Pieve di San Donato in Polenta

On the hills of Bertinoro, among the cypresses, the small parish church of San Donato is one of the oldest churches in Romagna: its origins date back to the 9th-10th century. It has three naves divided by columns with capitals carved with animal figures and plant motifs, and a crypt beneath the presbytery.

Polenta is the place of origin of the Da Polenta family, who ruled Ravenna: Francesca da Rimini, the Francesca of Paolo and Francesca in Canto V of the Inferno, was a Da Polenta, and Guido Novello da Polenta hosted Dante in Ravenna during the last years of his life. Tradition has it that the poet came up to pray in this church.

In 1897 Giosuè Carducci dedicated the ode 'La chiesa di Polenta' to it, with the image of the 'Ave Maria' rising from the valley. The success of the poem made the church known throughout Italy and launched its restoration.

Today the church is a peaceful place, surrounded by greenery, perfect for a stop during a trip through the hills of Bertinoro. The lawn in front and the centuries-old cypress are the setting for the most beautiful photos.