A weekend motorcycling in the Forlì Apennines

Your adventure begins in Forlì a city with a rich history and unique charm. Load up your motorcycles and head out into the surrounding hills toward San Martino in Strada.

After 11 km, you’ll arrive at the foot of the imposing medieval fortress of Rocca delle Caminate, a hamlet of Meldola.

The fortress dates back to the Middle Ages (around the year 1000) and was built near an existing village; it played an important strategic and military role thanks to its commanding position. Today, it is home to the Tecnopolo, a hub for university research and business innovation.

To know

Rocca delle Caminate, open to visitors on weekends, offers two tour routes:

• one outside the walls, dedicated to its origins,
• the other inside the building, which tells the story of the 20th century

Cusercoli, a hamlet in the municipality of  Civitella di Romagna, is located 17 km from Rocca delle Caminate .

This small medieval village in the Forlì Apennines is part of the Romagna Castles and Fortresses circuit thanks to its castle.

To know

The castle is open to visitors every 2nd and 4th weekend of the month and during local festivals and fairs.

To taste

Among the typical local products, the prized white truffle stands out.

Events

On the second and third Sundays of November, in the heart of Cusercoli, the traditional fair dedicated to the prized white truffle—one of autumn’s most exquisite treasures—takes place. The streets of the historic center are lined with stalls run by local truffle hunters, food stands featuring specialties enhanced by the famous “diamond of the earth,” and cultural events that enrich the atmosphere of the festival.

11 km from Cusercoli, take the SP4 to reach the center of Galeata: a village of ancient origins, dominated by a mighty cliff.

Inhabited as far back as prehistoric times, as Pliny the Elder reminds us, Galeata boasts two important archaeological sites:

• the first is located a few kilometers from the town and has revealed a sumptuous private villa from the 5th–6th centuries, believed to have been the residence of Theodoric, King of the Goths;
• the second, dating back to Roman times, is located in the Pianetto area (toward Santa Sofia): this is the ancient city of Mevaniola, where you can admire the theater and the thermal baths.

Must-visit

The Mons. D. Mambrini Archaeological Civic Museum, founded in the early 1900s and recently housed in the picturesque Convent of the Friars Minor in the hamlet of Pianetto

Useful Info

The thermal baths of the “Villa di Teodorico” can be viewed from the outside.

Continuing along Provincial Road 4, you’ll reach Corniolo, a small village of stone houses with an old-world charm, located 13 km from Santa Sofia.

To visit

• Church of St. Peter: Dating back to around the year 1100, it houses works of art of great value, including a 16th-century bas-relief from the workshop of Giovanni della Robbia, a Florentine Renaissance sculptor and ceramist.
• Oratory of the Madonna delle Grazie and its 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.

Must-visit

The Valbonella Botanical Garden: 3 km away, in the direction of Premilcuore. A 2-hectare protected area that recreates the natural habitats of the Romagna Apennines, featuring three themed nature trails dedicated to the forest, the stream, and open landscapes, respectively.

After this little stop in the midst of nature, we set off again towards Premilcuore, travelling for 3.1 km along Via di Fiumicello, which, nestled in the foliage of the trees, opens up to the valley, offering marvellous scenery.

Along the way, you can take a short break at one of the many equipped rest areas you come across, such as the "Tracollina" area, some of which are outfitted with barbecue stations.

Staying on Via Fiumicello, you’ll pass through the hamlet of the same name and arrive at the intersection with Provincial Road SS 9 ter.

Then turn left toward the Valico Tre Faggi, take the SS 67, and immediately turn right again to reach our next stop: the Passo del Muraglione.

Tip

Stopping at the top of the pass is practically a must: here, you’ll meet cyclists not only from Romagna and Tuscany but also from all over Italy and Europe. This is where people gather to rest and refuel, sharing stories, experiences, and making new friends.

Curiosity

This famous pass in the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines—a destination and mecca for every motorcyclist—owes its name to a massive 19th-century wall built to protect travelers from the strong winds that could catch them off guard in the Apennines during their journeys.

From the Muraglione Pass, continue for another 3.2 km along State Road 67 on the Romagna side, passing thr , and Bocconi, where you can admire the Brusìa waterfall. Turn left onto Via Monte Busca and continue for 5.3 km until you reach a clearing where you can park.

Must-see

Monte Busca and its 'volcano' —the small volcano is located right behind a ruined building. The view is truly spectacular and offers a commanding vista of the valley.

Curiosity

The “volcano” is actually a fiery methane fountain that has been active since before the 16th century.

From the summit of Monte Busca, head down toward Tredozio and follow Provincial Road 86 toward Lake Ponte, located on the Tramazzo stream.

To know

Lake Ponte, situated in one of the most unspoiled and trail-rich areas of the Casentino Forest National Park, was artificially created in 1962 and is now perfectly integrated into the natural landscape.

Once back on Provincial Road 86 toward Tredozio, take Provincial Road 20 for about 10 km toward Modigliana, an ancient village nestled in the hills of the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines.

To see

The Guidi Counts’ Fortress, dating back to the 12th–13th centuries, remains well-preserved to this day, both in its tallest structures—the towers—and in part of the walls built with river stones.