Pet-friendly fortresses and castles: 48 hours in Romagna with your four-legged friend

The itinerary begins in the heart of the Ferrara countryside, precisely in Gambulaga di Portomaggiore, about fifteen minutes from Ferrara, where the Delizia Estense del Verginese is located, an ancient country retreat of the Este court, which can now be visited with your dog on a leash.

A rectangular two-story villa bordered at the vertices by four crenellated towers, it is built in white-plastered bricks and is connected to a private chapel via an eighteenth-century portico. The large central hall is the heart of the residence, proof of the greatness of the Este lords of Ferrara.

Amidst crenellated towers, Renaissance gardens and paths of the brolo (vegetable garden), this place has stories to tell of nobles and secret loves, immersed in the tranquillity of a well-kept and welcoming landscape.

Curiosities

• The term Delizia indicates a country retreat belonging to the Dukes of Este. These monumental residences once affirmed the Este dominion over the territory, and today, there are 6 that can still be visited, including that of Verginese.
• The Delizia was given as a gift by Alfonso I d'Este to Laura Dianti, also known by the pseudonym of Eustochia, lover of Alfonso himself after the death of his wife, Lucrezia Borgia and, probably, also his third wife.

After having had lunch in one of the farmhouses in the area, enjoying some of the traditional dishes of the Ferrara cuisine, we head south to reach Riolo Terme, a spa hamlet in whose historic centre stands the mighty Rocca di Riolo, built at the end of the 14th century by the Bolognese people.

With its three towers and square keep, it represents an interesting example of military fortification: perfectly accessible even to dogs, who can enter every room; the ancient fortress today houses the Museum of the landscape of the Faenza Apennines and is home to important historical, cultural and gastronomic events.

Walk through the tunnels and discover the secrets of the ancient bombards: every stone has a story to tell, every corner becomes the setting for a shared adventure.

Curiosites

• The Rocca still preserves a bombard dated 1474.
• Ruler of Imola and Forlì, Caterina Sforza was a woman of great power, a military commander and a skilled politician. And Caterina herself will lead you on guided tours inside the Rocca, including tastings and historical memories. A world-renowned figure, and one that continues to fascinate young people of all nations and ages, so much so that she was the protagonist of one of the best-selling video games of recent years.

After sleeping in Riolo, for the third stop, we move to the Forlì area, towards Bertinoro. A few kilometres from Forlimpopoli, we find the ancient Bishop's Rocca of Bertinoro, which was built in the mid-10th century and has remained well preserved in its original medieval structure with its original function of defence.

The building houses the Interfaith Museum of Bertinoro, located in parts of the ground floor and basement of the building. Here, dogs are welcome if they are on a leash or carried in their owners’ arms, and the experience becomes an opportunity to reflect on the dialogue among cultures and the common aspects of the three monotheistic religions, immersed in a historical setting of rare beauty.

Curiosities

From the central Piazza della Libertà, you can enjoy such a splendid panoramic view, for which the town is called the "Balcony of Romagna"

Events

Every year, during the first week of September, the hamlet relives the Feast of Hospitality, which originated in 1200, when the "Column of Hospitality" was erected. For the occasion, there are numerous cultural and gastronomic events that enliven the historic centre of town, day and night.

To taste

Bertinoro is famous for its wines and its gastronomy, with many dishes created by the “sfogline”, who still work the dough with a rolling pin. The piadina is inimitable, prepared on the spot in the many kiosks of the town. Try it with its numerous fillings before getting back in the car for the last stop.

The final stop of the itinerary leads to the territory of the ancient Malatesta lordship of Rimini, in the picturesque Montebello Castle, a perfect place to spend a special day in the company of your 4-legged friends.

Located at 436 metres above sea level, the Castle dominates the Marecchia and Uso valleys, offering panoramic views.

Dogs of all sizes are welcomed with bowls of water and plenty of space to walk. Amidst mystery, history and beauty, this is the perfect stop to end the journey... with your tail wagging.

Tips

The Castle can be visited both during the day and in the evening. 

• During the daytime visit (the afternoon of every Saturday, Sunday and holidays), you will explore the historical itinerary of the building, you will see all the rooms of the Castle and you will be able to admire furniture from 1300 to 1800 made as unique pieces.
• During the evening visit (Saturday evening) you will mainly explore the paranormal aspect of the fortress and you will deal with the most grim and dark aspects of the Middle Ages.

Curiosities

There is a legend linked to Azzurrina, daughter of Costanza and Ugolinuccio Malatesta, lords of Montebello, who, on June 21, 1375, while playing, disappeared inside the snow cellar of the old fortress. Since then, every five years, on June 21, the day of the summer solstice, the desperate voice of the little girl resounds throughout the halls of the castle.