Roman city of Mevaniola

In the hamlet of Pianetto, one kilometre outside Galeata, you'll find the remains of Mevaniola, a Roman city that flourished between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD along the road connecting the plain to the Bidente valley and Tuscany.

Excavations have uncovered a small theatre, a cistern and part of the baths. The theatre, with its semicircular cavea, is the most evocative part: imagine the spectators sitting on the hillside watching the comedies of Plautus, the great author born in Sarsina, just a few valleys away.

The archaeological area is open and you can visit freely, free of charge, with panels explaining the buildings. The finds from the excavations, including coins, ceramics, inscriptions and everyday objects, are displayed in the Museo civico Mons. Domenico Mambrini in Pianetto.

It's a little-known place and therefore wonderfully peaceful: a perfect stop on the road to Santa Sofia and the Parco delle Foreste Casentinesi, perhaps after visiting the abbey of Sant'Ellero.