You have only 24 hours to visit Faenza?
Follow this itinerary to visit the best of the city on foot or by bike: all the main points of interest are very close to our R&B.
In one day you will be able to see most of the main attractions of Faenza, but you will neither see the hidden treasures of the city, nor the surroundings, the charming countryside and their richness of food and wine.
I thought about 24h of full immersion in the art, culture and history that the city has lived from the Roman Faventia to today. Let's start, then, in the morning - immediately after having made a large breakfast at Bartè R&B.
The International Museum of Ceramics of Faenza was founded in 1908 and it is the flagship of Faenza's cultural heritage. In 2011 it has been recognized by UNESCO, it is one of the most important museums in the world in its category and presents two enormous collections: one of ancient ceramics and one of modern ones, including works from Faenza, from the other Italian regions and from many countries.
In my opinion, the most interesting sections are the one dedicated to our city and the final part of the museum, which contains works of modern ceramics made by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Cocteau, Lèger and many others.
To be visited, it requires at least 1h30: it will be difficult to dwell on the details because there are so many things to see! Let yourself be guided by the map that the staff will give you at the entrance, and do not rush!
Opening Hours
WINTER SCHEDULE: 1 November - 31 March
Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 4pm
Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10: 00-17: 30
SUMMER HOURS: 1 April - 31 October
Tuesday to Sunday and holidays 10: 00-19: 00
Entrance ticket:
www.micfaenza.org/it/info/orari-tariffe-biglietti.php
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
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.
Stay in the city centre for lunch: right in front of our beautiful Cathedral, you will find Enoteca Astorre in an elegant palace 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.
Before or after lunch, lose yourself in the streets around the square ... and maybe head to a ceramics atelier to see this art, of which Faenza is the European capital, with different eyes.
Vittoria Monti, who has created our beautiful sign, will be happy to welcome you to visit her atelier!
Useful links:
Enoteca Astorre: www.enotecaastorre.it/pranzo
Ceramica Vittoria Monti: www.ceramicavittoriamonti.it
The Municipal Art Gallery of Faenza is the oldest museum in the city, dating back to 1797. It collects beautiful paintings of the Faenza and Romagna school, but also important works by Giovanni da Rimini, Scaletti, M. Palmezzano, Innocenzo da Imola and others.
Inside the gallery, you will find the collection of about 40 valuable contemporary paintings that my uncle donated after his death. Among them, there are works by De Chirico and Savinio, which you cannot miss!
It is not easy to visit the Art Gallery: the opening hours are very restricted and during the week it is necessary to make a phone call to be opened.
For this reason, if you are going to visit it, please let me know! I can take care of booking the visit.
Opening Hours
The Art Gallery is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays:
from October to May from 10 am to 6 pm
from June to September from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 to 7 pm
The Art Gallery can also be visited from Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm by calling the number 0546 680251.
Entrance Ticket
Full price: €3,00 - the audioguide is free
Under 16 years and the first weekend of each month: Free
Website: pinacotecafaenza.racine.ra.it/
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
Are you tired of touring museums and it's a beautiful day outside? If you are traveling with your children, this stop is a must. The Bucci Park is the main one of Faenza, a green oasis just outside the city center, which extends for 8 hectares.
The fauna of the park includes various anatidae, peacocks, guinea pigs, rabbits, while among the plants there prevails the arboreal vegetation (about 1000 specimens).
In Faenza, this park has accompanied everyone's childhood: it is a "family-friendly" green area. Take some birdseed in the kiosk at the entrance and feed the anatrines with your children!
Move in our beautiful countryside (15 min drive) of Oriolo dei Fichi for a dinner at Locanda della Fortuna, a little gem with a beautiful view of the hills, where you can taste the food excellences of our territory and our traditions, drinking the amazing wine of Leone Conti.
Being in great demand, if you want to dine at the Locanda della Fortuna I strongly recommend you to book, or to warn me in advance, so that I can book in your name.
Ps. Leone Conti is available for guided tours to his winery and cellar (also in Oriolo dei Fichi), one of the best expressions of Faenza area and famous above all for its excellent white wines. My favorite? Definitely "La mia Albana: Progetto 2"!
Useful links:
Locanda della fortuna: www.locandafortuna.it/pranzo-cena
Leone Conti: www.leoneconti.it
Is there something of this itinerary that either you do not care about or you already visited? Ask me for advice!
