Adriatic Driving Tour from Bologna
Byzantine UNESCO Sites and Roman Relics on Italy’s East Coast
May 5, 2009
The A-1 Autostrada takes the short route between Bologna and Florence, but travelers following it miss the glorious Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna and the Roman relics of Rimini, and a beautiful and historic region of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna.
Leave Bologna on Via Massarenti, following it to route S-9 and on to Faenza, known for its ceramics. The Museo delle Ceramiche explores their history, showing local examples and international works by Matisse and Picasso.
Ravenna UNESCO World Heritage Site
From Faenza follow S-302 east to Ravenna to marvel at the eight churches that contain Europe’s best collection of Byzantine mosaics, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parking is available at San Vitale, one of the mosaic-lined churches, and several other locations.
Rimini’s Roman Gate, Bridge and Forum
S-16 heads south from Ravenna, along the coast to Cesenatico, whose picturesque old fishing harbor is filled with colorful historic boats, and on to Rimini. It’s Roman past is literally written all over it, from the grand Porta Augusto gate past the old Forum to the five-arched Roman Ponte Tiberini bridge. Historical signs in English explain the history of excavated street segments and other Roman relics. Close to the city are the smooth sands of the Adriatic beaches that line the coast.
Viiews from San Marino Castles
Head inland from Rimini, on S-72, following signs to San Marino, about 18 miles away. Keep following signs uphill to Borgo Maggiore, and on to Centro Storico. Castles stretch the length of the principality’s long mountaintop, joined by a paved walking path that leads to the highest of them, which offers views to the sea.Soldiers in colorful uniforms change the guard each hour at the Palazzo Pubblico, worth touring, among with the national museum, filled with Byzantine icons and local Neolithic finds.
From San Marino, return on the same road toward Rimini, leaving it at S-9 toward Cesena. Cross E-45, following signs south to the hilltop wine town of Bertinoro. Views from its terrace are well worth the trip, as is the interesting hospitality pillar, where strangers in town once tied their horses. Return to S-9 by following signs to Forlimpopoli.
Hotel in a Medieval Tower
Stop in Forli at the Abazzia del S Maria, an abbey at the central piazza with rich carving in reddish stone. Thick walls encircle the entire town. Continue on S-9, turning south onto S-302 to the hillside town of Brisighella. Overlooking its piazza is an unusual covered 14th-century gallery, Via degli Asini. Lodging and fine dining are nearby at the mountaintop The Medieval watchtower, Relais Torre Pratesi, converted to an inn (Brisighella; tel 0546-84545, fax 0546-84558). Vineyards cover the surrounding hills, along the road to Modigliana, which rejoins S-67 south of Davidola.
Continue southwest on S-67, crossing the Apennine mountains by an easy route through Rocca S Casciano and Benedetto in Alpi, then dropping into Florence beside the Arno River.
