Sant'Agata Sul Santerno: Culture on the Santerno

Sant'Agata sul Santerno lies on the banks of the Santerno in the inland area of the Ravenna plain. Consider what matters most for your stay: would you like to focus mainly on the town's history or spend time outdoors?

Getting to know the landscape and how to get there

Sant'Agata sul Santerno is at the intersection of provincial roads 253 San Vitale, which connects Bologna with Ravenna, and 13 Bastia, which leads to Argenta (Fe). These roads provide clear orientation for the connections mentioned. Bagnacavallo railway station, on the Bologna–Ravenna railway line, is nearby. If you are considering travelling by train, check the timetable for your travel dates.

Torre Civica and Chiesa Arcipretale

A prominent landmark in the town's history is the Torre Civica: it was built over the former entrance gate to the medieval castle. Its large arch leads to the square of the Chiesa Arcipretale. This places the historic castle entrance and the church square in a directly understandable spatial relationship.

The Chiesa Arcipretale di Sant'Agata V.M. was rebuilt in 1881 in the Neoclassical style, to a design by the architect Pritelli. In April 1944, Umberto Folli created a depiction of the four Evangelists on the presbytery vault. The paintings preserved in the church represent other periods: D. Tasselli of Lugo is represented by works from the 17th century, and Orfeo Orfei of Massa Lombarda by works from the 19th century. The architecture, fresco and paintings thus reflect different periods.

The town's earlier history also has a specific point of reference: shortly after the year 1000, Sant'Agata sul Santerno was recorded on old maps as “castrum”. Local craft history offers another perspective. Custode Marcucci founded the “Premiata fabbrica di istrumenti ad arco – S. Agata sul Santerno” here. The name refers to the making of string instruments as part of the town's history. The Palazzo dei Contadini adds an agricultural connection to this picture: it was established in 1910 as the headquarters of an agricultural cooperative.

Get active at Parco Vatrenus

If you want to make exercise a focus, Parco Vatrenus offers a different experience from the historic buildings. Grande Parco Vatrenus extends along the Santerno embankment over an area of more than two hectares. The park has a combined cycling and walking path, as well as fitness equipment for calisthenics and CrossFit. This means the town offers both a route intended for cycling and walking and opportunities to exercise outdoors.

A simple comparison can help you choose between the different themes: the Torre Civica and Chiesa Arcipretale offer points of reference for architectural and art history; the Palazzo dei Contadini and the instrument workshop represent other aspects of local history. Parco Vatrenus focuses on exercise. The road junction and nearby railway station also help you find your bearings when travelling to the town.

Discover more destinations: San Vitale, Cannuzzo, Malcantone, Fognano, Lugo, San Pietro In Campiano, Milano Marittima, Massa Lombarda.

For the broader travel overview: Ravenna.