Cesena is a vibrant city surrounded by a fantastic landscape and situated in the beautiful Emilia Romagna region. The city is ideally located between the beautiful Adriatic coastal towns of Rimini, Pesaro and Cesenatico and the charming villages, mountains, rivers and waterfalls of the Casentinesi Forests natural park.
One of the smaller cities in the region, Cesena boasts a great range of tourist attractions. The city has Umbro-Etruscan origins and has been especially prosperous under the Malatesta family (1378-1465), who gave the city centre its present appearance. The family also funded the construction of the superb Malatestiana library (15th century), the only example of a monastic humanist library with a perfectly preserved building, furniture and book collection. The library was included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Visitors shouldn’t miss the Benedectine abbey of St Maria del Monte, the Malatesta fortress and its memorial park located in the heart of the old city centre, and the Theatre A. Bonci, designed in 1843 and renowned for its entertaining, high quality productions.
Inhabitants and visitors alike can truly enjoy public space in Cesena. Its many squares, pedestrian and cycle paths, public gardens, cloisters, small courtyards and alleys make the historic centre a very welcoming place. The atmosphere is vibrant and relaxing, thanks to the numerous cafes, shops, typical restaurants and craft shops, and a walk through the city will unveil some art galleries, such as the Comunale gallery and Ex Pescheria gallery.
Culture comes to life in Cesena through its many events. The feast of St John (24th of June) showcases an ethnic and crafts markets, and the International Street Food Festival, organised by Slow Food, promotes food from all over the world. During the Summer months the streets and squares of the city become open air cinemas, with the Piazze di Cinema festival, theatres and music halls.
Cesena keeps a strong hold on agriculture and gastronomy – sectors that have always been important to the city’s economy – while bringing social innovation and sustainability forward.
Cesena promises a quiet retreat, great attractions and friendly locals.
