This two-day trip to Authentic Romagna leads to the discovery of medieval villages, breathtaking views and nature trails. The first day winds its way through Cusercoli, Civitella di Romagna and Santa Sofia, with the possibility of hiking around one of the oldest nature reserves in Europe. On the second day, from the Bidente Valley we reach the Rabbi Valley, rich in other natural wonders, including the Braccina forests, the Mengozzi Mill and the Rabbi River waterfalls, with trekking and relaxation in natural pools.
Our journey begins in the charming village of Cusercoli, an ancient castle perched on a rocky spur dominating the Bidente valley. Strolling through its medieval walls, we admire the spectacular panorama that stretches as far as the surrounding hills.
We continue on our way towards Civitella di Romagna, a charming village characterised by picturesque narrow streets and the historic Church of San Michele. Here, a stop is a must to taste local wines in one of the local wine cellars or, if there is enough time, to take part in a local cooking class.
After savouring the local delicacies, we head towards Pianetto, a village with timeless charm, with its stone houses and the beautiful Pieve di Santa Maria dei Miracoli. North of Pianetto is the Archaeological Area of Mevaniola, an ancient Roman town located on a river terrace where it is possible to visit the remains of the public baths, the theatre with its characteristic Greek-Hellenistic layout and the small cistern.
After lunch in a typical trattoria, we head back to Santa Sofia for a walk along the Bidente river in the Open Air Sculpture Park: an original museum itinerary combining art and nature thanks to the beautiful contemporary works lining the banks.
We pick up the car and climb towards Bagno di Romagna along the Carnaio Pass. After a few hairpin bends, we plunge into the woods in the direction of Poggio alla Lastra, and then continue along the dirt road to the charming ghost town of Pietrapazza, a witness to the years when these beautiful valleys were still inhabited. If time permits, it is worth taking an excursion to the Riserva Integrale di Sasso Fratino - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - one of the oldest and most uncontaminated in Europe, famous for its majestic beech forests and white fir trees planted by Camaldolese monks. Direct access to the protected area is prohibited, but there are several trails that run along the reserve, offering breathtaking views of this oasis of biodiversity.
History lovers will also appreciate the chance to walk along a stretch of the ancient Via Romea Germanica, which in the Middle Ages linked northern Europe to Rome and saw the passage of kings, popes, crusaders and pilgrims on their way to the Eternal City.
We end the long day with a typical dinner based on Romagna products and then spend the night in one of the facilities in the area.
We begin the day by driving along the road leading to Campigna, then turning right at Corniolo. We find ourselves along the historic Braccina road, which connects the Rabbi and Bidente valleys through a wooded landscape rich in beeches, pines and firs with numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels.
When we reach the village of Fiumicello, we stop for a coffee and visit the ancient Mengozzi Mill, a masterpiece of industrial archaeology carefully restored by the Mengozzi brothers, who here produce the excellent chestnut flour used in many typical local preparations.
We continue our itinerary towards Premilcuore, a medieval village dominated by its ancient fortress. After a walk through the narrow streets of the centre and the purchase of some local products for an open-air picnic, we immerse ourselves in the natural wonders of the area.
Driving along the SP25 towards Giumella, we leave the car and continue on foot to Ponte Nuovo, an ancient stone bridge dating from the 17th century. A short path leads us to the spectacular Grotta Urlante (Screaming Cave), where the Rabbi river wedges itself between the rocks forming a thunderous waterfall, and the sound of the water, amplified by the cave's conformation, seems to reproduce a human scream. Two crystal-clear pools form at the foot of the waterfall, perfect for a dip on hot summer days.
Along the course of the river, other natural wonders are hidden, such as the Cascata della Sega, a double waterfall of extraordinary beauty, and the smaller but equally enchanting Seghina. After an open-air lunch, we spend the afternoon between walks and refreshing baths in the natural pools, fully savouring the magic of this unspoilt corner of authentic Romagna.
Thus ends our two-day journey immersed in nature, amid historic villages, breathtaking landscapes and genuine flavours: a perfect itinerary for those who love adventure and history, amid spectacular landscapes and age-old traditions.