge that divides the Valsellustra valley from the Sillaro valley at approximately 327 m above sea level.
The bell tower is the only part of the old church still standing; from its top you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the amphitheatre of gullies on the hillsides below you.
A few hundred metres from the Tower are the remains of the old village, thought to be the birthplace of Pope Honorius II (1124-1130)
From the Bell Tower of Fiagnano rejoin the Via Montanara and continue south for about 15 km to reach Borgo Tossignano.
From Borgo Tossignano, leave the main road and start climbing towards the village of Tossignano.
The Rocca(fortress) is located in the top part of the village: from here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Santerno valley below.
The fortress construction dates back to 1256; it was commissioned by the Bolognesi family who then governed Imola.
It was then fortified in 1494 by Caterina Sforza, but in 1527 Ricciardo Alidosi took over as the Lord of the fiefdom of Castel del Rio.
The Rocca was destroyed between 1537 and 1538 by attackers from Imola on the orders of Pope Paul III.
During the winter of 1944 it was the scene of extremely heavy fighting along the Gothic Line.
Following the Via Montanara to the village of Fontanelice only 4 km away from Borgo Tossignano, you will reach the tower (Torre) of Fornione.
The Fornione Tower is located on the hills between Fontanelice and Castel del Rio, the name most likely deriving from the presence on this site of ancient furnaces of Roman origin. Etruscan and Roman tombs found in the area are evidence of the Roman presence here in very ancient times.
The ancient Tower was part of an imposing Palace commissioned in 1570 by the Alidosi family who made it their residence. Over the years it passed into the hands of the Spada family, the Marchi family and later, the Pifferi family. It was with this last change of hands that the decline of the castle began - as it was very far from the owners' main centre of economic interest.
Today the Tower still stands - a massive and austere building overlooking the valley, despite human neglect, the landslides that often hit the area and the numerous wounds inflicted by World War II.
Several paths start at the foot of the tower - allowing walkers to make the most of the surrounding natural landscapes, enjoying views that extend all the way to the horizon. The green hills of the Bolognese Apennines await you with their woodland, cultivated fields and meadows.
An overnight stay is recommended in one of the farmhouses in the area.
Leaving Fontanelice and continuing in an uphill direction for about 8 km you will reach Castel del Rio to begin the last day of the tour.
The Cantagallo Castle dates back to as early as the 10th century, and was owned by the same-named family who lived there for centuries. Even though they did not hold significant political power, the Cantagallo family managed to retain their territories, despite continuous pressure from Imola and attacks by the Alidosi, a powerful family from Imola.
Today only ruins of the ancient castle remain, easily reachable at the end of a walker-friendly route to this charming location that offers a breathtaking view of the valley below.
The itinerary continues downhill to the crossroads leading to the village of Sassoleone, where you'll rejoin the provincial road SP 15 to the junction with SP 21, which will take you downhill to reach the Municipality of Castel San Pietro Terme.
The Church of SS Crocifisso in Castel San Pietro Terme dates back to 1741 and houses an ancient statue depicting Jesus on the cross, venerated since 1749.
The bell tower houses a unique carillon commissioned by Canon Don Roberto Salieri, designed and built by the local craftsman Giulio Gollini and made up of 55 bells of different sizes (the largest weighs over one tonne) arranged at different levels, played from a special keyboard organ created specifically by master Gollini.
The Bell Tower and the Carillon were inaugurated in 1930 - initially with 33 bells. Later on, 22 more bells were added to the carillon. A typical piano keyboard is provided at the base of the bell tower to control the bell hammers via an electro-pneumatic mechanism - allowing the emission of harmonic, evocative bell sounds from the bells associated with the keys.
Thanks to its 55 bells, the Castel San Pietro carillon is not only the largest orchestral bell instrument in Italy but also, having a keyboard, a unique instrument in Europe, still used today before services officiated in the church, on religious holidays, and also for concerts organised on special occasions.
Leaving Castel San Pietro Terme, the route crosses the Via Emilia, one of the most historic roads in Italy, before joining the Via San Carlo. After a 20 minute drive you will reach Medicina.
The Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) of Medicina was built in two stages: the lower part was built in the 16th century, and rests on the corner wall of Palazzo del Podestà, while the top part dates back to the early 18th century. The bell tower is topped by a Guelph battlement frame.
Under this frame a clock face is visible in the sixteenth-century part of the building, made of Faenza majolica tiles bearing their ancient numbering from I to XXIV and with the heraldry symbols of Medicina: a cross, keys and lilies. On the west side is the newer eighteenth-century clock face with numbers from I to XII.
In 1730, a Madonna of the Rosary terracotta statue attributed to Angelo Piò “the Younger” was placed in a niche on the north side.
Curiosities
A plaque dedicated to Dante was affixed under the niche in 1921.
After being exiled from Florence in 1302, Dante travelled through various cities and regions of Italy - Medicina being one of the stops on his journey. Although there are no historical documents certifying a prolonged stay of the Poet in Medicina, local tradition places him in the area.
