Cesena

Cesena
Uomodis08 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Cesena
Region	Emilia-Romagna
Province	Forlì-Cesena
Elevation m	44
Area total km2	249.47
Population total	96076
Population as of	2023
Coordinates	44, 08, N, 12...

Cesena. A city in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, it serves as a co-capital of the Forlì-Cesena province. Strategically positioned between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, it boasts a rich history from its Roman origins to its flourishing under the Malatesta lords. The city is internationally renowned for the Malatestiana Library, a UNESCO Memory of the World site, and its significant agricultural and industrial economy.

History

The area was originally settled by the Umbri and Celts before becoming the Roman *Caesena*, noted by Pliny the Elder and serving as a station on the Via Aemilia. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was contested by the Exarchate of Ravenna and the Lombards, later coming under the influence of the Papal States. The city's golden age began under the rule of the Malatesta family in the late 14th century, particularly under Malatesta Novello, who commissioned the famed Malatestiana Library. Cesena endured a brutal sack in 1377 by Robert of Geneva, the future Antipope Clement VII, an event known as the "Bloody Carnival of Cesena". It was later incorporated into the Papal States under Pope Pius VI, who was born here, and eventually joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 following the Second Italian War of Independence.

Geography

Cesena is situated in the historic region of Romagna, on the banks of the Savio River at the foothills of the Apennine Mountains. The municipality's territory extends from the fertile plains of the Po Valley towards the pre-Apennine hills, encompassing the frazione of Cesenatico on the Adriatic coast. It borders other communes including Forlì, Bertinoro, and Mercato Saraceno. The landscape is characterized by vineyards, orchards, and farmland, with the Monte Fumaiolo area, source of the Tiber river, located nearby.

Main sights

The city's crown jewel is the 15th-century Malatestiana Library, a perfectly preserved Renaissance humanist library and a UNESCO-listed site. The adjacent Rocca Malatestiana is a formidable fortress offering panoramic views. The Piazza del Popolo is the main square, flanked by the Loggetta Veneziana and the Fontana Masini. Notable religious buildings include the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, the Abbey of Santa Maria del Monte, and the Church of San Domenico. The Teatro Alessandro Bonci is a historic opera house, and the Archaeological Museum of Cesena houses significant local finds.

Economy

The economy is robust and diversified, with a strong base in agriculture, particularly fruit farming, earning the area the nickname "Italy's fruit bowl"; major cooperatives include Apofruit Italia and Orogel. The industrial sector is significant, with manufacturing in mechanics, automation, and packaging, supported by companies like IMA S.p.A. and Sacmi. The Cesena Trade Fair is an important regional event. The presence of the University of Bologna's campus and research centers, along with a developed logistics network leveraging the nearby A14 motorway, further stimulates economic activity.

Culture

Cesena is a city of festivals and traditions, most famously the Cesena Music Festival and the vibrant Fiera di San Giovanni. It is the birthplace of popes Pius VI and Pius VII, and the tenor Beniamino Gigli performed at the Teatro Alessandro Bonci. The local cuisine is deeply rooted in Romagnan traditions, featuring dishes like piadina and Sangiovese wines. The city's football club, A.C. Cesena, has a storied history in Serie A. Cultural institutions like the Malatestiana Library and the Cultural Center "San Biagio" host numerous exhibitions and conferences.

Transport

The city is served by the Cesena railway station on the Bologna–Ancona railway line, providing connections to major cities like Bologna, Rimini, and Ancona. Road access is excellent via the A14 motorway and the SS9 Via Emilia. The nearest major airport is the Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, with Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna also within reach. Local public transport, including bus services managed by START Romagna, connects the urban center with surrounding towns and the coastal area of Cesenatico.

Category:Cities and towns in Emilia-Romagna Category:Provincial capitals in Italy