PREDAPPIO CALLS TO MIND

Predappio calls to mind two famous statesmen. Firstly Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator who ruled Italy from 1922 to the end of World War II and Adone Zoli, a catholic anti - fascist, who played a very important political role during the early days of the Italian Republic and also held office as Prime Minister in the 1950s.

The historical heritage of Predappio, however, is not only founded on these two political figures, the high cultural value of its architecture further enriches this quaint market town. It was Mussolini himself who decided to transform the village of Dovia, where he was born in 1883 into the most important town in the valley. This propaganda act was intended to underline the rise of the Duce from poor farming origins to dictator and Italians were encouraged to make pilgrimages there during his time in power.

Predappio was built between 1920 and 1940 and is living evidence of the Rationalist Period with its particular features through the work of noted architects and townplanners of the time including Di Fausto, Bazzani, Valle, Fuzzi and Giovannoni.

For these reasons Predappio can be considered a 'satellite' of living history. From an historical point of view, the meaning of dictatorship and freedom may be studied; as regards art, the more significant features of Italian Rationalist architecture can be seen.

A STROLL THROUGH HISTORY

San Cassiano Cemetery is the first stop on a tour of Predappio. The family mausolea of both the Mussolini family and the Zoli family are to be found here. Visit the Romanic church of San Cassiano in Pennino next. It is beside the cemetery and well worth a look. The original Baptismal Font where Benito Mussolini was christened can be seen there.

Go back towards Predappio now and you'll come to a semi-circular 'amphitheatre' on your left. It is now known as Piazza Garibaldi and is considered the centre of Predappio. Predappio's Tourist Information Office can be found there.

Above the amphitheatre you can see the birthplace and childhood home of Benito Mussolini. Go through the gates and take the path up through the park/picnic area to the house which has recently been restored and turned into a Documentary Centre.

The Tourist Office can provide you with information on visits to the Rocca delle Camminate, the Mussolini summer residence which rises above Predappio on the opposite hill, overlooking the Forlì plain. It's four kilometers uphill on the road to Meldola and its tower can easily be seen from all over Predappio. The grounds can be visited.

Santa Rosa Convent contains the "Madonna del Libro" ( Our Lady of the Book), a 15th Century canvas from the Tuscan school, and the "Madonna del Fascio" Our Lady of the Fasces". The latter is a large ceramic mosaic in azuleos style created by the Portuguese artist Da Silva in the 1920s. It depicts a religious scene surrounded by lictors and monarchic symbols.

Turn right from Piazza Garibaldi and walk along the main street of Predappio which is flanked by interesting buildings from an architectural point of view: Palazzo del Credito, Palazzo Caproni, Case Popolari, la Scuola Elementare, Palazzo delle Assicurazioni, the Theatre and the Post Office.You reach Piazza S. Antonio, the centre of Predappio, and if you stand on the Scalea Esperanto ( the steps leading to Palazzo Varano, the town hall) you have a perfect view of the fascist ideas of architecture.

From left to right, with your back to the town hall you can see the Casa del Fascio ( the political centre), the Carabiniere barracks ( military centre) the Health Building ( social centre) and the Basilica of S. Antonio, ( the religious centre) and behind you the town hall ( the administrative centre) in its park.

THE MEDIAEVAL SITE

Predappio Alta, 2 kms above Predappio is a typical example of a mediaeval hill town with its fortified castle, its picturesque alleyways and its central square. The citadel which will soon be open to tourists as an exhibition centre, stands above the town and its wine museum where implements used until modern times in the traditional production of wine are on view. At Christmas the ex-sulphur mines are turned into a nativity crib and it is the influence sulphur has on the soil of the vineyards which give the local red wine, Sangiovese its particular flavour.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU'?

Each Italian region has its own particular dishes and Romagna , being well- known for its hospitality and fine home - cooking, is no exception. If you want a snack, try freshlycooked piadina ( a type of unleavened bread) with Parma ham, salami, or cheese, or crescioni ( cresent-shaped filled piadina) with tomato and mozzarella cheese, or potato and turnip filling, among others, accompanied by a glass of sangiovese, of course. If you have a little more time on your hands, the filled pasta ( capelletti or tortelli) or simple home - made tagliatelle or strozzapreti ( literally 'priest-stranglers', after all, Romagna is notoriously left-wing) with delicious sauces made from locally - picked wild porcini mushrooms, or truffles and followed by mixed grilled meat with potatoes and salad. Sit down and enjoy absorbing the atmosphere of the 'cantina', with its traditions and character, to the sound of Romagnolo dialect as the old men play cards and sip wine, their work done for the day, Buon Appetito……Enjoy.