The zone of the Valley of Tramazzo, where Villa
Podere Quartarola is situated, comprises the only two communes - Tredozio
and Modigliana - of which we have testimonies already from the prehistoric
times. The two communes began to be part of the province of Forlì-Cesena
only from 1923, after a long Florentine domination. The double nature
of the place, partly Romagna partly Tuscany, is grasped in many aspects
of the local life and culture: in the language, in the traditions,
in the culinary heritage and in the architectural testimonies.
In a general view, the Valley of Tramazzo is inside the broader
space of Foreste Casentinesi’s National Park - an ancient
forest complex rich in routes winding inside it and landscapes colouring
it.
The territory is ideal for those who, in a few hours or in the course
of a day, want to affront alternative itineraries while exploring
the natural beauties still uncontaminated.
For those who love excursions, along the ridge that subdivides Romagna
and Tuscany a “must” is a visit to Eremo di San
Barnaba a Gamogna where it is possible to retire for a couple
of days and share the rhythms of monastic life. A not-to-miss is l’Eremo
e il Monastero di Camaldoli (the Eremo and the Monastery
of Camaldoli) as well as il Santuario della Verna
(the Sanctuary of the Verna): the natural environment that surrounds
them offers the visitor intense and unforgettable emotions.
The Mountain of Trebbio (il Monte Trebbio), where
the Villa is situated, is also famous for bicycle tourism. The ascents
that characterize this pass alternate with moments of ease and malignant
climbs of I 12% where also professional cyclists have something to
wrestle with. It isn’t for nothing that the pass of Trebbio
has a monument for the cyclist.
For the passionate horsemen/women at the range of 10 km there are
some equipped riding schools.
This is also the zone of scents and flavours donated by the products
of the forest - truffles, mushrooms, chestnuts, mulberries, strawberries,
raspberries and aromatic herbs are only some examples of the most
typical products. Inserting the place in the itinerary for the Road
of Wines and Flavours of the hills of Forlì and Cesena (la
Strada dei Vini e dei Sapori dei colli di Forlì e
Cesena) makes it easy to cross or approach places and sites of great
oenogastronomic importance while always allowing the traveller to
return, if one so wants to, to the point of departure without ever
having to retake the same road.
Between annual village feasts and popular celebrations the territory
offers opportunities for interaction all year round: from the celebration
of the bonfire of Rocca San Casciano (18-19 March,
St. Joseph’s Day), to the Palio of the egg
of Tredozio (Easter day and the following Monday), from the village
Feast of the Berries in Portico di Romagna to the
Feast of the Truffle of Dovadola and again the Feast
of the Bartolaccio (a type of watercress) in Tredozio. Not to miss
the famous Medieval Celebrations of Brisighella that
every year in June and July set themselves with a specific title relating
to the sacred or secular culture of the medieval times.
A not-to-miss is also the Celebration of the Living Paintings
in Modigliana, a celebration that takes place every year on the second
Sunday of September and which wants to pay tribute to painter Silvestro
Lega, founder - together with mr.s Fattori and Signorini - of the
movement of the ‘Macchiaioli’ to which the city of Modigliana
gave birth.
At only 20 km of distance from the Villa one finds the city of Faenza,
a splendid art city of Roman origin, acknowledged everywhere in the
world for its historic production of maiolica. In Faenza it is in
fact possible to visit one of the most beautiful and complete art
collections: the one conserved at the International museum of ceramic
(Museo internazionale della ceramica) which collects pieces, realized
in this material, of every geographic origin and of every historic
age.
Not-to-miss the Palio of Niballo, a spectacular tournament between
five riders of the town’s different districts that recalls,
in the month of June, the glories and struggles of the Medieval times
Faenza.
Distant only 80 km from the Villa is Ravenna, a
city with origins lost in the echoes of time. City of art and culture,
city of mosaic, an ancient city that 1500 years ago was a capital
three times: of the Western Roman Empire, of Theodoric king of Goths
and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe. The magnificence of that period
has left Ravenna a great heritage of monuments and religious buildings
decorated with mosaics that have been declared property of humanity
by the UNESCO. Ravenna is Roman, Gothic, Byzantine but also Medieval,
Venetian and finally modern and contemporary, civil and hospitable,
rich of events and displays of international prestige.
And more - at the same distance and easily reachable by motorway
is Bologna, the chief town of Emilia Romagna. In
the evocative historic centre of the city, one of the best preserved
in Europe, rise the two towers of Garisenda and Asinelli. The ancient
palaces and churches, rich of art works, testify to the cultural relevance
that Bologna had in the course of centuries.
Finally at roughly 100 km of distance lies Florence.
The history, artistic and cultural heritage of this great Italian
city have no need for presentations.
Finally at roughly 100 km of distance lies Florence. The history,
artistic and cultural heritage of this great Italian city have no
need for presentations.
In little time and very easily, by motorway A14, those who love the
sea can reach the Riviera of Romagna (la Riviera
Romagnola), which is nowadays considered the European capital of tourism.
Reasons to visit and live the splendid and well-equipped beaches of
Rimini, Riccione, Cattolica, Misano Adriatico, Bellaria, Cervia, Cesenatico,
Milano Marittima are numerous: sun, sea, excellent gastronomic opportunities,
large theme parks, sports complexes and… ensured amusement!
