The Bell of Albana arrived in Bertinoro on September 3, 1989, after two years of intensive work by the artist Guerrino Bardeggia. In 1987, the Municipality of Bertinoro and the Tribunal of Wines of Romagna had commissioned the artisan to create a commemorative bell. The work is dedicated to the winemaking tradition of Bertinoro and Romagna and to Albana, the first white wine in Italy to receive the DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designation in that same year.

The Bell of Albana was originally placed in the Clock Tower next to the Town Hall. However, in that position the public was unable to fully appreciate the bas-reliefs adorning it. In 1994, a suitable structure was therefore created and the bell was finally moved to the “Balcony of Romagna.” There, it can be admired—and rung—by anyone. Once a year, however, its chimes mark the beginning of the grape harvest in Bertinoro, officially announcing the start of the vintage season.

A famous legend about the origin of the name “Bertinoro” is also linked to Albana wine.

Around 424 AD, Galla Placidia, widow of Emperor Constantius III (also known for the mausoleum dedicated to her in Ravenna), assumed the regency of the Western Roman Empire on behalf of her son Valentinian III, who was only six years old at the time.

Ravenna was the capital of the Empire, and Bertinoro was part of the territories under its direct control. According to local tradition, Galla Placidia wished to become acquainted with the lands she ruled. During a hot summer day, her convoy stopped in the hills of Romagna to rest.

A humble farmer offered her Albana wine in a terracotta cup. The Empress was immediately struck by it: the aroma and flavor so impressed her that she is said to have uttered the phrase that, according to legend, gave the town its name:

“Oh Albana, you should not be drunk so humbly, but rather drunk in gold.”