Pieve Cesato
Pieve Cesato: a small village in the plain of Ravenna
Hello everyone! Today I will talk about a beautiful hamlet in the province of Ravenna: Pieve Cesato. It is a small village located north of the city of Faenza, in Emilia-Romagna. Its ancient history and rich artistic and cultural heritage make it a very interesting tourist attraction.
Physical Geography
Pieve Cesato is a quiet village situated in the plain, surrounded by the green of the Emiliana countryside. It is crossed by the Lamone river and touched by the Emiliano-Romagnolo canal. On one side it is delimited by the A14 highway, while on the other by the Faenza-Ravenna railway. It is easily reachable from the main cities of Emilia-Romagna, just 9 km from Faenza and 30 km from Ravenna.
History
The origins of Pieve Cesato date back to the eighth century, when the parish of Cesato was founded, the oldest documented place of worship in Faenza. Over the centuries, the village experienced periods of great prosperity thanks to its strategic position on the Faentina road, which connected the city of Florence to Ravenna. In 1285, a crime was committed there that was recalled by Dante Alighieri in the Inferno.
Monuments and places of interest
In Pieve Cesato, many works of art and architectures of great historical and cultural value can be admired. Among the most important:
The Pieve of San Giovanni Battista
The pieve is the heart of the village and its oldest monument. It was built in Romanesque style and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Its bell tower dominates the square in front of the church. Inside, several works of art can be admired, including the ancient baptismal font.
Casa Cimatti
This splendid residence dates back to the 19th century and is an example of neoclassical architecture. Today it is home to a nursery school.
La Castellina
The ancient medieval castle owned by the Manfredi family was the scene of a crime committed by Friar Alberigo in 1285. It is also mentioned by Dante Alighieri in the Inferno. Today only a tower remains reshaped over the centuries.
La Sagra della Campagna
The Sagra della Campagna is a traditional festival held every year in Pieve Cesato in May, organized by the local cultural association Circolo Campagnolo, which celebrated its centenary in 2021. The festival culminates with the famous race of the donkeys and the awarding of the best preparation of a typical Emiliana cuisine dish.
The Nativity Scene
Every year at Christmas, an impressive life-size nativity scene is set up, composed of over thirty statues made of natural materials such as sand, sawdust, and beeswax. The local artist Tomasino Peroni, who passed away in 2021, was in charge of its care.
Conclusions
I recommend visiting Pieve Cesato if you are looking for a peaceful and authentic destination. The atmosphere of the village will capture you and transport you to a world far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The artistic and cultural heritage, the beauty of the surrounding nature, and the warm welcome of the locals will make you feel immediately at home.
