Cesena is within an easy reach of beautiful coastal towns such as Rimini, Pesaro and Cesenatico. Furthermore, this city has a plethora of interesting historical sites such as the Rocca Malatestiana, the Teatro Alessandri Bonci and the beautiful Ponte Vecchio. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, great attractions and friendly locals, Cesena is a brilliant place to visit.
Cesena is a city and comune in the Emilia-Romagna region, served by Autostrada A14, and located near the Apennine Mountains, about 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the Adriatic Sea. The total population is 97,137.
Higlights
Piazza del Popolo
Cesena has several beautiful squares but the Piazza del Popolo (People’s Square) is undoubtedly the most important and attractive.
Located at the side of the Rocca Malatestiana, the square has a myriad of gorgeous structures in a variety of different colours – from pinks and yellows to greens and whites.
On the southern side of the square, the remains of the castle walls dominate, whilst the beautiful town hall sites proudly next door.
In the centre of the square there is the ornate Masini Fountain, and there is a series of high quality restaurants and cafes to enjoy a relaxing meal or drink in.
Whilst walking through the town centre, the Piazza del Popolo is a great place to visit.
Fontana Masini
Located within the Piazza del Popolo, the Masini Fountain is a stunning monumental fountain that stands as an icon of the city.
Created in the 16th century, the fountain depicts the sea god Neptune and his bodyguard of Tritons.
Furthermore, at each corner of the fountain there is a statue of a well-known religious or political figure with significance to the city.
This ornate fountain takes pride of place in the centre of the People’s Square and is a must see monument when visiting Cesena.
Main sights
Cesena’s monuments include:
- Abbey of St Maria del Monte
- Malatestian Fortress (Rocca Malatestiana): built by Cardinal Albornoz (from 1380) over a pre-existing edifice which had hosted, among others, Frederick Barbarossa and his grandson Frederick II. It was completed by the Papal governor Lorenzo Zane in 1480, and was used by Cesare Borgia as jail for Caterina Sforza. It is octagonal, with two main towers, the higher maschio and the lower foemina
- Piazza del Popolo
- Biblioteca Malatestiana: first public library in Europe, listed in UNESCO Memory of the World Programme.
- Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
- Pinacoteca Comunale: housed in former Benedictine monastery.
- Art collection of Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cesena: housed in the former Celestine monastery.
- Teatro Alessandro Bonci
- Palazzo Ghini.
- Church of Sant’Agostino
- Church and Convent dell’Osservanza
Economy
The main economic sectors in Cesena are:
- agriculture, in particular fruit and vegetables, and food processing
- manufacturing, in particular mechanics, agricultural and industrial equipment, construction equipment
- in the tertiary sector, banking and tourism.
Notable companies based in Cesena include:
- Technogym (fitness equipment)
- Soilmec (construction equipment)
- Olidata (computers)
- Cassa di Risparmio di Cesena (banking)
