What to do in Cesena: An Original Itinerary for Families
Cesena is a city I know like the back of my hand, having been born and raised here. Here’s an original itinerary on what to do in Cesena with kids, allowing you to appreciate this city in an authentic and special way.
Explore the Historic Center of Cesena with Kids
Strolling through the historic center of Cesena is like taking a dive into the past. There are so many corners to discover, from quiet alleys to lively squares, where kids can explore safely. A must-see stop is the Rocca Malatestiana, where history and medieval walls always enchant the little ones. You can also take advantage of its open spaces for a picnic or just to take a break between stops.
What to See in Cesena: Between History and Nature
If you want to alternate cultural visits with a break in nature, Cesena offers the best of both worlds. The Malatestiana Library is a true gem, and if you’re like me, you could spend hours here! Since becoming a mom, I enjoy spending afternoons here with my kids, blending work and study. It’s a perfect activity to stimulate the curiosity of the little ones, and the beauty of the place will take your breath away.
If you prefer some fresh air, a hike in the hills around Cesena is ideal for a day immersed in nature. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy the tranquility away from the city chaos. If you’re in the mood for something more, you can always head up to Santa Sofia in the heart of the Romagna Apennines and explore. In that case, I’ll leave you the dedicated link: Must-see places in the Romagna Apennines with kids.
A Walk at the Rocca Malatestiana: A Must-See Stop
The Rocca Malatestiana is one of those places that has always fascinated me, both as a child and as an adult. Imagine walking among the ancient walls with your kids, letting them fantasize about knights and medieval battles. The view from the Rocca offers a splendid panorama of the city, and there’s also a large green space where the little ones can run and play freely. It’s the perfect stop to combine history and fun in one afternoon.
How to Reach the Rocca Malatestiana
The Rocca is located in the heart of Cesena and is easily reachable on foot from the historic center in about 10 minutes. If you prefer, you can also drive there and park nearby, or take the local bus that stops close to the park entrance.
Malatestiana Library: A Treasure to Discover with Your Kids
I can’t talk about Cesena without mentioning the Malatestiana Library. Since becoming a mom, this place has become my refuge every time I return to Italy. We spend hours here, with the kids diving into books while I find time to work. It’s much more than just a library; it’s a true journey back in time. Taking your kids to discover this magical place is an activity that combines culture and tranquility, making it perfect for a rainy day or simply for doing something different.
How to Reach the Malatestiana Library
The library is located in the historic center of Cesena, in Piazza Bufalini. You can easily reach it on foot if you’re already in the center, or by bus, which stops just a few minutes from the entrance. It’s also easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby.
If you have a plan to visit the city of Cesena, don’t miss the dedicated article: Cesena and the Malatestiana Library.
A Green Day at the Park of Remembrance
Want a break outdoors? Then the Park of Remembrance is the perfect place. Located right below the Rocca, it’s an oasis of greenery in the city center. Your kids can run among the trees and have fun while you relax on a bench in the shade. It’s a great starting or ending point for a walk in the center of Cesena, allowing you to enjoy some tranquility without straying too far from the main attractions.
How to Reach the Park of Remembrance
The park is located at the foot of the Malatestiana Fortress and can easily be reached on foot from the historic center. If you arrive by car, you can park near the Rocca and reach the park with a short walk.
Ecology Museum: An Educational and Fun Experience
Another stop worth including in your itinerary in Cesena is the Ecology Museum. This small but interesting museum is located in the historic center and is perfect for introducing your kids to the importance of nature and ecology in an interactive and engaging way. Exploring the museum is an educational experience that the whole family will enjoy, featuring exhibits on animals, plants, and the local environment.
How to Reach the Ecology Museum
The museum is located on Via Uberti, just a few steps from Piazza del Popolo. If you’re in the center, you can easily walk there. For those arriving by car, there are several public parking areas nearby, and local buses stop close to the entrance.
With these additions, you have a varied and fun itinerary to discover Cesena with your kids!
