|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The fragrance of herbs and bygone flavours
... 81 km route
Driving from Faenza to Castel Bolognese, turn left along state road 306, which is lined with orchards and vineyards and leads to Riolo Terme and Casola Valsenio. The smell of medicinal herbs dominates the route and the nearby Strada della Lavanda (Lavender Road). The gently rolling hills accompany the rugged line of rocks of the Vena del Gesso (Chalk Vein) and the Apennines with their green pastures and woodland lead to Badia di Susinana and then to Palazzuolo sul Senio and, continuing along a typical Apennine road, with a little effort, up to an altitude of 700 metres, to Marradi, the town of poet Dino Campana. Following the course of the River Lamone, state road 302 gradually drops down to Brisighella, with its mighty fortress, which can be seen from far off.
Culture and nature
Faenza owes its fame to the ancient majolica-ware industry. The International Museum of Ceramics houses a unique collection of exhibits and documents. Glazed terracotta production thrives in the over 60 artistic workshops and continues to represent one of the town's major industrial resources. The monuments of Faenza testify to a rich past. Close to the great Renaissance Cathedral are precious 18th-century buildings such as Palazzo Milzetti and the Masini Theatre.
The central Piazza della Libertà and Piazza del Popolo, are lined with porticos and loggias and have always been the heart of civil, economic and religious life in the town. The first foothills, with kiwi and peach orchards, vineyards and olive groves surround the spa towns of Riolo Terme and Brisighella, distinguishable by their fortresses of Medieval origin. Famous is the Via degli Asini (donkeys' road) in the centre of Brisighella. |
|
Casola Valsenio, which houses the memories of writer Alfredo Oriani in the Cardello, also possesses Italy's best known Garden of medicinal herbs. Of great interest to geologists and naturalists is the Chalk Vein with its chalk rocks, caves and sink-holes.
The valleys of the Senio and Lamone rivers, fed by streams and springs, with rapids and falls, are surrounded by chestnut, beech and oak woods in what is a perfect natural environment.
Food festivals
At Faenza in December – Nougat Festival. At Riolo Terme, third week in July, Fair of the Shallot, a delicious liliaceous plant.
Brisighella, in early November, celebrates Le Delizie del Porcello, with pork meat processing demonstrations; in that same month, the Olive Festival, with the precious oils named Brisighello and Nobil Drupa.
At Casola Valsenio in October the Festa dei frutti dimenticati (Forgotten Fruits Festival) with the competition 'Jam, bygone flavour'. In the autumn, Marradi celebrates one of its most famous products, with the Chestnut Festival.
Markets
Faenza Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Riolo Terme Thursday and Saturday
Casola Valsenio Tuesday and Friday
Brisighella, Wednesday
|
|
|
|
