Gambettola – Film History, Crafts and Festivals

Gambettola between Film History and Crafts

Gambettola can be explored through specific places and lively traditions. Casa Fellini is the former home of the Fellini family and the childhood home of director Federico Fellini. In addition, the Pascucci family opened its textile workshop, Stamperia Pascucci, in Gambettola in 1826. These two addresses alone reveal different facets of the town: its film history and the history of a textile workshop.

A Long History of Textile Craftsmanship

At Stamperia Pascucci, geometric patterns, flowers and animals are printed on linen fabrics using hand-carved wooden blocks. The combination of material, design and manual technique makes the workshop an illustrative place for anyone who wants to experience traditional production not only as a finished product, but also in its craft context. Guided tours of the Stamperia Pascucci workshop can be booked.

The Industrial History of the SICLI Cement Factory

Another focus in Gambettola is the history of the SICLI cement factory. It was built in 1910 and finally closed in 1989. The Tunnel della fotografia at the SICLI cement factory became the venue for a photo exhibition about the history of the cement factory. Several former areas were given new cultural functions: the former Galleria delle colonne was converted into an exhibition space, while the former Teatro e la sala dei filtri was turned into a workshop for stage design.

Other rooms also preserve this transformation. Two factory kilns have been preserved in the Circolo dopolavoro of the SICLI cement factory; one of them was restored and converted into a wine cellar. The former Sala dei sacchi of the SICLI cement factory was converted into an exhibition space. This places different approaches to former parts of the buildings side by side within the history of the factory.

Places for Art and Creativity

The Stazione degli Artisti uses rooms in the former stationmaster’s house, which have been redesigned as a center for art and creativity. The Casa Fellini residency project also offers a creative retreat for emerging and established talents and organizes cultural events as well as workshops on film, circus and theater. This can make Gambettola particularly interesting for you if you do not want to limit culture to individual sights, but would like to explore different forms of artistic work.

Carnival and Papier-Mâché Art

The Carnevale di Gambettola traditionally includes two parades with allegorical floats: one on Easter Monday and one on the following Sunday. The Bottega del Carnevale is part of the craft tradition behind this custom. It has permanent premises for building allegorical floats and for its school of papier-mâché art. The school of papier-mâché art offers ongoing workshops for children, young people and adults.

Festivals and Culinary Traditions

Every year in November, the Antica Fiera della Canapa takes place in Gambettola. It presents hemp products as well as typical local products. Gambettola’s culinary traditions include Sangiovese and freshly rolled Sfoglia, including Cappelletti, Tortelli and Tagliatelle with seasonal sauces. Anyone planning a trip to Gambettola will therefore find cultural, artisanal, festive and culinary points of interest suited to different interests and travel rhythms.

Other Places

Galeata, Borello, Longiano, Civitella Di Romagna, Borghi, Meldola, Sala, Alfero

For the higher-level travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.