In general...
The Villanova di Bagnacavallo War Cemetery, also known as the “Villanova Canadian War Cemetery”, is one of the most significant places of remembrance linked to the Second World War in Romagna. Here, the sacrifice of the servicemen who fell during the Italian Campaign is honoured, in particular the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in the advance between the Lamone and Senio rivers between the end of 1944 and the first months of 1945. On the architrave at the entrance stands the dedication: “The land of this cemetery was donated by the Italian people for the eternal rest of the sailors, soldiers and airmen whose memory is honoured here”, bearing witness to the bond of gratitude between the local population and the soldiers who fought for liberation..
Access
The cemetery is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is open to the public throughout the year, with free admission. For those travelling by car, it is advisable to reach Bagnacavallo and then follow the signs for Villanova; along the route there are signs indicating the presence of the cemetery. Once there, a small parking area allows visitors to leave their car and easily access the monumental area on foot. For further information and enquiries, please contact [enquiries@cwgc.org](mailto:enquiries@cwgc.org).
Geographical position
Located in the hamlet of Villanova, a short distance from the town of Bagnacavallo in the province of Ravenna. The area is immersed in the Romagna countryside, characterized by an agricultural landscape and by a network of canals and small rivers that were the scene of important military operations.
Cemetery Address:
Via Luigi Longo (or Via San Vitale, depending on the maps),
48012 Villanova di Bagnacavallo (RA)
Geographical coordinates: 44.45164° N, 12.05195° E.
History
Designed by architect Louis De Soissons on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the cemetery was built after the liberation of Villanova, which took place on 11 December 1944 by the Canadian regiment Cape Breton Highlanders. After passing through the entrance, one notices a small temple housing the register with the names and places of origin of the fallen, while on a low wall to the left there is an information panel in three languages describing the main Allied lines of advance in Italy.
The donation of the land by the Italian people highlights the desire to remember and honour in perpetuity those young servicemen, the youngest of whom was 17 years old, while the oldest was 39.
Military Units
Inside the cemetery rest 212 fallen soldiers: 206 Canadians, 6 British soldiers and 1 unknown soldier, most of them belonging to the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, engaged on the front between the Lamone and Senio rivers.
The cemetery bears witness to the severity of the fighting endured by these units during the crucial phase of the winter of 1944-1945, during the Allied push towards Northern Italy.