Faenza territory is an area that comprehends many
locations, knwon for their beautiful landscapes and human resources: Faenza,
Brisighella, Casola Valsenio, Riolo Terme, Castel Bolognese and Solarolo.
It is the ideal place for those in search of nature
and alternative turistical routes. The hills of Ravenna are full of amenities
from the artistical and naturalistic point of view, such as the Gipsum Vein,
the so-called “calanchi”, and the ancient medieval towers. Moreover, the
thermal area, the golf club, the officinal herbal garden and the good cuisine
are a turistic must-visit.
The starting point of the journey is Faenza (along
the highway A14 Bologna-Ancona or the Via Emilia Freeway), famous for the
ceramics. In fact, here the ceramic art combines the new and the old, and the
sense of art can be seen in the small workshops, the palaces and art schools,
as well as during the artistic events. A detour of 8 km takes to the Oriolo
Tower.
Leaving Faenza, the journey goes on towards Brisighella,
along the SS302 for 9 km, along the Lamone Valley. It is an ancient medieval
and thermal village, famous for its Via degli Asini, and perfect for a relaxing
break. The thermal water, 1 km far away towards Modigliana, are
stress-releasing and inspire to properly treat yourself. Otherwise, 1 km far
away towards Fognano it is possible to visit the Pieve di Tho, as well as the
open-air oil museum of Brisighella.
From Brisighella along the steep SP23, the tour
continues in direction Riolo Terme, towards the three hills that dominate the
town. After 1 km it is possible to see the Rocca, the Clock Tower (with a 0.5
km detour) and the Monticino Sanctuary. Passing over the hills, the view
changes and “calanchi” appear all over the way. After 4 km it is reached the
deviation for Carnè Park (2 km far).
The way from Brisighella to Riolo Terme offers
beautiful landscapes, dominated by the Monte Mauro, the heart of the so-called
Gipsum Vein, that can be reached through the narrow Sintria Valley, direction
Zattaglia. It is a 5-km secondary road, that takes you all the way to the
church at the top. Back to the Valley, arriving at Zattaglia, the tour
continues towards Casola Valsenio, along the SP23 route or “Lavender Street”.
Across Senio river there is Casola Valsenio (10
km). After a visit at the village, along the SS306 direction Riolo Terme, turn
left to SP70, that takes to the herbal garden (1 km) and Rocca di Monte
Battaglia (8 km).
Back to the SS306, after less than 1 km, the Cardello
is reached, and after other 2 km the Valsenio Abbey. Riolo Terme is
reached after 10 km, passing by the thermal area. Right after, with a 1.5-km
detour it is possible to arrive at the Riolo Golf & Country Club.
The historical centre of Riolo Terme is enclosed by
the city walls, from which it is possible to appreciate a wonderful view of all
the Senio valley, dominated by the Rocca Trecentesca.
From Riolo Terme the tour goes along the road SS306
direction Castel Bolognese, reached after 8 km, with the open-air Museum
Angelo Biancini in its city centre.
Solarolo, instead, shows evidences
of different ages: archeological sites, medieval walls as well as constructions
from the 19th century.
On the border between the two towns is Mulino
Scodellino, from the station of Castel Bolognese towards Via S. Croce and,
then, Via Canale.
