Predappio Alta: Fortress, Wine Tradition and Trails

Predappio Alta is an old village built around the fortress, overlooking the town and the Rabbi River valley. For your travel plans, the village combines medieval history with wine traditions, regional specialities and a variety of trails. Accommodation in Predappio Alta is therefore particularly well suited to interests in culture, local cuisine and outdoor activities.

Fortress, Church and Historic Cellars

At the heart of Predappio Alta is the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, near the Rocca degli Ordelaffi on Piazza Cavour. The Rocca di Predappio Alta is a medieval fortress that was the scene of numerous conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines and was fought over by the Ordelaffi and Calboli families. Both buildings directly anchor the history of the village in its historic centre.

The village's cultural heritage also includes the historic Zoli cellars from the 15th century, which now house the Museo delle Tradizioni Vitivinicole. The church of Santa Maria Assunta contains six paintings by Benito Partisani, who was known as Mastro Lupo. In this way, sacred art, the history of the fortress and the history of winemaking come together in a few specific locations.

Sangiovese and Cave-Aged Pecorino

Predappio Alta is historically regarded as the birthplace of Sangiovese and is associated with numerous wineries, including Fattoria Nicolucci and Vigna del Generale. A special culinary speciality is Pecorino maturato in grotta: its ageing process takes place in the sulphur caves of Predappio Alta. These cheeses generally use semi-aged products made from sheep's milk.

Pecorino maturato in grotta is sold exclusively by the local Pro Loco, mainly during the traditional Festa dei Vignaiuoli. This festival takes place in November and features local Sangiovese as well as tastings of the local cave-aged cheese. The Festa della Mostatura recalls the traditional preparation of wine must and includes food stalls and music.

Routes and Unusual Excursion Destinations

For a shorter tour, the “Le Due Predappio” route is available. It is 9.05 kilometres long, reaches a maximum elevation of 340 metres and can be completed on foot or by bicycle. A moderately difficult circular route starting near Predappio Alta leads via Baccanello, Monte Mirabello, Monte Colombo, Calboli and Monte Maggiore. It is 20.3 kilometres long, is recommended year-round and can likewise be completed on foot or by bicycle.

The Solfatara, a sulphur mine, lies about 500 metres north of Predappio Alta. It has a year-round temperature of 12 °C and high humidity associated with the sulphur lake. The Solfatara mine is used as a tourist attraction for visits and public events; during the Christmas season, it features a mechanical nativity scene.

Traditional Events Throughout the Year

The Maestà is traditionally celebrated in Predappio Alta on the third Sunday in October. Together with the Festa dei Vignaiuoli in November and the Festa della Mostatura, the events calendar thus offers several occasions centred on wine, the preparation of wine must, regional tastings and local traditions.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

If you are planning your trip to Italy beyond Predappio Alta, direct local connections continue to Dovadola, Ronco, Balze, Forlì, Castrocaro Terme, Fiumana, Gambettola and Camposonaldo.

For the broader travel overview: Forlì-Cesena.