Bertinoro, called the Balcony of Romagna for its breathtaking view of the sea and the hills, is also an ancient town which has preserved its old structure with cobbled streets and glimpses into ancient times. The elegant and wide Piazza della Libertà is the heart of the town: on one side it opens up on the Romagna plain, on the other it shows the Cathedral, Palazzo Ordelaffi, the Tower and the Ring Column, the symbol of hospitality and the heart of Bertinoro's history and traditions. The castle dominates the town: magnifically restored, it hosts the University Residential Centre and the Interreligious Museum, an authentic cultural jewel dedicated to the three monoteistic religions. Two steps away from the heart of town you can reach the ancient jewish quarter or admire the high quality paintings located along two little panoramic alleys dedicated to grape harvesting and old crafts.
The town
Gallery
Useful Information
Points of interest
Grape Harvest Street
Scenic little alley with a breathtaking view and a permanent display of seven paintings - created by local artists – which portray the key phases and aspects of the life of the vineyards and wine itself.
The Balcony of Romagna
The Town Hall square, located right in the heart of the medieval town, is in fact a beautiful terrace with a spectacular view on the adriatic coastline. On clear days, the view of the sea from here is simply breathtaking.
Albana Bell
It was built in 1987 to celebrate the recognition of Albana as first Italian white wine to receive the DOCG certification. Once a year its tolls announce the beginning of the harvest, and more precisely, of the Albana harvest.
Column of hospitality (or Ring Column)
Erected in the 13th century and located in the heart of the medieval town, the Ring Column is the real symbol of the local hospitality tradition. Every year the community gathers around it to celebrate the great Hospitality Festival.
Ermete Novelli Square
Dedicated to Ermete Novelli, one of the greatest actors of the late 19th century - whose family lived in Bertinoro - this nice and quiet little square contains his house and a bust which reminds passers-by of this great man.
Church of San Silvestro
Restored to its original splendour by the restoration work in 2010, this church - built in late Baroque style - today has turned into a very elegant and charming location for events and conferences.
Castle
Built before the year one thousand and magnificently restored, this beautiful fortress dominates the town and hosts nowadays a University Residential Centre and an authentic cultural jewel: the Interreligious Museum.
Interfaith Museum
Authentic cultural jewel located inside the fortress and unique meeting place perfectly in line with the openness and the dialogue and exchange traditions of the town.
Porta del Soccorso (Relief Gateway)
Beautifully isolated, like it used to be in the past when it served as one of the main town accessways, the Relief gateway ows its name to the military help provided by the countess Aldruda di Frangipane to the besieged city of Ancona.
Former Diocesan Seminary
Built in the early 18th century for the Corpus Domini Benedictine monks, it then became seat of Bertinoro's Bishop Seminary and hosts nowadays the hall of residence of the University Residential Centre.
Old Prison
Ancient and massive building which used to house the Rubicon district local prison from the Napoleonic era up to the unification of Italy. From here visitros can reach a magnificent viewpoint and a garden open to the public.
Giudecca Jewish Quarter
Ancient quarter which hosted a jewish community in the 14th century . Ovadyah Yare, one of the greatest scholars of the Mishnah - and still known as the Great Bertinoro – was born here.
Palazzo Ordelaffi
The palace, which has been a witness to the historical events of the town for over seven centuries., was restored in the '30s and has kept its medieval charm intact. It dominates the main town square and serves nowadays as Town Hall.
Clock Tower
Given the short distance to the sea, the Clock Tower - which was once much higher – served as lighthouse for the seafarers. Repeatedly restored, nowadays it dominates the heart of the medieval town.
Cathedral
Originally created as small oratory, it was completely rebuilt and assumed its present aspect at the end of the 15th century. Leaned to the nearby Town Hall, it is dedicated to the town's patron saint, St. Cathrine of Alexandria.
Street of Traditional Crafts
Placed at the start of the charming Via delle Mura, in the heart of the town centre, it houses six paintings by well known local artists with the aim of preserve the memory of Bertinoro's ancient traditions.