at the Badia Museum

The abbey of Santa Maria Assunta di Rio Cesare is located in Susinana, a hamlet of the municipality of Palazzuolo sul Senio. It was originally a monastic complex of the Cluniac Order; in the second half of the 11th century it became subject to the Vallombrosan rules. The first papal bull that mentions it, dated 1090, already refers to it as a convent of the community founded by San Giovanni Gualberto[1]. In 1302 Maghinardo Pagani[2], former captain of the people and podestà of Faenza and Imola and captain of the people of Forlì, wrote in his will that he wanted to be buried in Vallombrosan habit in the church of the monastery itself. For this purpose he left a substantial donation[1]. In 1808 the convent was suppressed by the French. With the Restoration it was repopulated by the Dominican nuns of the SS. Annunziata of Marradi. The nuns kept it until 1866 when the convent was definitively suppressed by the laws on the suppression of ecclesiastical property[1].

How to reach us By car From Bologna: Exit the A14 motorway at Imola, turn left towards Rimini. After leaving the city of Imola, after 7 km in Castelbolognese turn right for Riolo Terme. Continue to Casola Valsenio. After the town, after 10 km, you reach the hamlet of Misileo on the regional border (Emilia-Romagna/Tuscany). After 2 km turn left and after 200 mt. you reach reception. From Florence: Exit the A1 motorway at Barberino del Mugello, take the direction of Borgo San Lorenzo. In the centre of the town turn left towards Faenza. Go up towards Passo della Colla and continue for Palazzuolo sul Senio (Passo della Sambuca). Once in town, continue towards Casola Valsenio for 5 km and you will find the Badia di Susinana sign on the right. Reception is 200 mt away. Train stations Castelbolognese – 30 km (recommended for a day trip to Bologna and Ravenna) Marradi – 25 km (recommended for a day trip to Florence) Airports Bologna – 80 km Forlì – 50 km Florence – 70 km