the imolese valleys the district of imola · the chestnut woods and the “marrone igp of castel...

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The Imolese Valleysthe district of Imola

Our itinerary enters Romagna, where a univer-se of flavours, accents and human warmthopens up before us, this land being one of themost hospitable in Italy.

The Rivers

Known to the Romans as the “Little Reno”,the Santerno starts on the northern side ofthe Apennine ridge between Tuscany andRomagna, near the Futa Pass. A few kilome-tres down the valley from Firenzuola, theSanterno begins a dramatic course deep bet-ween high banks of marl and sandstone.Along the valley-bottom there is a lot ofstone-working of “Pietra Serena”, the raw material of the Tuscan Renaissance and ofnumerous buildings in the valley. The UpperSanterno Valley has many attractions, first ofall those connected to the river itself, rich inlovely bights and small beaches. Just beforeCastel del Rio, the stunning waterfalls ofMoraduccio plunge into the Santerno. Near

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Borgo Tossignano, there is probably the mostspectacular stretch of the whole valley, pas-sing through the largest Chalk Vein in Europe,today protected by a Regional Park. Apart from the Vein, cultivated land withorchards and vineyards alternates with theparticular geometry of the gullies. ReachingImola, the Santerno enters the plains, whereits course has undergone numerous modifi-cations over time, connected to the finalstretch of the River Po since the 12th century.Passing into the territory of Ravenna, theSanterno ends its 103-kilometre journey,flowing into the ancient bed of the “Po diPrimaro”, today the River Reno.

The Sillaro and Sellustra are the two maintributaries of the Santerno: their beautifulvalleys are the subject of two pleasant coun-tryside itineraries (page 199), setting off fromCastel San Pietro Terme and Dozza.

Santerno River - Photo by Comune di Borgo Tossignano

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DOC Colli d’Imola Grapes - Photo by S.T.A.I. - Paolo Benini

The Gothic LineBetween 1944 and 1945, the Bolognesemountains were at the centre of the lastbattle front of the war in Italy, along a linefrom the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic Seawhich took advantage of the natural defen-sive aspect of the Apennines. This is theGothic Line, also known as the Linea Verde.Already under Allied attack in September1944, the Gothic Line resisted at thedestruction of some points until the springof 1945, forcing the civilian population toface a bitter winter of Allied bombings andGerman reprisals. It has been calculatedthat the Germans lost about 75,000 menwhile the Alliesabout 65,000 onthe Gothic Line.Today, there aremany places inthe Bolognese A-pennines whichco m m e m o rat ethese events, a-mong which:

The Reno Valley-Historical Regional Park of Monte Sole (page64), symbolic site of the Resistance, created on the mounts which were theatre of the Nazi-Fascist massacre of Marzabotto;

-Multimedial Model of the Gothic Line (page78), innovative educational museum instru-ment in Castel d’Aiano;

-Monte Pero (page 65) and Monte Belvedere (page 79). In Monte Belvedere (1140 mts a.s.l.), near the ruins of a medieval castle, a monu-ment remembers the undertaking of the 10th Mountain Division, which carried the Ger-man stronghold, supported by the Partisans,in February 1945.

The Bolognese Valleys of the Idice, Savena and Setta-“Winter Line” Museum in Livergnano (page 119);-South African Military Cemetery in Casti-glione dei Pepoli (page 133);

-Passo della Futa: German Military Cemetery(page 124).

The Imolese Valleys-Rocca di Tossignano (page 166);-War Museum in Castel del Rio (page 170),-Monte Battaglia (in the picture).

History and Culture

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Gastronomy and Wine

The bread-basket with typical products - Photo by S.T.A.I. - Guerrino Bertuzzi

The “Imola Hills” Wine and FlavoursRoute passes through unique, enchantingspots, in which history and natural beautyare inextricably mixed. However, it is thewealth of traditions and culture related tofood and wine which seduce travellers,accompanying them on a journey to disco-ver its riches. The “bread-basket” of theRoute contains quality wines, from the“DOC Colli d’Imola”, Sangiovese in particu-lar, to “Albana DOCG of Romagna” whichaccompany IGP (Protected GeographicalIndication) products, such as the nectarinesand peaches of Romagna, the “marroni”(chestnuts) of Castel del Rio, the shallots ofRomagna, the white beef of the Central

