Meldola: Culture, Rocca and Nature at the Start of the Bidente Valley

Meldola lies at the start of the Bidente Valley, on the road leading from the area around Forlì towards the Apennines. The Ronco River runs immediately alongside the historic centre. Those planning a journey through history, art and nature will find a variety of experiences here: from the Rocca, documented since the Middle Ages, to a historic theatre, a centuries-old silk tradition and the Bosco di Scardavilla nature reserve.

Rocca, theatre and historical landmarks

The Rocca di Meldola has been documented since the 11th century. The exact construction date of the imposing complex is unknown. During opening periods, parts of the complex can be visited; events are held there during the summer season. A special occasion is the last weekend of August: the “Roccambolesca” event is organised for the festival in honour of the Blessed Virgin del Popolo, the co-patron saint of Meldola. Several volunteer associations from Meldola take part. Visitors are accompanied on a guided tour through the Rocca, where works by photographers, sculptors and painters are exhibited.

The Teatro A. Dragoni is also part of the city’s historic character. It is located in the historic centre next to Piazza F. Orsini and has origins dating back more than three centuries. The Oratorio della Confraternita delle Santissime Stimmate di San Francesco was founded in 1632. The Oratorio houses a painting of the Madonna and Child with Saint Francis by Francesco Caccianiga (1700–1781), a painter from Milan. A guided visit can be booked by email at patrimoniostoricoeartistico@auslromagna.it.

Discover art and the silk tradition

The Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso o dell’Ospedale di Meldola contains a cycle of paintings depicting episodes from the Passion of Jesus. It was completed over a period of 15 years, by 1508. The Meldola health collection can also be visited in the same church. The Museo del baco da seta “C. Ronchi” is dedicated to documenting Meldola’s three-hundred-year local silk tradition. The museum’s opening days and hours must be confirmed by telephone. This information is important for planning your day if you wish to combine several cultural stops.

Bosco di Scardavilla and nature experiences

As a counterpoint to the city’s history, the Bosco di Scardavilla nature reserve offers an insight into the development of the natural landscape. It was established in 1991 and covers approximately 30 hectares. The development of nature is monitored in the reserve, and knowledge of its flora and fauna is deepened. Visits are possible only by appointment with the reserve’s management. Access also requires the relevant authorisation, which must be collected from the museum management at the town hall.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Meldola, you can therefore first determine your preferred travel focus. Visitors interested in culture can plan around the Rocca, Teatro, Oratorio and church art; those wishing to complement their stay with nature observation should take the appointment and authorisation for Bosco di Scardavilla into account well in advance. Families can divide the various daily activities according to age and interests, without trying to include every stop in a single outing. The information about guided tours, opening periods and telephone enquiries helps make it possible to plan visits realistically.

More destinations for planning your trip

If you would like to continue your journey beyond Meldola, you can also include Forlì, Cesenatico, Balze, Cento, Alfero, Santa Maria Nuova, Fratta Terme and Montiano in your further search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.