Evocative Medieval Villages of Emilia-Romagna

Start your day at one of the most striking places throughout Emilia-Romagna: the Sanctuary of San Luca.
There are two ways to reach the shrine: on foot by walking 3.5 km or by car, parking your car 7 minutes' walk from the Sanctuary.
However you choose to reach it, you can’t help but be speechless in front of the architectural perfection of this place of worship, which integrates perfectly with the surrounding nature.
The shrine is visited by many pilgrims who come to pay homage to the enchanting statue of the "Virgin and Child", which, legend has it, was brought here by a hermit from Constantinople in 1100 AD.
In addition to the architecture of the place, you’ll be fascinated by the view surrounding it, which can be admired by climbing the dome of the Sanctuary after paying for a ticket.
The interior of the shrine can be visited free of charge every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
View the official website for more information about the Sanctuary.

Stop to admire a true piece of Italian history, the Manfredian and Venetian Fortress.
This fortress, built by the Venetians in 1310, bears witness to the short domination of Venice over Emilia at that time.
From here, you can admire the ancient medieval village of Brisighella from above and have a wide view over the verdant Lamone valley.
The fortress still preserves intact its medieval fortifications such as the drawbridges and its circular watchtowers – it’s impossible not to take a step back in time while admiring this work of architecture from the Middle Ages!
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday – Sundays: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday: Closed
For more information on the Rocca consult the website.

Follow a pleasant road through the countryside and easily reach the Clock Tower of Brisighella, an enchanting medieval village located in the Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola.
The tower, built in the 13th century, constituted the village's defence system until the 16th century, together with the nearby Manfredian and Venetian Fortress, which stands on one of the three chalky peaks towering over the village.
The interior can only be visited free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in summer and from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in autumn.
But it’s worth even just looking at the outside of the tower, with its peculiar six-hour clock, and the surrounding landscape, spectacularly characterized by its typical badlands.
You can find more information on the history of the village and the opening hours of the tower on the website.

Feast your eyes and palate at this restaurant, located in a cave carved into Romagna’s chalk vein, where fine cuisine and warm service are combined in a unique way.
In this charming location, you can enjoy dishes of Romagna cuisine made with raw materials that change with the seasons. You can choose to try one of the tasting menus proposed by the chefs, or let yourself be tempted by the dishes on the à la carte menu.
Whatever you decide, in a restaurant where freshly baked bread and filled pasta are prepared every day, you certainly can’t go wrong!
The restaurant is open Monday to Friday (except Wednesdays) from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; on Saturdays and Sundays dinner hours are the same, while lunch hours are extended until 2:30 p.m.
To find out more about the menu and to book your table, which is recommended, visit the website.

Before leaving Brisighella, stroll along the ancient Via degli Asini (Donkey Road) where you’ll be greeted by unique and timeless architecture.
The Via degli Asini, in fact, presents distinctive architectural elements, such as the characteristic arched windows typical of the Middle Ages, having been built in the 14th century as a defensive bulwark of the town.
Fun fact: at the entrance to the village, you’ll find the Porta delle Dame (Ladies' Gate), so called because the women of Brisighella used to stand at that point to welcome foreign travellers.

Park your car just a few steps away from a real piece of ancient Roman history: the Tiberius Bridge.
The Istrian stone bridge still retains its function of connecting the city and the suburb of San Giuliano (whose beautiful murals you’ll soon discover). The bridge, begun in 14 AD by Augustus and finished by Tiberius in 21 AD, is a tribute to Roman architecture and its grandiose history.
From the vantage point of this bridge, one of the most important symbols of the city, you’ll be able to take great photos and be fascinated by the panorama that surrounds you.

Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient fishing village and today a meeting point for art, culture, and good food.
The village will welcome you with its colourful houses and enchanting murals, dedicated to the master of Italian cinema, Federico Fellini.
You’ll be easily captivated by the magic that hovers over this small village that has resisted the passing of time, changing with it.
For more information on the history of the Borgo, check out the website.

Continuing your stroll through the history of Rimini, stop to have a look at the Malatesta Temple, symbol of the Renaissance grandeur not only of the city but also of the entire 15th century in Italy.
You have to visit the interior for its architecture and also for the two pictorial masterpieces it houses: Giotto's crucifix and Piero della Francesca's fresco in honour of Pandolfo Malatesta.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Walk across the ancient Tiberius Bridge to pick up your car and continue with your road trip.

Park your car here to explore the Italian microstate of San Marino.

The first stop you make to discover the city can only be this square, where you’ll see the Statue of Liberty (that's right, it's named after the one in New York!), a statue in white Carrara marble that is also depicted on San Marino's 2-cent coins.
The square is perfect during fine weather for its belvedere, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding hills.

The Public Palace, although not particularly majestic, is certainly worth a visit for the fascination it exerts: it is in fact the heart of political life. Here the fate of the entire State of San Marino is decided, and consequently it’s one of the fundamental stops you should make to get to know this enclave better.
The Palazzo can be visited from 6 June to 4 September from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and from 2 January to 5 June and from 5 September to 31 December from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you’re here between May and September, don't miss the traditional changing of the guard in front of the Public Palace, overlooking the square, which takes place every hour between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
You can find more information and buy tickets on the website.

The basilica, with its imposing façade and neoclassical interior, is worth a visit for its religious importance within the country: it houses the relics of San Marino, the founder of the San Marino community.
The basilica is depicted on San Marino 10-cent coins.

At La Terrazza Restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to dine by candlelight among the battlements of an ancient medieval tower, while savouring not only the dishes served to you but also a breathtaking view, making this a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience!
The restaurant's pride and joy is its fresh homemade pasta, made according to ancient local tradition. The dishes are true tributes to the cuisine of the area and its raw materials, and they’ll surprise you with their simplicity.
La Terrazza restaurant is open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; reservations are recommended.
For more information see the dedicated website.

Sleep in this charming hotel in the centre of San Marino.
The hotel is located just a few steps away from Guaita Tower, a real feast for the eyes, making it attractive for its enviable location.
The next day, wake up and enjoy the breakfast included in the hotel price, as well as the spectacular view, before starting your road trip again.
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