Original Itinerary in Cesena: A Journey Through Art and Culture
If you’re looking for something different from the usual destinations, I recommend visiting Villa Silvia, a beautiful historic residence nestled in the greenery of the hills, perfect for a stroll. Here, kids can explore the gardens and enjoy the views while parents take some time to relax.
Don’t forget to stop by the Abbey of Monte, a place of peace and spirituality that offers breathtaking views of the city. It’s perfect for those seeking a moment of tranquility away from the center.
Things to Do in Cesena with Kids: Must-Do Activities for a Family Day
Among the cultural activities I recommend, a visit to the Bonci Theatre is always a good idea. Even if there are no performances scheduled, the theater’s architecture alone is worth a visit, and kids will have fun imagining themselves as actors on a real stage.
If you’re an art enthusiast, the Municipal Art Gallery is another interesting stop to include in your itinerary. It’s a place often overlooked by tourists but perfect for introducing kids to the world of art without too much fuss.
Excursions Around Cesena: What to See Near the City
If you still have time and want to explore the surroundings of Cesena, I suggest a trip to the hills of Bertinoro. This small town is perfect for a walk among the vineyards and offers wonderful views of the Romagna countryside.
Another option is a visit to the Fratta Thermal Baths, where the whole family can relax and enjoy a wellness day. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an activity that combines nature and relaxation.
Not far from Cesena is the wonderful Ravenna, which is definitely larger and more sprawling, but if you have school-age kids, it’s a must-visit. If you plan to visit Ravenna, here’s the direct link to the article on What to see in Ravenna with kids.
What to See for Free in Cesena
The beauty of this itinerary is that it’s all free! Cesena remains a small town that, despite its stunning attractions, invests little in tourism. Thus, the entire itinerary I’ve proposed for Cesena is free.
How Many Days Are Needed to See Cesena?
Cesena is very small; if you plan to visit the historic center, one day is more than enough.
Of course, Cesena is a very nice city to live in and visit, full of typical restaurants to try and authentic experiences to enjoy (like the Wednesday and Saturday fruit markets).
Even a simple visit to the Malatestiana Library can take more than the hour typically allotted in usual itineraries! The open area, where you can consult and borrow books, is truly enormous, and in my opinion, it’s worth spending a few hours there.
How much time it takes to visit Cesena? It definitely depends on you: while you can walk through the entire historic center in a little over an hour, it’s definitely worth spending a few days to explore it well and enjoy every corner.
So, what is the perfect itinerary of things to see in Cesena?
Discover the historic center of Cesena
- Rocca Malatestiana
The Malatestiana Fortress of Cesena is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Emilia-Romagna, built between the 14th and 15th centuries by the Malatesta family. Located on a hill overlooking the historic center of the city, the fortress offers panoramic views of Cesena and the surrounding countryside. The building features two imposing towers, called the Male and Female, connected by a curtain wall, and inside houses a museum dedicated to rural civilization and ancient weapons.
- Teatro Bonci:
The Alessandro Bonci Theatre is one of the symbols of Cesena, inaugurated in 1846 and named after the famous tenor from Cesena, Alessandro Bonci. This theater is a gem of neoclassical architecture, designed by architect Vincenzo Ghinelli, and hosts a rich annual program of performances ranging from opera to prose and dance. The theater has a capacity of about 800 seats, distributed among the stalls, boxes, and gallery, and the interior is elegantly decorated, featuring an imposing central chandelier and refined frescoes.
An unmissable attraction for those visiting Cesena, the Bonci Theatre is also a cultural landmark for the citizens, who consider it the heart of the city’s artistic life.
- Serravalle Gardens:
The Serravalle Public Gardens are one of the most beloved parks in Cesena, a green oasis located just a short walk from the historic center. This park offers ample spaces for walking, exercising, or relaxing in the shade of large trees. It’s the perfect place for families and children, thanks to the equipped playgrounds and lawns to run and play on.
