Bagnara di Romagna, the castle village of the 14th century

Bagnara di Romagna is one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy. Its name derives from the humid alluvial plain once known as Silva Bagnaria. It is the only fully preserved example of a medieval castrum in Emilia-Romagna, still maintaining its 14th-century defensive system, later completed by Caterina Sforza. At the heart of the village stands the Rocca Sforzesca, with its keep, loggias, and Renaissance courtyard. Today it houses the Castle Museum, which narrates local history from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages and includes a section dedicated to the Lords of the Rocca. The Archpriestal Church of Saints Giovanni and Andrea, the parish museum, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso complete the historical and artistic charm of Bagnara, making it a unique village to discover.

What to see in Bagnara

 The beating heart of the village is the Rocca Sforzesca, an imposing medieval castle with defensive walls, bastions, and moats, built in the 15th century by the Visconti and later completed by Caterina Sforza. Today it hosts the Castle Museum, which tells the story of the area from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. Not far away, the Archpriestal Church of Saints Giovanni and Andrea preserves valuable works of art and houses the Mascagni Museum, dedicated to composer Pietro Mascagni, born in Bagnara. About two kilometers from the center, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, designed by Cosimo Morelli in the 18th century, is a pilgrimage site linked to miraculous traditions. Finally, Villa Morsiani, built in the 15th century and transformed into an 18th-century residence, is surrounded by a centuries-old park and hosts the famous breeding of Saint Bernard dogs “del Soccorso” as well as the Antonio Morsiani International Foundation for Canine Studies.

Events in Bagnara 

The village celebrates tradition, culture, and gastronomy with a lively calendar of events. Between late April and early May, the Sagra del Castrato offers local lamb, saffron, Trebbiano, Albana and Sangiovese wines, cappelletti, piadina, and mora romagnola. At the end of June, the Popoli Pop Cult Festival animates the village with ethnic cuisine, performances, and art exhibitions. The Festa del Pubblico Voto, celebrated since 1631 on the last Sunday of July, honors the Madonna dei Camangi. Summer brings Muse, a festival of music, theater, and literature inside the Rocca Sforzesca. In mid-October, the Festa del Castello revives the medieval soul of the village with workshops, conferences, and entertainment.

Exploring the surroundings 

The territory around Bagnara di Romagna is part of the Bassa Romagna, a land rich in history, food, and wine. Nearby towns such as Lugo, with its Estense fortress, and Imola, with its Rocca and racetrack, enrich the cultural itinerary. The surrounding countryside, dotted with vineyards and farmhouses, offers authentic experiences of Romagna’s traditions, blending history, nature, and gastronomy.

cover photo credits: archivio_fotografico_unione_comuni_bassa_romagna – CC BY-SA 3.0