Visit Cesena

Cesena, placed in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine hills, offers visitors a rich blend of medieval history, cultural treasures, and access to some of Italy’s most fascinating nearby destinations. This ancient city provides an authentic Italian experience away from crowded tourist routes while serving as an ideal base for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, coastal resorts, and mountain villages.

Main Attractions in Cesena

Biblioteca Malatestiana

The Biblioteca Malatestiana stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Europe’s first public library, founded in 1454. The original reading room (Aula del Nuti) from 1447 remains pristine and visitable with its original desks, creating a time-machine experience that transports visitors back to the humanistic era. The library houses approximately 380,000 volumes, including ancient manuscripts, incunabula, and remarkably, the smallest book in the world readable with the naked eye. Visits last approximately 40 minutes and operate Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3 PM), though the Aula del Nuti can only be visited during natural daylight hours due to the absence of artificial lighting.

Rocca Malatestiana

Cesena offers an impressive medieval fortress was built in the 14th century by the powerful Malatesta family and dominates Cesena’s skyline. The fortress offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, houses a museum with historical artifacts and exhibitions, and features beautiful gardens and walking paths perfect for leisurely exploration.

Teatro Alessandro Bonci

The Teatro Alessandro Bonci, inaugurated in 1846, is a beautiful 18th-century opera house with 1,000 seats and acoustics considered among the best in the world. This neoclassical jewel represents Cesena’s rich cultural heritage and continues to host performances today.

Abbazia di Santa Maria del Monte

Founded in 1001, this Romanesque abbey sits atop Monte Giove overlooking Cesena. The location provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding area while maintaining a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere that invites contemplation and appreciation of the region’s medieval religious heritage.

Piazza del Popolo

The central square of Cesena, Piazza del Popolo, serves as the heart of city life, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. The square features the beautiful Fontana Masini, an intricately carved white marble fountain imported from Istria that serves as the symbol of the city and a popular meeting spot. Throughout the year, the piazza hosts various events and markets, with a large outdoor market every other Saturday offering a lively glimpse into local culture.

Nearby Destinations

Ravenna

Just a short distance away, Ravenna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of the Western Roman Empire, famous for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. The city’s historical sites include the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, both featuring some of the most-studied works in Byzantine art. As the 2019 European Capital of Culture, Ravenna also houses Dante Alighieri’s tomb, making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts.

Rimini

This famous seaside resort on the Adriatic coast combines long sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife with rich Roman history. As the ancient Ariminum, Rimini preserves significant Roman ruins including the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, alongside attractions like the Domus del Chirurgo archaeological site and the medieval Castel Sismondo.

Republic of San Marino

One of the world’s smallest and oldest republics, San Marino sits on the slopes of Monte Titano offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. The microstate is known for its medieval architecture, particularly the Three Towers of San Marino, and provides a unique opportunity to visit an independent nation steeped in centuries of history.

Motor Racing Circuits

Racing enthusiasts can visit two world-class circuits in the area: the Imola Circuit (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari), famous for hosting Formula 1 races, and the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, which hosts MotoGP and World Superbike championships. The Misano circuit also features “Misanino,” a smaller-scale replica of the main circuit perfect for karting experiences.

Additional Attractions/Nearby Cities

• Cesenatico: A charming coastal town featuring a historic marina designed by Leonardo da Vinci and excellent seafood restaurants
• San Leo: A medieval village crowned by an impressive fortress perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop
• Bertinoro: A hilltop town known as the “Balcony of Romagna” for its views and celebrated for its wine production
• Brisighella: A picturesque village with a medieval castle, narrow cobbled streets, and the unique Via degli Asini (Donkey Road)
• Foreste Casentinesi National Park: A beautiful natural area offering hiking trails, pristine forests, and opportunities for outdoor activities in the Apennine mountains