Half Day in Faenza

Visit the center of Faenza in half a day (about 3 hours) on foot or by bike. If you have little time, this is the itinerary that I recommend, but you will miss a lot!

01 June 2018

Do you have only an afternoon to visit Faenza?
After checking in, follow this itinerary to visit the best of the city on foot or by bike - because all the main points of interest are very close to our R&B.

Faenza is a gem for art, culture, history, food and wine and it deserves more than a visit of few hours, but we are confident that you will fall in love with it and come back to visit us!

So we start in the early afternoon by Bartè - in the center.

1st Stop | Palazzo Milzetti - National Museum of Neoclassical Age in Romagna

Palazzo Milzetti is a true architectural masterpiece, the most precious and elegant example of the Neoclassical Palace of Faenza (which is full of them). It is one of my favorite places, for the magic and charm that fill the frescoed rooms.

The audio guide is essential for this visit and it is included in the ticket price (therefore free!) and tells you with simplicity and clarity the history of the building, renovated at the end of the 18th century by Count Milzetti, and of the artworks inside it.

I must mention the oval antechamber of Felice Giani and the octagonal salon - the most beautiful rooms, in my opinion.

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday and Holidays 8.30 18.30
Sunday: 12.30 18.30
Last admission: 18.00

Entrance Ticket
Full price: € 4.00 (full price)
Reduced: € 2.00 (reduced - reduced)
Under 18 and the first Sunday of each month: Free

Website: palazzomilzetti.jimdo.com

2nd Stop | Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Nenni

Go back to the city center and stop in Piazza del Popolo and Piazza della Libertà, the two main squares of the city, the starting point of four courses, the old Roman cardo and decumano of the city fo Faventia. On Piazza del Popolo, which was the seat of Manfredi's civil power, you will find Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo Municipale.

Passing through a small portico, which houses the tourist information office and an art gallery, you will enter Piazza Nenni (formerly Molinella), home of Masini Theater. The building is another jewel of Faenza and it is a a beautiful Italian theater, designed in the 18th century by the architect Pistocchi (author of the Palazzo Milzetti drawings). Unfortunately, the theater is open only occasionally to guided tours or during scheduled shows.

Programme: www.accademiaperduta.it

3rd Stop | Piazza della Libertà and Cathedral of Faenza

The 15th century Cathedral stands on Piazza della Libertà, it is an expression of Renaissance architecture in Romagna and it is designed by Giuliano da Maiano. The facade, with reddish bricks, has remained unfinished. Enter and lose yourself among the various, sumptuous side niches, in total contrast with the sobriety of the central part.
Stop in the main square to admire its grandeur during the sunset: the reddish light gives the center of Faenza its moment of maximum beauty.

4th Stop | Aperitivo and dinner in the city centre

After a full immersion in the Faenza's art and architectural beauties, it is time to enjoy some well-deserved rest! And...What's better than a drink on our beautiful square and a dinner with Romagna specialties and traditional recipes at their best expression?

My tips:

If you want to stay in the main square, you will find Enoteca Astorre in front of our beautiful Cathedral, in an elegant building of the late 18th century. His name pays tribute to the decoration of the Astorre, applied on the artistic ceramics of Faenza and coat of arms of Astorre II Manfredi, Lord of Faenza from 1448 to 1468.
Website: www.enotecaastorre.it

If you want to take a short walk, I would choose La Baita, an historic restaurant of Faenza and a great culinary excellence in the name of the goodness of tradition.
Website: www.labaitaosteria.it

Is there something of this itinerary that either you do not care about or you have already visited? Ask me for advice!