Apennines, as well as other “Traditional”produce, such as the apricots of theSanterno Valley, shepherd’s Pecorino andthe famous “piadina” (flat bread) ofRomagna, to mention only the mostfamous. The itinerary winds through thevalleys of the Santerno, Sillaro andSellustra rivers, visiting the territories ofBorgo Tossignano, Casalfiumanese, Casteldel Rio, Castel Guelfo, Castel San PietroTerme, Dozza, Fontanelice, Imola, Medicinaand Ozzano dell’Emilia.Strada dei Vini e Sapori “Colli d’Imola”Via Boccaccio, 27 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.25413 - Fax [email protected]

To savour, understand,live and discover theblend of “tourist flavours”which spread throughoutthe hospitable territory ofImola, STAI was set up in1996, a consortium with over 100 publicand private members.S.T.A.I. Società Turismo Area ImoleseVia Boccaccio, 27 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.25413 - Fax [email protected] - www.stai.it

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The bridge and castle of the Alidosi in Castel del Rio

The chestnut woods and the “Marrone IGP

of Castel del Rio”

The Chalk Vein Regional Park of Romagna

The waterfalls of Moraduccio

The ficattola and piè fritta (two types of fried

bread, the former puffy, the latter flat)

The “Luca Ghini” Trail

The Mengoni Archive Museum in Fontanelice

The Wine and Flavours Route of the Hills of Imola

Not to be missed:

Tourist itinerary The first part of the itinerarysets out to discover theSanterno Valley. We will branchout from the SS 610“Montanara” state road, whichfollows the ancient pilgrims’route for Florence and Rome,going up the whole valley as faras the Futa Pass.

The Santerno Valley- Casalfiumanese- Borgo Tossignano- Fontanelice- Castel del Rio

The Imolese Valleythe Apennines

Borgo

Casalfiumanese

Fontanelice

Tossignano

Castel del Rio

History and NatureThe territory of the Santerno Valley has beeninhabited since time immemorial. In Romantimes, the hills were rich in small villages,while in the Middle Ages there was Byzantineand Lombard occupation. Many of the nume-rous castles of the period have disappearedor been transformed into churches and priva-te houses, while others are still there, domi-nating the valley with their evocative ruins. Inthe following periods, the valley’s territorybelonged to various noble families such asthe Borgia, Bentivoglio, Visconti and Alidosi,who dominated vast tracts of the territoriesof Bologna and Romagna. From an environ-mental point of view, the landscape changesthe further you move from the Via Emilia: thefoothills of Imola are covered by vast vine-yards and orchards, but only a few kilometresfrom the city, the landscape changes noticea-bly, with the start of the gypsum territory.Here there is the particular morphology ofthe “Chalk Vein of Romagna”, the result of rainwater erosion on a thick stratification of grey-blue clay. The area is now protected in aRegional Park, which also extends into theneighbouring hills of Faenza. To the south ofthe Chalk vein, the hills become mountainsand the Apennines take on their typicalappearance, dominated by woods of Euro-pean oak - a species suitable for warm, dry cli-mates - ash, English oak, birch and beech inthe higher reaches of the territory. But themost notable forests are those of chestnuttrees, also of interest for their productiveaspect: in these woods there are the “marro-ni di Castel del Rio”, a chestnut unique tothese latitudes, very large and sweet, whichhas conquered both national and internatio-nal markets.

Buon appetitoTalking about the Bolognese Apennines, wehave often referred to the Tuscan influenceson the cooking: here the mixture of gastro-nomical traditions is more complicated, con-taining as it does the best of specialitiesfrom Emilia, Tuscany and Romagna. A plea-sant way to discover the wealth of this land’scooking might be to follow the flavoursomecalendar of food-based festivals which theterritory dedicates to its wines and gastrono-mic treasures. Let’s start with Polenta, prepa-red in large copper pots in the square ofTossignano since 1622 every Shrove Tuesday,while on the same day, down in the Borgo ofTossignano, there is the Festival of the Ma-caroni. We continue with pasta dishes, at theFestival of the Garganello in Codrignano. Andagain: in Castel del Rio on occasion of theRenaissance Festival, there is the Festival of

the Gnoccata (gnocco fritto - fried savourypastries) and in Fontanelice that of the Pièfritta (a fried flat bread). Forest producetriumphs in Castel del Rio in the Porcino andMarrone (a special chestnut) Festivals, whilefruit, in particular the apricot, is celebrated ina festival in Casalfiumanese. Then there ismeat: from tender, succulent “Castrato”(mutton) to Beef of Romagna, which hasbeen awarded the designation “IndicazioneGeografica Protetta” (IGP), an indication ofgenuine origins and quality. All of this accom-panied by wines from Romagna and theImola Hills, celebrated in Fontanelice on thenight of San Lorenzo.

