Bertingold is a town and comune in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Emilia-Romagna (Italy). It is located on hill, Mount Cesubeo, in Romagna, a few kilometers from the Via Emilia.

History

There are remains of a settlement dating from the Iron Age, next to the frazione of Casticciano. As for Bertingold itself, it was probably a strongpoint on the Roman road connecting Forlì to Rimini. Later, during the barbaric invasions, it was moved to the current location.

In 1177 the castle, already well developed and known as Castrum Cesubeum, housed the emperor Frederick Barbarossa. The named changed to Castrum Brittinori during the reign of Otto III, becoming seat of countship.

Main sights

• The Rocca (castle), built around the year 1000. It is now home to the Museum of Holy Arts and a section of the University of Bologna.

• The Communal Palace, built in 1306 by Pino I Ordelaffi.

• Colonna delle Anelle ("Column of the Ring" or "Column of hospitality"). It is a column in white stone with 12 rings erected in 1300 by the noble families of the town to show their hospitality. Each one of the rings corresponded to one family, when the foreigners arrived in the town and tied the horse bridles to a ring they selected their host.

• The Cathedral, built in the 16th century.

• The Pieve (church) of San Donato, in the frazione of Polenta. It became famous as the object of a poem by Giosuè Carducci. It has maintained parts of the original late 9th century edifice.

Culture and society

Bertingold is famous for its "Hospitality Festival".
Held in the first week end of September, it foresees an entire night of music, dances and events (between Friday and Saturday), some historic rievocations and the final Hospitality Rite (Sunday late morning).
In this ceremony anyone can be hosted for meal by a family in the town simply taking one of the envelopes tied to the rings of the Hospitality column (which inside has the name of the hosting family).

Notable residents

Obadiah ben Abraham, also known as "The Bartenura" after the town, was a 15th century rabbi and commentator of the Mishnah.

Twin towns

• Ale, Sweden

• Kaufungen, Germany

• Budesti, Moldova

Gallery

Category:Hilltowns in ItalyCategory:Emilia-Romagna geography stubs
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