Predappio Alta: Fortress, Wine and Village History

Predappio Alta brings together village and fortress history, winemaking traditions, local festivals and two routes that can be traveled on foot or by bicycle. These themes offer practical guidance as you search for a hotel: decide whether historic buildings, regional products or the stated route lengths best suit your travel plans.

Village History, Fortress and Church

The old village was built around the fortress, overlooking the town and the Rabbi River valley. The Rocca di Predappio Alta is a medieval fortress. It was the setting for numerous clashes between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, and was fought over by the Ordelaffi and Calboli families. This local history links the medieval fortress with the families and political rivalries that feature in the village’s history.

In the heart of Predappio Alta, near the Rocca degli Ordelaffi, the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta stands in Piazza Cavour. It houses six paintings by Benito Partisani, known as Mastro Lupo. The historic Zoli cellars are also part of the local heritage: they date back to the 15th century and now house the Museo delle Tradizioni Vitivinicole. The church and cellars thus connect religious art and winemaking history at two named locations in the village.

Winemaking Tradition and Cave-Aged Pecorino

Predappio Alta is historically described as the birthplace of Sangiovese. The village is associated with numerous wineries, including Fattoria Nicolucci and Vigna del Generale. Wine also features at the named festivals: the Festa dei Vignaiuoli takes place in November and offers local Sangiovese along with tastings of the area’s cave-aged cheese.

Pecorino maturato in grotta is aged in the sulfur caves of Predappio Alta. It is generally made using semi-mature sheep’s milk cheese. The pecorino is sold exclusively by the local Pro Loco, mainly during the traditional Festa dei Vignaiuoli. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the latest dates and program, as its format may vary from year to year.

Another festival, the Festa della Mostatura, commemorates traditional grape-must making and features food stalls and music. No specific date is given, so check the latest dates before making plans. The Maestà is also traditionally celebrated on the third Sunday in October. Check the program for the relevant year separately for this celebration.

Solfatara and Visitor Experiences

The Solfatara is a sulfur mine about 500 meters north of Predappio Alta. The temperature in the mine is 12°C year-round; the sulfur lake is associated with high humidity. Be prepared for cool, damp conditions when visiting. The mine is used as a tourist attraction for tours and public events; at Christmas, it features a mechanical nativity scene. Check the visiting dates in advance if you plan to include the Solfatara.

Comparing Two Routes

The “Le Due Predappio” route is 9.05 km long, reaches a maximum elevation of 340 meters and can be traveled on foot or by bicycle. Check the route conditions before setting out. Another, moderately difficult loop begins near Predappio Alta and passes through Baccanello, Monte Mirabello, Monte Colombo, Calboli and Monte Maggiore. It is 20.3 km long, can also be traveled on foot or by bicycle, and is recommended year-round.

By comparison, Le Due Predappio, at 9.05 km, is considerably shorter than the 20.3 km loop. Both options can be traveled on foot or by bicycle; the loop is also rated as moderately difficult. Route conditions may change, so check the relevant information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Savignano Sul Rubicone, Tredozio, San Vittore, Bertinoro, Musano, Longiano, Forlì, Portico E San Benedetto.

For the broader travel guide: Forlì-Cesena.