How to get there- State highway SS 610 “Montanara”, which

connects Imola and the Via Emilia to Tuscany.

- The A14 motorway, exits at Imola and CastelSan Pietro Terme.

- Railway, the Rimini-Ancona line, with stations in Varignana, Castel San Pietro Terme and Imola.

- Buses ATC www.atc.bo.it, to all the inhabitations of the valley.

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Acqua di Terra - Terra di LunaThe theatre festival “Acqua di Terra - Terradi Luna” (Water of the land - Landscape ofthe moon) follows a well-developed trailthrough the evocative scenery of theSanterno Valley: from the vistas and squa-res of the historical centres to more unu-sual locations with great natural charm inthe valley, such as a river bank beach, arocky cliff or among the trees in a wood.The initiative owes its success to the highcultural value of its events, the interactionbetween the promoters (The LocalCouncils of the Santerno Valley and theImola Town Council), the artistic directorsand the enthusiastic public participation. www.acquaditerraterradiluna.com

Imola

Galleria del Centro Cittadino

Via Emilia, 135 - 40026 Imola (BO)

Tel. 0542.602207 - [email protected]

Opening times:

Monday to Friday 8.30am-1.00pm

Tuesday 3.00pm-6.00pm

Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

Tourist Information

Events

Casalfiumanese is the first town you reachgoing up the Santerno Valley. The town cen-tre is in a dominating position over the mid-region of the valley, naturally defended by ahigh cliff over the River Casale. Access tothe historical centre is through an arch nextto a tower, the Torre Civica, both of whichwere rebuilt after the serious damage suffe-red in the Second World War.

Two notable 19th-century buildings in thecentral area are Villa Masolini and Villa Ma-

nusardi, with its highly valuable and picture-sque park, where public events are now held.

The Luca Ghini Trail, named after the foun-der of modern botany who was born here in1490, leads nature-lovers to the striking gyp-sums of Croara.

Casalfiumanese

Luca Ghini

An eminent botanist, he made a fundamen-tal contribution to scientific analysis of thevegetable world in a period in which theuse of medicinal plants still swung betwe-en magic rituals and the attribution of pro-perties that were not always certain. In 1539,he became the chair of Medicinal Herbs atthe University of Bologna where he wasAldrovandi’s professor. Invited by Cosimo Iof the Medici family to move to the PisanStudio, he was the first in Europe to plant auniversity botanical garden. Thanks to hisstudies in Pisa, he wrote the first IndexSeminum in the history of botanical scien-ce. Today, Luca Ghini’s birthplace continuesto give visitors the same passion for naturethat it instilled in that illustrious inhabitantof Casalfiumanese.

Culture and Famous Names

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Moving along Via Montanara in the directionof Borgo Tossignano, it is worth visiting the15th-century Romanesque Church of Ri-viera, called “della Visitazione”, inside whicha painting, today in Brera, of the Madonna bythe Venetian artist Jacopo Bellini was found.Marvellous frescoes still decorate the inte-riors. It can be visited when Mass is held.

Raviolo Festival (Ravioli are biscuits filledwith jam): MarchI zug d’na volta (Games from the past): MayPark Festival - Festival of the Ficattola(puffy fried bread): June (Manusardi Park)Festival of the tortello (filled pasta, similar to salted ravioli): JuneApricot Festival: JulyClassic Car and Motorbike Rally: July

SassoleoneFestival of the cuccagna (grease pole): AprilFestival of the ritorno (homecoming): August

San Martino in PedrioloCarnival of San Martino: April

Events

preceding page, Romanesque Church of Riviera

Photo by Comune di Borgo Tossignano

Cycling tourism in the Santerno Valley

Photo by S.T.A.I. - Monica Monducci In the land towards the Sellustra Valley, it isworth visiting the tower-house, the “Pe-driaghe”, built by the Alidosi family at thebeginning of the 16th century, the Sant’An-drea parish with its 15th-century church and abastion of the old Sforza family, as far as toarrive at the ruins of Castello di Fiagnano,near which Pope Onorio II was born andwhere you can admire the wonderful Plio-cene gypsums. In the higher reaches of the extensive terri-tory of Casalfiumanese the area around Sas-soleone, on the border with Tuscany, it is theperfect spot for mountain bike excursionsand walking or horse riding in the woods andmeadows.

