What to see in Cervia: a journey through history, sea and salt culture

Cervia is a city that manages to hold together, with natural elegance, the green of the pine forests, the blue of the sea and the memory of its ancient history: surrounded by over 300 hectares of pine forest and a salt pan extending over more than 800, it presents itself as a true naturalistic oasis overlooking the Adriatic.

But that's not all: the nine kilometres of golden beaches , the excellent services and the Romagna hospitality make it one of the most popular destinations on the Riviera, awarded every year with the Blue Flag, a lively, welcoming town that preserves the soul of a fishing and salt-worker village intact.

What to see in Cervia

Over time, a tourist resort full of energy has developed around the ancient fishing village, which has managed to grow without forgetting its roots. Walking through the streets of the center means immersing yourself in an authentic atmosphere, rich in traditions, historic architecture and details that speak of a time gone by but still alive.

Let's discover together the most fascinating places to visit.

Piazza Garibaldi, the historic heart of the city

In the center of Cervia opens the elegant Piazza Garibaldi , the beating heart of the town, where the most important events take place. On one side stands the Palazzo Comunale , while on the other stands the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , built in the eighteenth century, which houses precious works of art, including the painting of the Madonna della Neve, which has come down to us from the old city.

The square is enclosed in the so-called Quadrilatero , a system of rectangular walls that once marked the perimeter of the ancient fortified city, where the salt workers lived. Walking through these spaces, suggestive views open up on historic buildings such as the Teatro Comunale , built in the nineteenth century and still today a place of culture and entertainment.

Piazzetta Pisacane and the Stone of Measures

Not far away you come across Piazzetta Pisacane , also known as Piazzetta delle Erbe, an intimate and lively corner that today hosts wine shops, outdoor venues and a kiosk where you can taste the typical products of Romagna and which overlooks the ancient houses of the salt workers.

But there is one element that says more than a thousand words and that is the Pietra delle Misure . It is an ancient reference matrix for commercial measurements, with engravings that show local units such as the pace and the quadrè. It was used not only by the people of Cervia, but also by those who came from outside, as evidence of a lively and open economy.

Torre San Michele and the Salt Museum

Overlooking the shore of the canal port, the Torre San Michele recalls a time when the sea was both a resource and a threat. Built in 1691 to defend the Magazzini del Sale from pirate raids, it had the task of sighting and protecting. It was later also used as a lighthouse and today it houses the Tourist Information Office.

Next to the tower, the old salt warehouse, transformed into the MUSA – Salt Museum , houses a rich collection of documents, objects, photographs and tools linked to the history of the salt pans.

The Fountain of the Hanging Carpet, poetry of water and mosaic

In Piazzale dei Salinari, where the memory of the salt tradition becomes tangible, an installation stands out that represents a work of art and a tribute to history: the Fontana del Tappeto Sospeso , designed by Tonino Guerra. On a small body of water, a colored mosaic floats carrying tufts of reeds and piles of salt, while thin jets of water generate a vaporous, almost unreal effect.

It is an image suspended between earth and sky, which pays homage to the hard work and beauty of salt work and restores meaning and poetry to a profession that has profoundly influenced the culture of Cervia.

Borgo Marina, the authentic soul of the port

A few steps from the center, along the canal, lies Borgo Marina , a neighborhood that has preserved the atmosphere of times gone by. The low houses, in soft colors, now house seafood restaurants, aperitif bars, artisanal ice cream shops and small shops. But despite the modern touch, the soul has remained that of a fishing village .

In the morning, it is not uncommon to see boats returning after a night at sea, with fishermen selling their catch directly on the docks. It is one of the most authentic views of Cervia, where tradition and everyday life coexist.

What to do in Cervia

In addition to the historical sites and the charm of the salt pans, Cervia also surprises with the experiences to be had. Here, free time is colored by nature, centuries-old traditions, relaxing or dynamic activities, always with a strong link with the identity of the territory.

Participate in the Wedding of the Sea

There is a ceremony that every year renews a deep and symbolic bond between the city and its sea. It is the Marriage of the Sea , a tradition that has its roots in the distant 1445, when the bishop Pietro Barbo (the future Pope Paul II) returning from Venice was caught in a storm. It is said that, to calm the waves, he threw his ring into the waves. The gesture was considered a vow and, since then, every year on Ascension Day, it is repeated.

Today, as then, the Archbishop of Ravenna-Cervia goes out to sea aboard a fishing boat and throws a gold ring into the Adriatic waters, a symbol of the union between the city and its most vital element. Before the rite, a historical procession in Renaissance dress passes through the streets of the center, starting from Piazza Garibaldi among ladies, podestà, standard-bearers and figures who accompany the wedding ring towards its destiny. And while the colored sails of the historic boats parade offshore, Cervia rediscovers itself as romantic, solemn and proud of its memory.

Visit the Butterfly House

In the heart of the Cervia pine forest, where the shade of the trees mixes with the scent of resin and saltiness, a small tropical paradise opens up. It is the Butterfly House , an enchanted place where hundreds of colorful butterflies fly freely inside a large greenhouse, in a magical and light atmosphere.

At every step you are surrounded by wings dancing in the air, among tropical flowers, exotic plants and plays of light. The external botanical path and the pavilion dedicated to rare and curious insects (such as giant beetles and leaf mantises) make the visit not only suggestive but also educational, for adults and children.

Enjoy the sea

With nine kilometers of golden coastline, fine sand and impeccable organization, the city is a model of seaside hospitality. There are over 185 equipped establishments that, for years, have guaranteed quality services, safety and inclusiveness, awarded with the Blue Flag since 1998.

There is no shortage of activities: from water sports (such as windsurfing, canoeing, SUP) to those on the beach, up to more relaxing experiences such as yoga lessons at sunset, readings by the sea or aperitifs with your feet in the sand. Whether you are looking for adrenaline or tranquility, here you will find your corner of happiness overlooking the Adriatic.

How to reach Cervia

Getting to Cervia is simple, whatever means of transport you choose.

By car, those arriving from Rome via the E45 can exit at Cesena/Secante or Casemurate, and then reach Cervia in about twenty minutes. For those travelling by motorway, the recommended exit is Cesena (not Cesena Nord), which allows you to reach the city in a quarter of an hour. Alternatively, those arriving from Bologna can exit at Ravenna and continue along the 16 Adriatica state road, a pleasant route that follows the rhythm of the coast.

Those who choose to fly have the airports of Bologna and Rimini at their disposal. From the Guglielmo Marconi airport in Bologna, the Shuttle Italy Airport departs, active all year round, which connects the Riviera Romagnola with numerous daily trips.

The train is also an excellent option: the Cervia – Milano Marittima station, on the Ravenna–Rimini line, is right in the city centre and allows you to easily reach all the main locations.