Mercato Saraceno between the Savio Valley, Trails and History

Mercato Saraceno lies along the historic route through the Savio Valley, a natural corridor connecting the Via Emilia and the Val Tiberina. The area includes cultivated hills, wooded areas and badlands. On foot or by mountain bike, trails pass through canyons carved by mountain streams, making the different forms of the landscape immediately tangible.

Trails for cyclists, hikers and nature enthusiasts

A notable cycling route is the climb to Barbotto. It begins at the bridge over the Savio in Mercato Saraceno, leads to Perticara and is part of the famous Nove Colli cycling race. For longer hiking and pilgrimage routes, there is the Sentiero di Falcino, which forms part of a section of the Cammino di San Vicinio. The Sentieri del Tasso, a network of trails, also run around the Borgo di Linaro.

The Sentiero della Contessa leads to the remains of an ancient tower. This tower was equipped with a prison and a trapdoor. At the Fosso Sassignolo, very dense vegetation and a rich, diverse birdlife shape the experience of nature. The range of trails and landscapes thus extends from sports-oriented routes to quieter observations in a species-rich environment.

Historic places in the Savio Valley

Monte Sasso lies about five kilometres from the town centre. It is a small medieval rural village, where visible sections of the Castrum's fortification wall have been preserved. The historic hamlet of Monte Sasso is also home to Castello Montesasso. The complex is about two kilometres from Mercato Saraceno and offers wine tastings and visits to the vineyards by reservation.

In the town centre stands Palazzo Dolcini, built in 1927 to a design by architect Ugo Dolcini (1871–1927) in the Liberty and Art Deco styles. The Pieve Santissimi Cosma e Damiano is located about one kilometre from the historic centre and is the oldest church in the Mercato Saraceno area. It was built around the middle of the 9th century over the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Isis in the 1st century.

The Pieve di Monte Sorbo also reaches far back into history and can be dated to the 8th century. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims on their way to Rome visited it; an adjoining hospice offered them safe accommodation. Particularly striking is its rare Greek-cross floor plan. Roman columns dating from the 1st century divide the building into three naves.

The Raccolta Museale di Arte Sacra is located in Mercato Saraceno's old Borgo di Mezzo. Its exhibits include a painting of the Crucifixion of Christ by Lorenzo Ferri; the building was erected in 1642. The parish church of Chiesa di Santa Maria Nuova was founded by the Augustinians at the end of the 14th century and dominates Piazza Mazzini, the town's main square. Today, only the central pier of the Ponte Vecchio remains in the riverbed; the bridge has been documented since the 12th century.

Wine and a local speciality

Mercato Saraceno can also be discovered through its wine-making tradition. By reservation, Tenuta Casali offers an e-bike tour along designated paths through the vineyards. The offerings of Castello Montesasso in the historic hamlet of Monte Sasso are also connected with wine: wine tastings and visits to the vineyards are available there by reservation.

Dolce Porcospino has its own culinary history. This sweet was invented in Mercato Saraceno in the mid-20th century by the Manzelli sisters. Together with the churches, bridges, hamlets and trails, it creates a multifaceted picture for travellers who, when choosing their hotel or accommodation, wish to consider not only the landscape but also history, architecture, regional products and active experiences.

More destinations to choose from

Fiumana, Montiano, San Benedetto In Alpe, Predappio, Cesenatico, San Mauro A Mare, Castrocaro Terme, Il Monte

For the overarching travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.