The “ficattola” and the “piè fritta”A rival of the piadina (a flat bread), the“ficattola” is the result of tasty contamina-tion with Tuscan cuisine. A typical speciali-ty of the Santerno Valley, it is really no-thing more than bread filled with localsalami and then fried. The “ficattola” iscelebrated yearly in the splendid setting ofthe park of Villa Manusardi in Casalfiu-manese and should not be confused withthe “piè fritta”, the variation in Romagna ofthe “gnocco fritto” (or “Crescentina”) ofEmilia, the star for over half a century ofthe Easter Monday Festival in Fontanelice .

Gastronomy and Wine

Borgo Tossignano

The present habitation of Borgo Tossignanois divided between the new part called theBorgo, situated in a double loop of theSanterno River, and the original nucleus ofTossignano in a higher position.

Tossignano is a small village on the summitof a rocky chalk outcrop, whose origins dateback to the Romans, while the Borgo wasfounded in 1198. From the 14th century andthroughout the Renaissance, Tossignano pla-yed an important role due to its strategicposition above the valley, being passed fromone Lord to another and then from onedominion to another for centuries: from theVisconti to the Manfredi, from the French ofNapoleon to the Papists, and so on.

Worth seeing is the 17th-century PalazzoBaronale, which houses the “I Gessi e il Fiu-me” Visitors’ Centre and the Museum of Ma-terial Culture.

Palazzo BaronalePiazza Andrea Costa40021 Borgo Tossignano (BO)Tel. and Fax [email protected]

THE “I GESSI E IL FIUME” VISITORS’ CENTRE Dedicated to the geological, botanical andfauna peculiarities of the Santerno Valley,the centre offers a permanent exhibition,workshop and a rich selection of educatio-nal activities for schools and groups. A gar-den and a walking trail link up with thepaths which cross the Chalk Vein.

MUSEUM OF MATERIAL CULTURE The museum contains objects linked to thepast of the material culture of the SanternoValley: equipment for farming, spinning,weaving and craftwork, domestic utensils,instruments for collecting gravel from theriver and extracting chalk, among the maineconomic activities of the area.

Opening times: Sunday 2.30-6.30pm; at o-ther times subject to prior booking forgroups. Free entrance.

Museums

In the Church of San Michele, there is theMadonna of Tossignano, also known as theMadonna della Spiga (ear of corn), since sheis celebrated on the day of the Trinity. It is apainting of the 15th-century Tuscan School,probably part of a larger work. The devotionto the Madonna della Spiga is as old as thepainting and is still important for the inhabi-tants of the Santerno Valley.

From the Church of San Michele, there is apath leading to the ruins of the Rocca ofTossignano. From the highest point of theruins, you can see all of the Santerno Valley,from a panoramic and truly enchanting posi-tion on the majestic crags of the Chalk Vein.The fortress of the Ramazzotti family (page123), then partly destroyed by the Imolesi in1538, the Rocca still has its moat, the plinthof the drawbridge and its thick foundations,which together still give an idea of the intel-ligent military geometry applied to build it.During the Second World War, the Germansused it as an observation point over the val-ley, which from 1943 was crossed by theGothic Line (page 160). Descending along thewalkway carved into the selenite rock can benerve-wracking.

In the winter of 1622, in the midst of war andfamine, a certain Mastr’Antonio da Farnetohad the idea of organising a large polentata(Polenta feast) for carnival to boost themorale of the valley’s inhabitants. Tossigna-no at the time was the capital of the smallfeud of the Duke of Altemps, governed byScincia da Sermoneta. Since then, the Polen-ta Festival has continued uninterrupted,celebrated every year on Shrove Tuesday. Allthe participants are offered polenta cookedin enormous copper pots, stirred for an hourwith chestnut wood forks and then servedwith pork ragù. Since 1928, the CeramicsCooperative of Imola has created comme-morate plates for every edition.

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preparation and consequent enjoyment ofthe macaroni with ragù, amidst fires and aprocession of floats.

The village of Codrignano stands on highround on the right of the Santerno, set in thesuggestive framework of the gypsums. Nextto it, there is an ancient, important dam, thestarting point for the Canale dei Molini

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It is therefore not by chance that in 1998 inBorgo Tossignano, the “Association of ItalianPolenta Makers” was set up, organizers of thetwo-yearly National Gathering of ItalianPolenta.

