Faenza
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Latest page update: 26 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Faenza
Faenza has a good selection of established hotels, with several long-running properties in and around the historic centre. The strongest options tend to offer convenient access to the main streets and museums, combined with reliable service standards and comfortable facilities.
Hotel Vittoria is the standout choice, housed in a historic 19th-century building in the centre of Faenza, with elegant interiors, on-site dining and consistently positive feedback for both service and atmosphere (€€€). Cavallino Hotel is another well-reviewed option, located not far from the railway station and appreciated for its spacious rooms, helpful staff and practical facilities for longer stays (€€). For those seeking modern comforts with easy access to the town, B&B Hotel Faenza offers contemporary rooms and convenient parking, performing well for cleanliness, value and overall guest satisfaction (€€).
Hotel Vittoria is the standout choice, housed in a historic 19th-century building in the centre of Faenza, with elegant interiors, on-site dining and consistently positive feedback for both service and atmosphere (€€€). Cavallino Hotel is another well-reviewed option, located not far from the railway station and appreciated for its spacious rooms, helpful staff and practical facilities for longer stays (€€). For those seeking modern comforts with easy access to the town, B&B Hotel Faenza offers contemporary rooms and convenient parking, performing well for cleanliness, value and overall guest satisfaction (€€).
Where is
Where is Faenza?
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The city of Faenza is located within the Province of Ravenna and has a population of 58,755 inhabitants. Standing at an elevation of 44 metres above sea level, it lies 55 kilometres south east of Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna.
Among the attractions of Faenza are its Ceramics Museum (Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche) and Piazza del Popolo. |
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Comune di Faenza
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Province: Ravenna
Region: Emilia Romagna Population: 58,844 (in 2024 - source) Size: 216 km² Elevation: 34 metres Highlights: Ceramics Museum, Piazza del Popolo, Cathedral Close by: Brisighella, Imola, Forlì, Ravenna, Cesena, Cervia |
What People Ask About Faenza
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Discover
Discover Faenza
Faenza is a city in the province of Ravenna, set along the Lamone Valley at the edge of the Apennines. Known since Roman times, it became especially important during the Renaissance, when it flourished under the rule of the Manfredi family. Its historic centre is characterised by wide piazzas, porticoed streets, and elegant palaces.
The city is world-renowned for majolica ceramics, which take their name from Faenza itself and are displayed in the International Museum of Ceramics. Key landmarks include Piazza del Popolo with the Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Manfredi, the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, and Piazza della Libertà with its fountains. Road and rail links connect Faenza with Bologna, Ravenna, and Florence, placing it at a crossroads between Emilia and Tuscany.
The city is world-renowned for majolica ceramics, which take their name from Faenza itself and are displayed in the International Museum of Ceramics. Key landmarks include Piazza del Popolo with the Palazzo del Podestà and Palazzo Manfredi, the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, and Piazza della Libertà with its fountains. Road and rail links connect Faenza with Bologna, Ravenna, and Florence, placing it at a crossroads between Emilia and Tuscany.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Faenza
- Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche: One of the most important ceramics museums in the world, this institution showcases faience from across centuries and continents. The collection includes Italian Renaissance majolica, contemporary ceramic art, and exhibits from Asia, the Americas, and the Islamic world, underlining Faenza’s global reputation for ceramic craftsmanship.
- Piazza del Popolo and Piazza della Libertà: These two adjoining squares form the heart of the historic centre, framed by arcaded buildings and elegant civic structures. Highlights include the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, built in Renaissance style, and the Torrione dell’Orologio, a 17th-century clock tower.
- Palazzo Milzetti: A masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture, this noble residence is richly decorated with frescoes and stucco work. Now a museum, it offers insight into aristocratic life during the Napoleonic era and reflects the artistic refinement of Faenza’s 18th- and 19th-century elite.
- Ceramics Workshops and Artisan Studios: Scattered throughout the town are numerous artisan studios where visitors can watch ceramics being made and purchase hand-decorated pieces. Many workshops follow traditional techniques, maintaining the link between contemporary practice and centuries-old design.
- Day Trip to Brisighella: Just 20 minutes away, Brisighella is a medieval hill village known for its fortress, ancient footpaths, and scenic position within the Vena del Gesso Romagnola park. It complements Faenza’s urban elegance with nature, walking trails, and rural charm.
