MELDOLA - CODE: TEDMLD
Meldola is a little town of about ten thousand inhabitants at only 40 km from the touristic Adriatic coast and no more than 40 km from Calla Pass and Campigna forest.
The territory includes hilly areas, the Ronco-Bidente River and the Voltre stream which flow through the valley.
It is characterized by orchards, vineyards and specialized crops in the valley floor, while on the high ground there are extended and intensive crops interspersed with uncultivated and erosive crops, badlands and rough grazings. There are also some forest areas where compact rocks emerge. The important Natural Reserve "Bosco Scardavilla" is part of the biodiversity of the landscape.
Meldola and its surroundings were a meeting point for the Umbrian tribes, living on the hilly slopes, and the Gallic populations, living on the plain. Maybe right here there was the "Castrum Mutilum" remembered by Tito Livio. This area hosted many Romanised families during the period of colonization as is confirmed by many marbles and mosaics of that time. During the reign of Trajan (98 AC – 117 AC) Pliny the Younger was given to build a large aqueduct to supply Ravenna. The aqueduct was later restored by Theodoric and Meldola had an important residence of Theodoric.
The following centuries were marked by fierce battles and fights to gain power on this strategic area. The archbishops of Ravenna built the Castle. Like all the towns and villages of Romagna, Meldola was under the rule of different lords and noble families.
Among these families the most remarkable were the Ordelaffi, the Malatesta, the Aldobrandini who left many monumental constructions. Meldola was an important economic centre (silkworm breeding, spinning factories, quarries and agro-industrial markets) that attracted the attention of many national and international businessmen.
Its business activities let Meldola gain the title of City according to royal decree dated 7th September 1862.
Among the tourist attractions there’s the old town centre with the main square dedicated to Felice Orsini in wich there are the Aldobrandini Gallery, the Doria Pamphili Building, known as the native house of the patriot Felice Orsini and the municipal building with its clock tower.
Nearby there is the historic theater "G.A. Dragoni” and also the “Arena Hesperia” in wich there’s the Silkworm Museum "Ciro Ronchi".
Not far away, heading toward the medieval village, there’s the Ecology Museum "Mirco Bravaccini" and the grand and monumental staircase of the fortress.
The majestic castle walls are visible from the outside, although it’s still under restoration.
The walk under the arches is very characteristic. The arches accompany the whole main street reaching the Venetians Bridge (1503 - 1509), the little Church of the Hospital (with 15th-century frescoes), the “SS Stigmate” oratory and other distinctive buildings.
In the walled village of Teodorano the beautiful and namesake castle shows up and the Caminate fortress is located on the pass at the border with the municipality of Meldola and Predappio.
The cultural life of the town is enriched by an appreciable theatrical season, also dedicated to children and families. Two awards are organized every two years, “Nella Versari Award”, dedicated to a paintress of Meldola for deserving artists in the figurative arts and “Hesperia Award”, named after the famous star of the silent film, for personalities in show business. In 2014 the award was given to director Pupi Avati. Throughout the year "Michelacci Gallery" organises painting and sculpture exhibitions. Many events are organized from June to August such as “R’estate in paese”, cinema and meetings with writers in Hesperia Arena and “Beata Vergine del Popolo” the Patron Saint's festival with “Cena in Piazza”.
Meldola and its surroundings organise country festival, celebrations and historic commemorations in particular “Sagra della Scottona” in San Colombano, “Ferragosto in Castelnuovo”, “Un palio per otto castelli” e “Falchi e arti” in Rocca delle Caminate e “Serata medievale” in Teodorano.
