Civitella di Romagna is an Italian township belonging to the province of Forlì-Cesena, in the Emilia Romagna region.
It is located 30 km from Forlì, on the foothills of Girone hill and bordering the right bank of the river Ronco- Bidente.
Its history can still be seen through the ancient ruins of the fortress: the tower, rebuilt in Gothic style, with the clock dating back to 1842. The town’s medieval origins are still visible in its structure surrounded by imposing walls. Civitella di Romagna includes the hamlets: Castagnolo, Cigno, Civorio, Collina, Cusercoli, Giaggiolo, Nespoli, Petrella, Pian di Spino, San Paolo in Aquiliano, Seggio, Seguno, Valpondo, Voltre. Cusercoli’s centre stands on a rocky spur dominated by the medieval castle and St. Bonifacio’s church. The hamlet’s history is closely related to the castle, built on the site of a former Roman settlement, whose only remains today are the majestic walls. In the 12th century it was owned by the Archbishops of Ravenna, while in the 14th century the Malatesta family extended it in order to obtain a fortified palace next to the castle, used as the feudal lord’s residence, by adding the second curtain wall.
From 1571 it belonged to the Malatesta, the Manfredi, the Guidi family of Bagno, and the Gottifredi family of Cesena, until it was finally assigned to the Guidi counts. From 1400 they modified the structure, adding hanging gardens and the church of St. Boniface. The Counts Guidi continued spending periods throughout the year in the palace until they completely abandoned it and left it to decay. The state of neglect reached such a point that in 1937 part of the fortress collapsed on the houses, causing 21 casualties.
In 1973, the City Council purchased it. Following studies by Addis Sante Meleti, we know that the urban centre arose before the year 1000, where testimonies speak of Civitella as a ‘walled village’. It was later connected to Sant’Ellero. There were disputes lasting several centuries with the Papal power, Florentine lords and noble families from Romagna, including the Malatesta family. During the 16th century, the Papal State began its direct domination, which ended in 1860 upon annexation to the Kingdom of Italy.
A small ancient village dominated by the mighty medieval castle of the Conti Guidi, located a few kilometres from Civitella di Romagna. For centuries, the castle “dominated” the valley from the rocky spur on which it is built, controlling the pass on the road to Tuscany. The Counts Guidi di Bagno built a paper mill on the riverbank, probably the oldest in Romagna, which remained in operation until the early 20th century.
The village, also called ‘Clusum or Clausum Erculis’, stands on a limestone spur, from which its name seems to derive due to the Herculean effort needed to work this extremely hard rock. Along the main street is the ‘Purtaza’, an ancient gate surmounted by the coat of arms of the Conti Guidi di Bagno, which was the only entrance to the village when it was built.
At the top, the medieval castle of the Conti Guidi—already known in the 11th century—includes the annexed church and rectory, the few remaining frescoes, a bell tower, the parish clock with its ancient mechanism recently restored, a tiny Italian garden, and sundials.
In addition, the local cemetery houses 14 valuable glazed terracotta tiles from the school of Luca della Robbia, depicting the Stations of the Cross.
Cusercoli offers not only historical sites but also gastronomic events, such as the renowned Blackthorn Fair and the Bidente Truffle Festival.
Altitude: 210 m a.s.l.
Population: 1,200 inhabitants
How to get there:
Along the S.S. 310, Cusercoli is 25 km from Forlì, 31 km from the Forlì motorway exit, 28 km from Forlì railway station, and 25 km from Ridolfi Airport.
Additional information:
Cusercoli is a major centre for the production of wreaths and rosaries, exported worldwide. Visitors can also explore numerous farms and agritourisms belonging to the Wine and Food Trail of the Forlì-Cesena Hills.
Documented in 1021, the castle of Giaggiolo was once a feudal possession of important families such as the Montefeltro and Malatesta. By the 15th century, the castle began to decay. Today, an imposing ruin and high walls remain, enclosing centuries of history and mystery.
Altitude: 478 m a.s.l.
How to get there:
Giaggiolo is about 2 km from Voltre, continuing along the provincial road.
A hamlet of Civitella, Nespoli is notable for the remains of a Roman villa rustica dating back to the 1st century AD, with mosaic and cocciopesto floors. The site was strategically located near both the river and the magistra road of the valley, which connected to Tuscia via Galeata.
According to the Nespoli Parish Archive, the church, originally belonging to the Valverde Hospital founded in the 6th century by St. Columbanus, became a parish in 1400. The Valverde hospitale, together with that of S. Michele in Civitella, already offered clean, ready beds for travelers by 1573.
Altitude: 176 m a.s.l.
How to get there:
Along the S.S. 310 del Bidente, 4 km from Cusercoli.
Mentioned in documents dating back to 1285, Seggio includes the Oratory of St. Eurasia. By tradition, the feast of St. Victor is celebrated every Whit Monday, whose significant relic is kept in the church.
Altitude: 442 m a.s.l.
How to get there:
About 3 km from Voltre. Follow the signs.
Traces of Voltre appear in the Camaldolese Annals (1395). In the 1500s it was under the patronage of the Malatesta family. At the beginning of the century, it served as a cattle market. During WWII, Voltre was the site of clashes between partisans and German forces along the Nazi Gothic Line.
Altitude: 250 m a.s.l.
Population: 321 inhabitants
How to get there:
Voltre is 3 km from Cusercoli along the S.S. 310 towards Santa Sofia. At a junction, turn left onto via Ugo La Malfa.
A small village over 18 km from Civitella di Romagna, located in the valley towards Cesena, 6 km from Ranchio (Sarsina). The church, built in 1899, is dedicated to S. Apollinare in Classe and preserves a Ciborio from 1600, a carved and inlaid wooden relic decorated with gold and silver leaf.
An ancient castle from 1037 dominates the village. Remaining structures include a bastion, sections of walls supporting houses, a cistern, and some vaulted rooms now used as a farmhouse. Notably, the bastion is well preserved. Around 1920, parish priest D. Tassinari planted maclura trees with characteristic green fruits, originating from North America.
Altitude: 270 m a.s.l.
How to get there:
From Voltre, follow signs for 5 km; or from Civitella, follow signs to Civorio.
This itinerary aims to point tourists to the culinary offerings of our land, with a culinary tradition famous throughout Italy.
Romagna, is in fact endowed with very fertile soils from which excellent natural products are obtained that can be enjoyed as soon as they are picked or prepared within sophisticated recipes to be served on the table.
It starts with the best-known and most popular events held in all the towns in the area. In Romagna, in fact, in every season of the year, it is possible to take part in countless festivals.
Monuments, churches, villas, palaces and relevant places
Natural parks and gardens, landscapes and breathtaking sights
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