Tours and Activities
Faenza Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Faenza
- Ristorante Manueli: Located in a quiet street near the historic centre, Manueli offers refined cuisine combining traditional Romagna flavours with creative presentation. Dishes include handmade pasta, local meats, and seasonal vegetables, served in an elegant, contemporary dining room. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria della Sghisa: Situated close to the main square, this lively osteria serves traditional dishes such as strozzapreti with ragù, grilled pork, and piadina with cured meats. The informal, rustic setting and regular live music make it a popular choice for a relaxed evening. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Da Mario: A long-standing local favourite, Da Mario is known for its home-style cooking and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Expect generous servings of pasta, seasonal side dishes, and simple desserts, with a strong focus on Romagna's culinary traditions. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Cavallino: Found slightly outside the town centre, Cavallino offers a well-balanced menu of seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant features a stylish interior and a covered outdoor seating area, ideal for leisurely meals. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Casa Spadoni: A casual venue within a restored industrial building, Casa Spadoni serves a wide selection of wood-fired pizzas alongside craft beers and local wines. It’s a convenient and affordable spot with a modern, family-friendly atmosphere. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Photo Gallery
Faenza Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Faenza
- Ravenna (approx. 30 km east of Faenza): A UNESCO World Heritage city, Ravenna is renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, particularly in the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The city is a hub of art and history, with beautiful churches, vibrant cultural attractions, and charming streets that are perfect for leisurely exploration.
- Bologna (approx. 60 km northwest of Faenza): Famous for its medieval architecture and vibrant food scene, Bologna offers landmarks such as the Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica di San Petronio. The city is also renowned for its cuisine, with tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese sauce) being one of the most iconic dishes.
- Imola (approx. 40 km south of Faenza): Known for the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a motorsport race track that hosts events like Formula 1, Imola also features the Rocca Sforzesca, a Renaissance castle. The town’s historic centre, with its quaint streets and local shops, offers a pleasant atmosphere for visitors.
- Marradi (approx. 35 km southwest of Faenza): A small town nestled in the Apennine mountains, Marradi offers scenic beauty and historical charm. Visitors can explore the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the charming streets that surround the town. The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking, offering lush greenery and panoramic views.
- Dozza (approx. 20 km southwest of Faenza): Known for its beautiful murals that decorate the streets, Dozza is a picturesque hilltop town with a rich medieval heritage. The town is also home to the Rocca di Dozza, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. Dozza is famous for its wine, and local wineries offer tours and tastings of its renowned wines.
Emilia-Romagna Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
1. Bologna
2. Ravenna
3. Ferrara
4. Cesena
5. Parma
6. Cesenatico
7. Modena
8. Rimini
9. Brisighella
10. Comacchio
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Emilia-Romagna
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Faenza
By Rail: Faenza has its own train station on the Bologna–Ancona railway line, with additional services to Florence via the scenic Faentina line. Trenitalia regional and intercity trains run frequently to Bologna, Ravenna, Rimini, and Florence. The journey takes around 30 minutes to Bologna, 40 minutes to Ravenna, and 1 hour and 45 minutes to Florence. The station is located near the town centre and is easily accessible on foot.
By Road: Faenza is located in the province of Ravenna, along the Via Emilia in central Emilia-Romagna. It lies approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Bologna and 35 kilometres west of Ravenna. The drive from Bologna takes around 50 minutes via the A14 motorway, while the journey from Ravenna takes about 40 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, including areas near the railway station and the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Faenza is located in the province of Ravenna, along the Via Emilia in central Emilia-Romagna. It lies approximately 50 kilometres south-east of Bologna and 35 kilometres west of Ravenna. The drive from Bologna takes around 50 minutes via the A14 motorway, while the journey from Ravenna takes about 40 minutes. Public parking is available throughout the town, including areas near the railway station and the historic centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi): Located about 60 kilometres north-west of Faenza, the drive takes around 1 hour. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale to Faenza run frequently throughout the day.
- Rimini Airport (Aeroporto di Rimini Federico Fellini): Situated approximately 80 kilometres south-east of Faenza, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Train travel is also possible with a change in Rimini.
- Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola): Roughly 120 kilometres south-west of Faenza, the drive takes around 2 hours. Faenza is accessible from Florence by train via the Faentina line, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Private Transfers
Faenza Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Faenza, providing a direct journey without the need to rely on train connections or drive the busy regional roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable service.
From Faenza, the nearest hub is Ravenna, which can be reached in about 30 minutes, a distance of 35 km. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 50 minutes away at 65 km, while Florence Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 95 km. A transfer to Rimini usually takes 1 hour with a journey of 70 km. For those travelling further afield, Milan Linate Airport is about 2 hours 30 minutes away, a distance of 240 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Faenza, the nearest hub is Ravenna, which can be reached in about 30 minutes, a distance of 35 km. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is around 50 minutes away at 65 km, while Florence Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes, covering 95 km. A transfer to Rimini usually takes 1 hour with a journey of 70 km. For those travelling further afield, Milan Linate Airport is about 2 hours 30 minutes away, a distance of 240 km.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
