Cattolica lies nestled under the Mount of Gabicce in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy on a quiet bay surrounded by lush green hills that lend charm and distinction to the region.  In the summer, the warm and gentle Adriatic breezes will wash over you with a sense of history and Mediterranean style living...

 

A charming seaside town with a splendid beach of fine, golden sand, has become one of the most popular and most frequented seaside resorts in Europe. Cattolica shows itself off through the events which take place during the year. Parties, live music in the squares, the allure of the theatres, the authentic foods and spirits, the open stall market that is held weekly during the summer only a few blocks awy from the Hotel Ducale. Whether it's summer fireworks over the beach or the annual flower show, Cattolica was founded with hospitality in mind.

Fountain Square web cam

A town which streets, squares and public buildings all are wheelchair friendly. Visit sites of ancient taverns which later became famous inns during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period: a tradition of hospitality which has been borne through the ages to become today's modern tourist resort.

Back then the town prospered during the time of the Roman civilization which in those days stretched along the shore.  Later on the sea rose and completely submerged it, pushing back the shoreline to its current position. Traces of the ancient town can still be seen through the aquamarine waters off Gabicce mount.  Even in those days it was a popular holiday haven.  This is known because of the magnificent Roman villas unearthed in the 1920's in and around the surrounding hills.  Unfortunately these were destroyed during the war but traces can still be seen to this day.

With the passing of the centuries, particularly around the Middle Ages, the economy of Cattolica became predominantly maritime in nature, and a flourishing fishing port developed which is still very well known to this day.  Artifacts from the Roman era as well as the towns maritime history can be seen at the maritime museum Museo del Mare".

 

Today, Cattolica is a popular beach resort of 15,000 people that is turned into a summer-time melting pot of Germans, Austrians, Dutch, French, British and Italians all looking for that relaxing vacation they know they get when they come here.  The Mediterranean style way of living is so easygoing you'll probably want to toss your passport and stay forever!

 

Behind the lights, the shops, the entertainments and the sports events Cattolica reveals its true calling......a place which will remain in your heart. Next-->