Authentic Villages in Emilia-Romagna

Discover the Authentic Villages of Emilia-Romagna.

The Authentic Villages of Italy are not just small towns: they are places that represent a new way of living and promoting the territory.

The Authentic Villages of Italy Association brings together communities that work together to promote local traditions, hospitality and cultural identity, focusing on sustainable tourism and development models that respect the environment and people.

In Emilia-Romagna, the Authentic Villages offer a unique opportunity to discover the truest and most intimate soul of the region. These villages combine picturesque landscapes, ancient traditions and genuine hospitality, reflected in artisan workshops, popular festivals and the authentic flavours of local cuisine.

Follow us to discover the villages of Emilia-Romagna that are members of the Association of Authentic Villages of Italy, to follow itineraries off the beaten track and to experience a lesser known but equally extraordinary Emilia-Romagna.

Berceto (PR)

Nestled in the hills of the Parma Apennines, between the Taro and Baganza valleys, Berceto is a charming medieval village known for its strategic position on the historic Via Francigena, the last stop on the famous pilgrimage route before the Apennine pass.
This little medieval jewel has preserved its authentic atmosphere, with narrow stone streets, ancient stone houses and the imposing Cathedral of San Moderanno, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Surrounded by unspoilt nature, Berceto is the ideal destination for those looking for a combination of culture and nature, with the opportunity to taste traditional Parma dishes such as tortelli, the spongata cake and the famous IGP porcino mushroom.

Castel Guelfo di Bologna (BO)

In the heart of the Bolognese plain, between Castel San Pietro Terme and Imola, Castel Guelfo di Bologna is a village that tells centuries of history through its fascinating medieval centre. It was founded in the 13th century as a defensive outpost of the city of Bologna, during the period of conflict between Guelph Bologna and Ghibelline Imola.
The village still preserves the remains of its walls, bastions and the impressive 15th century Palazzo Malvezzi Hercolani. Also characteristic is the 18th century triangular square known as Il Borgo.
But Castel Guelfo is also an ideal destination for lovers of good food, with specialities that celebrate the culinary tradition of the Bologna area: crescentine and homemade salami, fresh pasta with meat sauce, and the typical “Brazadela” cake.

Modigliana (FC)

Nestled in the gentle hills of the Tramazzo Valley, Modigliana is a town that combines history, culture and evocative landscapes.
Its historical centre is characterised by the picturesque three-arched Ponte della Signora (or Ponte di San Donato), named after an ancient legend, and by historical buildings such as the Rocca dei Conti Guidi and the Duomo with the crypt of the ancient Pieve di Santo Stefano in Juviniano.
Modigliana is also linked to the figure of the famous painter Silvestro Lega, who was born here and whose works are kept in the Civic Art Gallery in Palazzo Pretorio.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the flavours of tradition with typical products such as potato tortelli, chocolate mandorlato and fine local wines.

Association of the Municipalities of Romagna Forlivese

The Association of the Municipalities of Romagna Forlivese comprises 14 municipalities: Bertinoro, Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, Civitella di Romagna, Dovadola, Forlimpopoli, Galeata, Meldola, Modigliana, Portico e San Benedetto, Predappio, Premilcuore, Rocca San Casciano, Santa Sofia and Tredozio.

This territory offers a mosaic of unique experiences: from the medieval and renaissance villages that guard ancient fortresses and parish churches, to the breathtaking landscapes of the Casentino Forest National Park, to deeply rooted food and wine traditions such as the wine of Bertinoro, the cappelletti of Forlimpopoli and the truffle of Dovadola.
Each town is a stop on a journey of art, culture, nature and flavours, making the Romagna Forlivese an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity and beauty in a corner of Romagna just waiting to be discovered.