Bertinoro, the “balcony” of Romagna

Bertinoro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, rises on Monte Cesubeo and fascinates visitors with its millenary history and breathtaking views. According to legend, its name derives from an exclamation by Galla Placidia, though others link it to pilgrims traveling to Brittany. Already inhabited by the Romans for its strategic position, the village developed during the Early Middle Ages with the construction of its imposing Rocca, which hosted illustrious figures such as Frederick Barbarossa, the Malatesta, the Borgia, and the Sforza. The main square, known as the “Balcony of Romagna”, is home to the Town Hall, the Cathedral of Santa Caterina, and the famous Colonna dell’Ospitalità, symbol of the town’s historic welcome to pilgrims and travelers.

What to see in Bertinoro

 This medieval village is renowned as the Balcony of Romagna for its magnificent panorama stretching from the hills to the sea. Piazza della Libertà, with its 14th-century Palazzo, the Clock Tower, the imposing Cathedral of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, and the thousand-year-old Rocca, testifies to the historical importance of the town. Bertinoro is also the City of Hospitality, symbolized by the Colonna delle Anella, around which the town’s main annual festival is celebrated. Must-see sites include the Interreligious Museum inside the Rocca and the ancient Pieve di Polenta, praised by Carducci and visited by Dante. The town also boasts a renowned spa center at Fratta Terme and is a land of fine wines, including Albana and Sangiovese.

Events in Bertinoro

 Every year Bertinoro celebrates its traditions with events that highlight history, culture, and the local territory. On the first weekend of September, the Festa dell’Ospitalità takes place, with concerts, cultural initiatives, the Harvest Dinner, and the evocative Rite of Hospitality. From January to March, the Pomeriggi del Bicchiere offer Sundays dedicated to literature, music, and tastings of local wines and products. During the summer, the Bertinoro Estate calendar enlivens the village with numerous food, wine, and music events, culminating in major concerts in the gardens of the Rocca, the heart of the season, with breathtaking views and unique atmospheres of the Balcony of Romagna.

What to see in the surroundings 

The surroundings of Bertinoro reveal authentic gems of the Romagna hills. Just a few kilometers away are the historic towns of Forlimpopoli, with its famous National Academy of Pizza, and Predappio, birthplace of Mussolini, which preserves an interesting architectural heritage. Nearby Cesena offers the spectacular Malatestiana Library, a Renaissance masterpiece. For wine lovers, the surrounding hills are dotted with wineries producing Albana and Sangiovese, with tastings and guided tours. Those seeking relaxation can head to the Fratta thermal baths, while the natural landscapes and medieval villages of the area provide unforgettable walks through history and tradition.

photo credits ermess