Bike itinerary: Cesenatico – Montiano, the town of the Malatesta family
A route truly rich in history and nature from Cesenatico to Montiano: the numerous stops planned on this itinerary lead to the discovery of unique villages, each characterized by peculiarities that make it special and different from the others. So, feet on the pedals, ready for adventure!
How to do it: recommended itinerary for cycle tourists of medium difficulty, undulating, but without challenging climbs.
Distance covered: 55 km.
Detailed itinerary: in Cesenatico, take the underpass on Viale Trento and at the exit turn right towards Sala; once you reach the hamlet of Sala, at the church turn left towards Savignano, passing through S. Angelo and Gatteo; upon arriving in Savignano, at the traffic light on Via Emilia turn right, continue until the signs for La Crocetta - Longiano and then turn left; upon arriving in Longiano turn immediately left and then right towards Roncofreddo; from Roncofreddo continue towards S. Paola and outside the town turn right towards Montiano; after crossing the town of Montiano, take a long straight downhill road that leads to Via Emilia; follow the signs for Ruffio and once there turn right towards Sala.
The main stops:
Gatteo: a town of Roman origin, in 1200 it became a "medieval Commune" and, after being a fief of the Guidi di Bagno Counts, it passed to the Papal States. The most significant monument is the Castle; the Church of San Rocco, adorned with frescoes related to the period of the plague, is also worth a visit.
Savignano sul Rubicone: a modern town, but with a significant historical and cultural background, it owes its notoriety to the small river that was the scene of one of the most famous and emblematic events of antiquity, when, crossing the Rubicon with his legionaries, Julius Caesar declared himself an enemy of Rome, marking the end of the republican era. Among the main historical testimonies to remember are: the consular bridge that crosses the Rubicon, the Romanesque Pieve, and the Castle of Ribano.
Longiano: situated in an enchanting position, on the hills between Rimini and Cesena, its existence has been known since the 7th century. Longiano, long contended for its strategic position, was administered by the Malatesta of Rimini until 1462, the year in which the Papacy took their lands. Among the main attractions are: the Malatesta Castle, which currently houses the Balestra Foundation, an important collection of contemporary art), the Petrella Theatre, the convent of San Girolamo, and the Sanctuary of the Crucifix.
Gambettola: a town famous for the printing of Romagna canvases and for the trade of scrap iron, on which much of its economic development from the post-war period to today depends.
Roncofreddo: this town, which consisted of seven castles, was dominated by the Malatesta of Cesena. Of the seven castles, the Rocca del Castellaccio, the Castle of Sorrivoli, and that of Monteleone remain. There are also numerous churches worthy of note.
Montiano: developed under the dominion of the Lombards, the town was later dominated by the Malatesta of Sogliano. Of considerable interest are the walls of the fortress, which survived the last world conflict, the Churches of San Francesco and Sant’Agata, and that of Tre Monti.
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