A Journey to Bagno di Romagna: Thermal Baths, Historic Charm, and Delicious Cuisine
Halfway between the hills and the mountains, between Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, the municipality of Bagno di Romagna has a soul rich in fascinating facets and contrasts, made up of uncontaminated nature, a healthy climate, good food, and some cultural jewels not to be missed.
Populated by just 6 thousand inhabitants, perched along the Apennines in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Bagno di Romagna is a quiet and peaceful town, nestled in the beautiful Savio Valley and, in part, in the Bidente River Valley. Since the municipal territory touches the border with Tuscany and is only 77 km from Arezzo, it was chosen in the past by travelers passing through who, crossing the two Apennine passes, Passo dei Mandrioli and Viamaggio, moved from Romagna to the neighboring region.
Today the town boasts a highly respected recognition, the “Orange Flag” of the Italian Touring Club, which has proudly flown over the town hall since July 2005 and was reconfirmed in 2008. This is an important mark of environmental tourism quality that only 154 Italian towns can boast, an indicator of excellent territorial valorization, efficient services, and extreme care dedicated to hospitality.
The Baths of Bagno di Romagna
In fact, tourism, alongside the inevitable artisan tradition, has recently become one of the fundamental resources in Bagno di Romagna, thanks to the spas (Sant’Agnese, Roseo, and Euroterme), the immense forest heritage, and the small historical-artistic jewels that adorn the city. The beneficial waters that flow from the sources of Bagno di Romagna are of two types: the first is bicarbonate-alkaline-sulphurous, mineral, hyperthermal (45°C), and thermal (39°C); the second is sulphurous-bicarbonate-alkaline, oligomineral, cold (14°C), both very useful for the treatment of various pathologies, but also simply for their relaxing and regenerating properties.
What to see in Bagno di Romagna
Among the historical and architectural wonders not to be missed, the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta stands out, overlooking the main square of the town. According to the Camaldolese historian Fortunio, it would be a building from 860, of which we can still admire the bell tower, the elegant portal flanked by the Camaldolese coat of arms, the baptismal font built around the year 1000, and the tabernacle, probably the work of the school of Giuliano da Maiano.
Moving on to civil buildings, the Palazzo del Capitano is worth a visit, the ancient seat of the governors who were sent from Florence to govern the local government. Today the palace houses the headquarters of the Visitor Center of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park, a testimony to how fascinating the splendid surrounding woods are. After having regenerated the body with a visit to the spa, and after having satisfied the desire for art and culture with an exploration of the city center, the time comes to enjoy the more playful and delicious aspect of Bagno di Romagna. Here, in fact, there is always the possibility of tasting excellent wine, sampling typical gastronomic delicacies, and celebrating during popular events.
The cuisine is a perfect combination of Romagna and Tuscany: among the specialties, there is bread without salt, as prescribed by Tuscan tradition, the undisputed protagonist of appetizers, soups, and minestrone, with its thick and fragrant crust. This simple but delicious cornerstone is accompanied by many other typical products, such as porcini mushrooms and chestnuts from Comero, truffles, sausages, game, and cheeses of all kinds, from the most mature to the fresh Raveggiolo.
Events, festivals, and demonstrations
With such a varied and original culinary range, there could not be a lack of festivals and fairs dedicated to the table: among the most anticipated events of the year in Bagno di Romagna is, in fact, “Festinval”, which in the last two weekends of September enlivens the city with stands and stalls. The tasting of typical products is accompanied by the sale of artisanal products, performances by various musicians and artists, and themed exhibitions. The food stand offers a mouth-watering menu, dominated by puff pastry, polenta, bruschetta with porcini mushrooms, fried mushrooms, and tortelli alla lastra.
Other festivals dedicated to good food that cannot be forgotten also stand out: among the many, the Tortelli nella Lastra festival, the Fiorentina festival, the Chestnut festival, the Focaccia festival, and the Zambudelle festival, a typical local sausage.
Also noteworthy is the historical re-enactment of The Captain’s Days, which takes place in July.
How to get to Bagno di Romagna
To reach this little paradise of well-being, nature, and delicacies, you can choose from several options. For those who choose the train, there is the Cesena FS station 51 km away, connected to the town by ATR public transport, while the closest airports are Forlì, Rimini, and Bologna, 67 km, 87 km, and 137 km away, respectively.
Those traveling by car and coming from Bologna should take the A14 towards Ancona and exit at Cesena Nord, take the E45 towards Rome and exit at Bagno di Romagna. Those coming from Ancona should take the same route but follow the A14 towards Bologna. Those coming from Rome should take the E45 towards Ravenna until the Bagno di Romagna exit.
Climate and when to go
Once you reach your destination, you are greeted by a varied climate, more or less rigid depending on the altitude, due to the vast municipal territory occupied in part by mountains. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 1°C to a maximum of 8°C, while in July, the hottest month, the temperatures range from 13°C to 29°C. Rainfall is concentrated in autumn, and the most affected month is November, with an average of 171 mm of water.