Every year, on the same day and in playfulcontraposition to the ennobled PolentaFestival of Tossignano, there is the MacaroniFestival in Borgo. The Festival is believed tohave started at a ball, when a boy from Borgotrod on the toes of a girl from Tossignano.The climax of the Festival comes with the

The most excellent Master LEONARDO SCINCIA DA SERMONETA

considered Doctor in both ecclesiastic and public lawgovernor of TOSSIGNANO, FONTANA etc.

in the name of the most reverend and excellent LordTHE DUKE OF ALTEMPS

having heard Master Mastr’Antonio de Farnetopetitioning on behalf of the local population

and having considered how due to the misfornunes of the districtsuch as grain shortage which threatens continuous hunger

as well as the misfortunes of the greater Statescreated by wars and terrible plagues

believing the people should be allowed for one dayto desire the enjoyment of dancing, playing and singing

to lift the public spirit otherwise so melancholicaccepts this petition andorders and commands

that on the last day of carnival be made and distributedin the public square polenta and wine in abundance

and that the people dance, play and singbut with decorum and moderationuntil the moment of entering Lentin which period everyone is urgedto undergo penitence and fasting

in atonement of the sins committed.This day 1st February 1622 - the official site

Macaroni Festival

Photo by Comune di Borgo Tossignano

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Regional Park of the Chalk Vein of RomagnaBetween the provinces of Bologna andRavenna, the hills of Romagna are crossedby a spectacular silver-grey ridge whichgives the landscape a unique appearance. Itis the largest chalk outcrop in Europe (25kilometres long): a natural and historicaltreasure that surprises and fascinates visi-tors. The Chalk Vein takes its name from thechalk rock, also called selenite due to itscharacteristic of reflecting light, includingthat of the moon (Selene). Its iridescentreflections are caused by the flakes of saltembedded in the rock from the age whenthis land was covered by the Pliocene sea.The most inspiring excursion is along theVein’s ridge: on one side the profile of theApennines, on the other the plains with theline of the sea in the distance. The area alsohas peculiar karst morphology, includingdolines, closed valleys and numerous caves,among which the “abissi”, vertical cavitieswhich can reach record depths. In the areabetween Tossignano and Casola Valsenio(Ravenna), you can appreciate the scientificaspects of greatest impact on the Vein’s lan-dscape, partly due to nature’s slow re-con-quest of the five levels of the old miningextraction sites. Chalk has in fact been usedfor building since ancient times: you justhave to look at the foundations of many ofthe medieval towers in Bologna. Juniperand hawthorn are the dominant flora onthe Vein, while among the various birds thatcan be seen in the area, there is the rareRoyal Owl. Info: “I Gessi e il Fiume” - Tel. [email protected]

Nature

EXCURSIONS ON THE CHALK VEIN OF ROMAGNAThe Santerno River Park is a beautiful wal-king and cycling trail which extends belowthe chalk cliffs overhanging the river.Equipped with a picnic area, refreshment barand a green area, the park reaches the basinof Rineggio, in the area of Campola, where anatural oasis has been created. Along thetrail there are illustrated informative boardsabout the surrounding natural environment.

Sport and Active Tourism

The Itinerary on the Chalk Vein leads fromthe Rocca to the ridge of the Vein as far asMonte del Casino. This is the starting pointof the “Grande Circuito della Romagna”(G.C.R.), which crosses the Apennines toSan Leo in Montefeltro.

The Ring of the River Mescola is the mostspectacular excursion among the gypsums ofRomagna. From the bridge on the Montanararoad, there is a track on the left of the RiverMescola leading to the crest of the ChalkVein and Monte Penzola (412 m), indicated bya cross, from which there is an impressiveview. Continuing on to Monte dell’AcquaSalata (Salt Water Mountain), you arrive atthe Carrè, a classical villa in a panoramicposition above the Sellustra Valley. Here youcan join the “Luca Ghini” Trail, which leads toPonti di Croara, where there is an excitingtrail along the ridge of the gypsums.

Children’s Carnival: last Sunday of CarnivalPolenta Festival and Macaroni Festival:Shrove TuesdayLom a merz (Light in march, to celebratethe end of winter): February-MarchHolidaymakers’ Festival: 1st-15th AugustFestival of San Bartolomeo: 24th AugustFestival of the Garganello (a type ofpasta): first weekend of SeptemberFestival of the Madonna del BuonConsiglio: third Sunday of October Festival of San Martino: 11th NovemberBonfire of San Nicolò: December

MARKET DAY: Saturday

Events

(Mills), which crosses the territory of Imola asfar as Mordano. Every year, Codrignano holdsthe Festival of the Garganello, the most typi-cal type of egg pasta in Romagna, similar tolong macaroni.

