Bike itinerary: Cesenatico – Mercato Saraceno, the town with the unusual name
In the lands of Romagna, history, tradition, and ancient curiosities are never lacking: by cycling along the curves and climbs of this itinerary, you will reach Mercato Saraceno, a town whose name is linked to one of the most important families in Ravenna and which left its mark on the city. Are you interested in learning more? Just get on your bike and let these places guide you.
How to do it: itinerary recommended for highly skilled cycle tourists, with 7 km of climbing and long stretches with steep gradients.
Distance covered: 98 km.
Detailed itinerary: in Cesenatico, take the underpass on Viale Trento and turn right towards Cesena, following S.S. 304; once in Cesena, after the overpass, turn right onto Via Marconi and then left onto Via Costa; at the Pertini roundabout, take the tunnel and at the exit continue left until Ponte Vecchio; before the bridge, turn left towards S.Carlo and from there continue to Borello; from Borello, follow the signs for Ranchio and continue to Linaro; before the ramp leading to the town, turn left towards Ciola; from Ciola, a fast descent leads to Mercato Saraceno; from there, return to Cesena passing through S. Carlo, Ponte Giorgi, Gualdo and Borello, and from Cesena to Cesenatico always via the same S.S. 304.
Main stops:
Cesena: the first certain testimonies relating to the city date back to the Roman era; in the Middle Ages, the city was often the subject of struggles and raids by Byzantines, Lombards, and neighboring communes. The city experienced its best times during the Malatesta lordship in the 15th century. After the brief interlude of Cesare Borgia, the city returned to the hands of the Papal States until the unification of Italy. Among the most important historical buildings to remember are: the Abbey of Monte, which houses many works of art; the Malatesta Fortress, built in the Byzantine era; the Malatesta Library, built by the architect Matteo Nuti and consisting of a three-nave hall, where invaluable illuminated manuscripts are preserved; the Town Hall; the Palazzo del Ridotto; the Masini Fountain; the Basilica Cathedral, etc.
Mercato Saraceno: a town of ancient origin that owes its name to Saraceno, a scion of the noble Onesti family of Ravenna. Divided into three levels, the historic center of the town features several buildings of considerable interest, such as Palazzo Petrucci, Palazzo Dolcini, and the Church of S. Maria Nuova, which houses works by the Guercino school.
To stay updated on all cycling itineraries, take a look at the Cesenatico Bike experiences.
