Between Bologna and Ferrara, nestled in the heart of the Emilian plain, you’ll find Cento, a charming town that captures all the essence of Emilia in miniature. With its elegant porticoes, lively squares, and rich artistic heritage, Cento is known as the Little Bologna, yet it possesses an authentic and surprising soul of its own. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend dedicated to culture, good food, and slow discoveries — between Baroque art, historic workshops, and rural landscapes that invite you to take your time.
Under the Porticoes and Among the Frescoes: What to See in Cento
The beating heart of the town is Piazza del Guercino, surrounded by arcaded buildings and dominated by the majestic Rocca, a 15th-century fortress that recalls Cento’s ancient defensive role. It’s here that you can feel the rhythm of local life, among markets, cafés, and chatter under the porticoes. Just a few steps away stands the Palazzo del Governatore, with its civic tower and large clock marking the hours of the town.
Cento is also the hometown of Guercino, one of the great masters of Italian Baroque painting. Inside the G.B. Guercino Civic Art Gallery, visitors can admire many of his most celebrated works alongside masterpieces by other Emilian artists. A dedicated itinerary leads through the places that preserve his memory: the Church of San Rocco, the Collegiate Church of San Biagio with its stunning frescoes, and the Monument to Guercino, a symbol of the artist’s deep bond with his native land.
Strolling through the historic center, you’ll discover glimpses that evoke Bologna itself — long porticoes, red-brick façades, and quiet squares where time seems to stand still. And if you visit at the right time of year, you can experience one of Emilia’s most colorful festivals: the Cento Carnival, twinned with the world-famous one in Rio de Janeiro, which every year fills the city with parades, music, and contagious joy.
Authentic Flavors of Emilia
As in every corner of this region, food in Cento is an essential part of the experience. The trattorias and osterias of the historic center offer dishes that tell the story of local traditions and the generosity of Emilian cuisine. Don’t miss the pumpkin cappellacci from Ferrara, served with butter and sage, or the tortellini in broth, perfect for colder days.
You’ll also find specialties like Bologna mortadella, coppa di testa, and cotechino with mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with a glass of Lambrusco, the sparkling red wine that symbolizes Emilia, or a Fortana del Bosco Eliceo, typical of nearby Ferrara.
Local artisan shops and farmers’ markets invite you to take home a taste of these traditions — aged cheeses, cured meats, honey, and handmade fresh pasta. Visiting Cento also means discovering a living food culture, kept alive by ancient gestures passed down through generations.
Around Cento: Nature, Villages, and Traditions
Just a few kilometers from the town, the Bosco della Panfilia preserves one of the last remaining stretches of ancient forest in the Po Valley. With about three centuries of history and covering over 80 hectares, this green lung is a peaceful and wild place where nature still follows its original rhythm. Here, trees sink their roots into the floodplain of the Reno River, an area periodically submerged during floods, creating a fertile ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The forest is crisscrossed by wide, flat trails, ideal for slow walks, family outings, or moments of quiet immersion in nature.
Not far away lies Pieve di Cento, a small village that preserves the urban layout of an ancient Roman castrum, later enriched by a 9th-century church and a medieval town. Among its artistic treasures are the Collegiate Church and the Oratory of the Holy Trinity, both considered among the province’s finest art gems. The MAGI ‘900 Museum, set in a 1933 grain silo, hosts an impressive collection of 20th-century Italian art, contemporary works, and a section dedicated to the Belle Époque.
Cento is also the perfect starting point to explore Ferrara and Bologna, both less than an hour away — ideal for continuing your journey through Renaissance masterpieces, local flavors, and the welcoming spirit of Emilia.
Where to Stay in Cento: A Sustainable Farmhouse Amid Nature and Tradition
For a sustainable and authentic stay, the perfect place to rest after a day exploring is Agriturismo Biologico La Lepre Bianca. Immersed in the Ferrara countryside, this eco-friendly farmhouse blends comfort and tradition, offering warm hospitality in harmony with the environment. The rooms and suites, spread across two lovingly restored rural buildings, feature exposed wooden beams, antique furniture, and elegant design details.
Surrounded by meadows and fruit trees, the property uses renewable energy, natural materials, and organic products grown on-site. Guests can relax in the natural swimming pool, stroll through the vineyards, or enjoy dishes at the organic restaurant, prepared with zero-kilometer ingredients. It’s the perfect base to explore Cento and its surroundings while experiencing the tranquility of the Emilian countryside and the joy of slow, mindful travel.
