Although the very oldest finds date back to the Stone Age, the most fascinating period of the Bagno di Romagna history begins during the Roman era when the poet Martial sang the therapeutic virtues of the hot thermal waters.

In the Middle Ages, the Counts of Guidi di Bagno built the fortresses of Corzano and Montegranelli to protect Bagno di Romagna. These were the strategic points for controlling the area, and they were more important than the town’s commercial hub in the San Piero in Bagno district, located in the valley floor along the Savio river and built in the 13th century as a “market”.

It was only when Corzano was overrun by the Landsknechts mercenaries in the 16th century that San Piero grew in size and importance to become the municipal centre, although the Bagno di Romagna name was retained.

Bagno di Romagna is a favourite slow-tourism destination. Its thermal springs and lush rural setting make it an ideal place for savouring the pleasures of easy country living and, especially, fine dining. It’s also a charming romantic spot to whisk your significant other off to for a dreamy weekend.

Ròseo Euroterme Hotel e Wellness Resort | Photo © Archive Photo of Bagno di Romagna

Art lovers won’t be able to resist a visit to the Palace of The Captain where events and exhibitions are held and the city library and archives are based. The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, which looks on to the main square, is the town’s main landmark; it was founded in 860, and its current form dates back to the Renaissance.

SUMMER
– a trip to National Park of the Casentino Forests, Mount Falterona, and Campigna is a good way to shelter from the beating sun and enjoy a picnic deep in the country. The Lama Forest and Sasso Fratino reserves in the heart of the Forest are lovely areas to explore;

AUTUMN
– this is a great time to go to the woods. The mushrooms and truffles are ripe for collecting, or, if you’d rather someone else did the legwork, you can just enjoy them in a local restaurant;

Bagno di Romagna | Photo © romagnatoscanaturismo.it

WINTER
– The cold often brings bothersome ailments in its wake, but the best way to keep them at bay is by luxuriating in the regenerating 47 °C thermal waters! When you watch the snowy mountains floating on the steamy water, the stress of the city seems a world away;

SPRING
– there are so many beautiful spots in the area worth photographing, from Chiardovo spring to the lakes of Mount Comero and the mule track to Corzano and dam and the lake of Ridracoli Just grab your camera, get on a bike, and let your adventure begin!

SUMMER
– every year, at the end of July, the Captain’s Days are celebrated. It’s a historical re-enactment linked to the settlement in the Val di Bagno, of the Captains, on behalf of the Republic of Florence;

AUTUMN
– on October Sundays, the good folk of the Selvapiana district celebrates the Monte Comero chestnut crop with an array of events and food stalls. For true lovers of autumn colors, the Fall Foliage Festival in the heart of the Casentinesi Forests is not to be missed;

WINTER
– Bagno di Romagna has a fair for gnomes, too! The Fair of the Gnomes is a must with games, craft markets, wine tastings, and a whole host of traditional local foods to try;

SPRING
– at the Spring festival at San Piero in Bagno (late April to early May), over 60 stands present gardening gear, arts and crafts, ceramics and pottery, garden and pot plants, and wild and organic foods from berries to mushrooms.

Like every little town in these parts, Bagno di Romagna has a panoply of tasty dishes to savour! But it is only here, where the traditions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna come together, that you find basotti, rather special baked noodles served in broth (here’s the recipe). Other local flavours include Tortelli alla Lastra and raviggiolo, a sublimely simple cheese and a slow-food favourite.

St. Vicinius’ Way | Photo © Associazione-Cammino San Vicinio

Slow-tourism fans will enjoy the two local hiking trails, namely the Romea Germanica Way and the San Vicinio Way.

Located between Tuscany and Romagna, Bagno di Romagna is about 50 km away from Cesena and 65 km away from Arezzo. It is advisable to reach it by car, proceeding along the 3 bis Tiberina state road (SS 3 bis), better known as the E45: to the south, you arrive from Rome, Perugia, and Città di Castello; to the north, it can be reached from Cesena.