Discover Cotignola

Cotignola is located in the green hinterland of Ravenna on the banks of the Senio River. The town combines historical traces, museums, distinctive cultural events and a landscape with an artificial lake where various bird species can be found. If you would like to combine culture and nature on your trip, Cotignola offers several different starting points for planning your accommodation.

Cultural history and notable places

One prominent landmark is the Torre di Giovanni Acuto. It was built in Cotignola in 1376 by the English captain Sir John Hawkwood. The reconstructed Torre di Giovanni Acuto houses the town bell known as “E’ Campanòn”. Palazzo Sforza houses the Museo Varoli and the historical archive. The palace also preserves original architectural elements, including the terracotta rosette bearing the Sforza coat of arms and the columns of the loggia.

The Museo Civico Luigi Varoli is spread across Palazzo Sforza and the Casa-Studio Luigi Varoli; the two are connected by the Scuola Arti e Mestieri. The collection includes a picture gallery and an archaeological section with artefacts dating from Roman times to the late Middle Ages. The Casa-Studio Luigi Varoli house museum includes Luigi Varoli’s library, his photographic archive and rooms dedicated to his love of music. In 2024, the Casa-Studio Luigi Varoli reopened to the public with a new design.

Memorial culture is also part of the townscape. The memorial stele in the Giardino dei Giusti records the Jews who were sheltered in Cotignola as well as the people who gave them refuge. Those interested in history, art and personal places of remembrance can take these various facets into account when planning their trip, without limiting their stay to a single attraction.

Nature along the Senio and at Lago dei Gelsi

Lago dei Gelsi, also known as Lago della Fornace, is an artificial lake created after the closure of a clay extraction site and covers approximately four hectares. Since 2011, Lago dei Gelsi has been part of the ecological compensation area “Lago della Fornace, Canale del Molino e Fiume Senio”. As a result, the landscape has an ecological dimension in addition to its history of formation.

Seasonal migratory bird species can be found at the lake, including mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Eurasian teals (Anas penelope). Grey herons (Ardea cinerea) and little egrets (Egretta garzetta) are also regularly seen there. For travellers who would like to include quiet nature observation in their days, this aspect is an interesting complement to the cultural sites. Parco Sandro Pertini also has a pond named after “Nino Grilli”, where fishing is possible.

Festivals and distinctive cultural events

The Festa della Segavecchia takes place every year in the third week of Lent and culminates in the burning of an effigy of a witch. This festival gives trip planning a clear seasonal focus. The Arena delle balle di paglia hosts concerts, theatre, storytelling, Land Art, explorations and poetic gatherings. The cultural spectrum therefore ranges from historical traditions to various types of events.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Cotignola is located on the Lugo–Faenza railway line. For travel by car, there is a Cotignola motorway exit on the A14dir. When looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation, you can therefore first consider which focus best suits your trip: Would you primarily like to visit the museums and historical sites, include Lago dei Gelsi in your plans, or combine cultural events and experiences in nature?

More travel ideas

For additional travel ideas, you can also include the pages on San Pietro In Vincoli, Fosso Ghiaia, San Zaccaria, Santerno, Lido Adriano, Savio, Lido Di Classe and Faenza in your further search.

Go to the higher-level travel overview: Ravenna.