One of the main squares of Cesenatico, the Piazza delle Conserve is a pedestrian hub formerly used to store ice to preserve food. Fish and meats were kept cold in the square for hundreds of years up until the 20th century. In this fascinating tribute to history, discover one of the city’s three ice-preserve wells that have survived from the original 20.
Inspect the brick conserves gracing the cobbled square. The conserves in Cesenatico resemble wells and were covered by straw or sand, while food was chilled with compressed snow and layers of ice from the nearby mountains. Gaze into the deep masonry ditch, which is 26 feet (8 meters) wide.
These wells were considered a better alternative to using salt to preserve food. Note that use of the ice conserves was discontinued in the early 1900s, with the arrival of the first artificial ice factory.
Get a sense of local culture with a trip to the daily morning market held in the square. Peruse the stalls for all types of food and chat with the traders. Attend the flea market that opens on Monday evenings and scour the displays for intriguing gems and trinkets. During the Christmas season, a Nativity scene with life-sized statues is set up in the square.
Check for events that take place in this lively square, such as the Notturni alle Conserve. Stroll through the piazza and enjoy a hot drink at one of the cafés overlooking it. Due to its central location, the square is an ideal place to meet friends, before exploring the historic sights of the town.
Visit the plaza for free it is open to the public at all times. Purchase goods and crafts from the markets.
Find the Piazza delle Conserve on the southern side of the canal in the center of Cesenatico. Several bus stops are located within a couple of blocks of the plaza. You can also drive and leave your car in the Piazza del Monte parking lot. Visit other nearby attractions such as the Piazza Ubaldo Comandini, the Casa Moretti and the San Giacomo Church.