The gardens also host events throughout the year, such as festivals and outdoor activities, especially during the beautiful season. For those who love jogging or simply want to take a leisurely walk, the tree-lined avenues offer a pleasant path immersed in nature. Additionally, the Serravalle Gardens are perfect for a picnic or an outdoor break, providing a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Note: I want to emphasize that I’m not a big fan of cities, and for me, Cesena already feels too big. These gardens, for a town like Cesena, are definitely a cutting-edge space, but it’s obvious that they are nothing compared to the gardens of larger cities!
Cesena remains a tiny town so close to the sea that its inhabitants overwhelmingly prefer to take a stroll on the sand rather than a trip to the garden!
- Scenic walk from the Ponte Vecchio
The Old Bridge of Cesena, also known as Clemente Bridge, is one of the oldest and most characteristic monuments in the city. Built in 1733 at the behest of Pope Clement XII, this bridge spans the Savio River and connects the historic center with the southern area of the city. It is made of stone and brick, featuring solid and harmonious architecture that recalls the style of the time.
The Old Bridge is a symbolic place for the people of Cesena, not only for its history but also for the charm it exudes. It’s an excellent starting point for a walk along the river or to admire the view extending towards the Malatestiana Fortress. Crossing this bridge means taking a journey into the past of Cesena, experiencing its historical heritage firsthand.
The Squares of Cesena's Historic Center
The historic center of Cesena is rich in charming squares, each with its own unique history and allure. Here are some of the most important:
- Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is the beating heart of Cesena, dominated by the majestic Fontana Masini, a Renaissance masterpiece created in 1590 that captivates with its marble sculptures. The Palazzo del Ridotto, once the seat of the city government, also overlooks the square. This piazza is a meeting point for locals and tourists, hosting markets, fairs, and cultural events. From its side, you can admire the Rocca Malatestiana, which overlooks the city, creating a charming backdrop.
- Piazza Amendola
Piazza Amendola is one of the smallest in the historic center, but it has an intimate and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and stop for a coffee at the bars that face the square. Here, you can find ancient buildings, some dating back to the medieval period, and the square is often used for local events, such as concerts or small outdoor art exhibitions. It’s the perfect spot to stop for an aperitif or a piadina; on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, it hosts a very authentic part of the city market.
- The Three Squares (Piazza Almerici, Piazza Fabbri, and Piazza Bufalini)
These three squares, known as “The Three Squares,” are located close to each other and constitute one of the major points of interest in Cesena. This area has been recently renovated to further highlight the wonderful Biblioteca Malatestiana that overlooks it.
- Piazza della Libertà
After a recent renovation, Piazza della Libertà has returned to being one of the liveliest spaces in the historic center. It is a spacious and open square, ideal for strolling, and it hosts public events such as concerts and demonstrations. Also interesting is the urban dock area: a wooden structure perfect for letting children play.
FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Cesena with kids?
My favorite places are the Biblioteca Malatestiana, perfect for a day of discovery and study, and the Rocca Malatestiana, ideal for a historical stroll.
What original activities can I do in Cesena with kids?
Besides the classic historical visits, you can take the kids to discover Villa Silvia and the Abbey of Monte, two lesser-known places that offer an authentic and peaceful experience.
Where can I eat in Cesena when traveling with family?
I always recommend stopping at a piadina kiosk to enjoy the most authentic food of Romagna. It’s a quick and tasty option that everyone, both adults and kids, will love!
Before I say goodbye, let me share the link to our travel diary for kids in Cesena. If you’ve been following us for a while, you surely know that in recent years we’ve dedicated ourselves to MiniLonely, our third child! It’s a series of travel diaries for children featuring various destinations, and Cesena is obviously part of it.
If you’re planning your trip to this wonderful country, you can’t miss:
And of course, you shouldn’t forget to read all our articles about Emilia Romagna available on the blog to plan your next trip independently and thoroughly.
Digitally Yours
☀️ Sara ☀️
