Comune di Casola Valsenio

Casola Valsenio is a town to be discovered by travelling the winding roads dotted with bushes of lavender and broom. Suggestive itineraries that follow the waterways and local parish churches into the heart of the Apennines, lead to hilltops dominated by ancient towers.
Nature reigns here in all her splendour, flaunting the colours, perfumes and flavours of the herbs and fruits that Casola has always cherished.
Situated in the heart of the Romagnolo Apennines, this town can be reached by climbing the Senio Valley, travelling along a picturesque road that meanders amidst the gently sloping hills contoured by orderly rows of vineyards. Casola Valsenio constitutes, together with Brisighella and Riolo Terme, the mountainous zone of the province of Ravenna thereby presenting the culture, economy, environment, and customs typical of the Romagnolo Apennines. It is also known as the “Town of Forgotten Herbs, and Fruit”.
The rediscovery and protection of the various medicinal and aromatic species characterise the entire area, bestowing extraordinarily beautiful glimpses of nature. Among the most suggestive are those offered by the panorama that can be admired from the Rocca di Monte Battaglia, or those painted by the lilac fields of the “Lavender Road”. The latter leads to the extraordinary “Augusto Rinaldi Ceroni” Herb Garden, where more than 400 species of medicinal herbs are conserved and preserved.
This botanical garden is one of the largest in Europe. Not far from Casola stands the “Cardello”, the ex-guest house of the abbey of Valsenio and, during the nineteenth century, dwelling of the Faenza-born writer Alfredo Oriani.
For nature lovers, this town also offers the opportunity to organise interesting excursions in the Apennines, like the one to the spectacular Park of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola. Lovers of fine foods and wines and typical product should take note of the medicinal herbs and wines of Romagna, like Sangiovese DOC and Albana DOCG, promoted by the many excellent restaurants and agritourisms.

DISCOVER CASOLA VALSENIO
ABBAZIA DI VALSENIO (X century)
SP 306, Hamlet of Valsenio
A Benedictine complex of particular architectural value and notable historic interest.
TORRE CIVICA (XVI century.)
This tower is in the city centre. The Clock was installed in 1560 so that the citizens of Casola would not live “a benefizio di natura” – or haphazardly, and could instill a more precise sense of time.
CHURCH ARCIPRETALE DELL’ASSUNTA (XVI century)
CHIESA DI SOPRA (XIII century)
Via Montefortino
Literally, the “Church on High”, it overlooks the town with the ruins of its walls and the campanile a vela – or bell gable.
CHURCH OF SANT’APOLLINARE (XIV century)
SP 306 Località Sant’Apollinare Monte Battaglia
Via Monte Battaglia
At the top of the ridge between the Senio and Santerno valleys, stand the impressive remains of a medieval fortress dating back to the XII century. At the foundation of the tower is a bronze monument to commemorate the battle that took place here during World War II.
CASA MUSEO IL CARDELLO
Via Cardello, 5 +39 0546.73135
A unique building, now transformed into a museum, where the writer Alfredo Oriani lived nearly his entire life. It was originally a guest house of the Abbey of Valsenio (X century), of which only the original nature remains, having been almost totally remodelled in 1926. The inside conserves the original floor plan and furniture of a late 19th-century, upper-class residence that Oriani himself imposed. The park is especially beautiful.
LA COROLLA DELLE GINESTRE
An itinerary that guides horseback riding enthusiasts, hikers, and mountain bikers along trails that make it possible to fully enjoy the richness of the environment. About 55 km of marked trails can be covered as a whole or partially in one or more days, taking advantage of the reception structures situated along the way.
REGIONAL PARK OF THE VENA DEL GESSO ROMAGNOLA
The Park of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola (6,000 hectares) protects one of the most interesting sites of the Apennines. The Vena stretches for more than 20 km from the area of Imola to Brisighella and manifests spectacular crags of chalk facing south, like the Riva di San Biagio and the majestic Monte Mauro (517 m) and a vast system of grottoes (which can be visited, Tanaccia and Re Tiberio) and other karstic phenomena.
THE AUGUSTO RINALDI CERONI HERB GARDEN
Via del Corso, 2/1 +39 0546.73158 www.ilgiardinodelleerbe.it
An “open field” permanent exhibition of aromatic and medicinal plants, also used for essential oils and cosmetics. The garden boasts a scent bar and an extensive scientific library used for experimentation and educational initiatives.