The Spungone, named after the dialect words ‘spugnò’ or ‘spungò’ due to its ‘spongy’ appearance, is a particular type of calcareous sandstone that forms the hills of Romagna from Bertinoro to Castrocaro Terme, passing through Meldola and Predappio.
Three million years ago, this rocky ridge was a magnificent coral reef; today it is a natural heritage site, offering captivating views that preserve significant biodiversity and numerous thermal springs, as well as an excellent area for agricultural, wine and olive oil production. To explore it, here is an itinerary designed for cycling, but which can also be done on foot.
Technical notes
This route is ideal for bike-discovering enthusiasts, experienced cycle tourists or those seeking slow yet physically active tourism amidst hills and vineyards.
Tips for nature lovers
Bertinoro, also known as the “Balcony of Romagna”, due to the square situated in the upper part of the town, from which one can enjoy a sweeping panorama stretching from the hills down to the sea. This is the starting point for the first stage of the itinerary, exploring the lush countryside just beyond the village. The narrow roads are winding and the setting is rural, a succession of vineyards, olive groves and orchards: the perfect backdrop for a bike ride.
Curiosity
Towering above the village is the Rocca, a thousand-year-old fortress, where Emperor Frederick Barbarossa once stayed and which served as a bishops’ seat from the 16th century until 1970.
The route continues to the village of Fratta Terme, just a few kilometres from Bertinoro.
Travel tip
We suggest taking a detour along Via Loreta until you reach the Lombard parish church of San Donato in Polenta, visited by Dante
and celebrated by Carducci.
Curiosity
Known since ancient times, legend has it that Antenor and some of Aeneas’ companions, returning from the Trojan War, founded the first settlement at Casticciano Fratta. A reminder of that era is Via Tro, which takes its name from Troy.
Meldola, situated 15 km from Bertinoro.
At the entrance to the town centre, you find yourself facing one of the town’s jewels: The Ponte dei Veneziani, so named because it was built in 1508, during Venetian rule, to allow water to flow out of the nearby Doria Canal.
Just a five-minute bike ride away is Piazza Orsini, framed by the Loggiato Aldobrandini. From here begins a route halfway between the valley and the ridge. The valley is that of the River Bidente, whose banks have seen travellers and pilgrims of every era pass by, heading from northern Italy towards Tuscany and Rome.
Continuing along the rugged ridge, you reach the Rocca delle Caminate: an imposing fortress that stands on a hilltop at an altitude of over 350 metres between the Rabbi and Bidente valleys. On the border between Meldola and Predappio, thanks to its strategic position, it dominates much of the Romagna region, offering a sweeping panorama which, on clear days, stretches from the Adriatic coast to the Apennine mountains.
Round off your day in the hills of Romagna with a unique experience: a visit to the Rocca, accompanied by local guides, followed by a refined tasting of Sangiovese, cheeses and traditional cured meats, to savour the true flavours of the region at one of the many
farm stays in the surrounding area.
Predappio: it can be reached by following the road of the same name, which climbs the ridge of Rocca delle Caminate, with a steep ascent that winds its way through sweeping views and the rolling hills typical of the Romagna hinterland, up to the historic centre perched on the hill.
From this vantage point, you can take in the full beauty of the Montone Valley, a natural link to Tuscany and a historic transit route to Rome.
To taste
A local speciality, Pecorino delle Solfatare is a unique cheese, matured in the characteristic caves carved into the rock (the ‘Prè’) just outside Predappio Alta, once former sulphur mines.
Made from sheep’s milk in spring, it is left to mature from late July in this humid, sulphurous environment, which gives it an intense aroma, a rich flavour and a delicate spicy note.
Descending from Predappio, the route passes through a scenic stretch known as “Volture”.
Along the route, two places are of particular interest:
To know
The history of its waters dates back to Roman times, when the springs were used not only for their healing properties, but also as a place for socialising and social life.
Travel tip
For history and art enthusiasts, Castrocaro offers a fascinating journey into Rationalism, with buildings and architectural treasures that have made it famous even beyond Italy’s borders.
Technical data
The route consists of a climb of approximately 1.7 kilometres located in the area of Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole. Classified as a 4th-category climb, it has an average gradient of 7.4% with maximum gradients of 11.8%.
The final leg of the Spungone tour ends with a winding stretch through the foothills of Forlì, which starts in Castrocaro Terme and initially follows the Montone River bike and pedestrian path all the way to Terra del Sole.
From this picturesque village—a stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in Romagna—the road begins to climb, eventually leading to the panoramic Rocca di Monte Poggiolo. From here on, a series of gentle ups and downs will offer sweeping views of the Rabbi Valley, with its picturesque badlands.
Must-see
Along the route, in the area of Rio Cozzi, an imposing rock outcrop—also used as a climbing wall—features a vast expanse of “Spungone,” perhaps the most spectacular in the entire mountain range.
