The 4 Most Amazing Peaks around Meldola

Diamantina Witch and M. of Beer

Witch

Beautiful !

Beautiful challenging but short climb, the San Colombano side is certainly much more challenging than the other.

Climb to the castle of Monte Poggiolo on the Castrocaro side, easy and difficult at the same time, not too long and alternating stretches of false flat with steep sections of 15% or more, fortunately quite short, the asphalt was redone a few years ago and is good state. The landscape is typical of this area with fields cultivated with fruit of all types with a prevalence of vines. Unfortunately, the castle is private and in a state of decay, it cannot be visited and cannot even be approached anymore.

splendid gravel / mtb landscape suitable for all rainy seasons because it is uncovered.

Diamantina and the Monte della Birra Diamantina lived in Forlì in the 17th century and was a “healer” by profession. For her potions she used herbs and other mysterious substances, which she reduced to pills, plasters and other concoctions. It was the time of the witch hunt and Diamantina perhaps displeased some people, because she was accused of witchcraft and put on trial. Since she was old she avoided being burned at the stake, but was chased out of the city, with orders never to return. Diamantina then went to live on the hill overlooking Castrocaro, at that time covered with beech and chestnut trees. With the help of someone she managed to build a hut, where she continued to prepare her “devilries”. The people of Castrocaro got used to that solitary old woman, who rarely came down to the village, and since she didn’t bother them at all they always left her in peace. But believing that she was having sex with the Devil, who in the local dialect was called “bèrr”, they gave her the name of “bèrra”, that is, the Devil’s wife. And the mountain where she lived was called “e’ mònt d’la bérra”, the mountain of beer. (Source: https://www.proloco-castrocaro.it/il-castello/misteri-e-leggende/99-diamantina-e-il-monte-della-birra.html )

One of the most popular climbs in the area for all types of mtb, gravel and racing cyclists. It can be reached by at least 4 climbs with different types of terrain, a real crossroads that connects many places.