Borgo Tossignano is a member of the NationalAssociation of “Chestnut Towns”, since itsterritory produces a very particular chestnut,the “Marrone IGP di Castel del Rio”. The che-stnut orchard in Campiuno, within theRegional Park of the Chalk Vein of Ro-magna, is one of the lowest in Romagna andits centuries-old trees are an important histo-rical testimony to this cultivation.

And so we reach Fontanelice, birthplace ofthe architect Mengoni, designer of theVittorio Emanuele Gallery in Milan and thebuilding of the Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna. Mengoni Archive Museum has his seat in thetown square, inside a beautiful building withporticos and a statue of the Immacolata in itsfaçade, in the past the Town Hall.

The historical centre is reached by passingthrough the gate of Fontana Elice, built in 1842in painted terracotta, to substitute theancient gate of the castle and featuring alarge mask on the external façade.

Fontanelice

The Mengoni Museum displays a collec-tion of documents and projects by Giu-seppe Mengoni, given to the town councilby the descendents of the engineer andarchitect from Fontanelice, a key player in19th-century Italian architecture.MENGONI ARCHIVE MUSEUMEx Palazzo Comunale P.zza Roma, 2240025 Fontanelice (BO)Tel. 0542.92824 - Fax [email protected] times by appointment. Free entrance.

Museums

The Church of SS. Pietro and Paolo contains aninteresting painting from the School of Car-racci and in the apse, there is a 14th-centuryByzantine icon, called the Madonna della Con-solazione, which on occasion of the “Anno San-to” is carried in a procession through the townin an extraordinary piece of choreography.

Fontanelice is a member of the National Asso-ciation of “Wine Cities” and on the night of SanLorenzo, the streets of the historical centre givehospitality to a large tasting of wines from theterritory.

The panoramic “Lavender Road” leads fromFontanelice to Monte Battaglia (715 mts), asymbol of the war for liberation. SinceLombard times, Monte Battaglia has been animportant strategic point in controlling anddefending the Senio and Santerno Valleys.There is evidence dating as far back as 1154of a castle and in 1494, Caterina Sforza orde-red the construction of a fort. Of the an-cient construction, you can still admire theimposing 14-metre-high walls in the form ofa quadrangle. During the Second World War,Monte Battaglia was on the Gothic Line(page 160) and was the site of bloody cla-shes, commemorated by the work of thesculptor Aldo Rontini. A starting point forvarious excursions, there is a view from itssummit which on particularly clear daysstretches as far as the mountains in Croatia.

Mengoni Archive Museum

Photo by Provincia di Bologna - Vanes Cavazza

Festival of the piè fritta e Palio dei Somari(Donkey races): Easter MondayFiume DiVino (River of Wine): JuneCalici di stelle (Goblets of stars): 10th August

Festival of the Immacolata or BeataVergine delle Grazie: 8th December

MARKET DAY: Friday

Events

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An ancient possession of Queen Matilde ofCanossa, Castel del Rio passed in 1200 to theAlidosi family, who were responsible for theSanterno Valley until the mid-17th century,enriching the territory with distinguishedconstructions.

An extraordinary example of Renaissancemilitary architecture, Palazzo Alidosi looksonto the Via Montanara at the entrance tothe town. Built between 1542 and 1545, pro-bably on a design by Francesco da Sangallo,

Castel del Rio

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Palazzo Alidosi Via Montanara, 1 - 40022 Castel del Rio (BO)

WAR MUSEUM Tel. 0542.95554 - Fax [email protected] rich collection of war material is accom-panied by daily utensils and photographic,cinematographic and documentary memo-ries of the Gothic Line and the Resistancein the Santerno Valley. There are also ob-jects, relics and arms from the Great Warand the Risorgimento.

MUSEUM OF THE CHESTNUT TREETel. 0542.95906 - Fax [email protected] informative exhibition dedicated to thechestnut tree: from the environmental cha-racteristics of the territory to the historyand tools of a cultivation that has for cen-turies been a fundamental resource for thefarming life of the upper Santerno Valley.

Opening times: weekends and public holi-day afternoons 2-6 pm; other days andtimes with prior booking. Tickets: full price € 2.50, free for under-10s,50% discount for groups.

Museums

American war Texan T6 airplane


the castle is characterized by the two enor-mous bastions making up the façade. Itsimposing form is half of the original design,having the double function of residence anddefensive fort. Inside, it is worth visiting the“Cortile delle Fontane”, a genuine treasure ofRenaissance art, which takes its name fromthe decorative sandstone shell-shapedfountains. The Palazzo is today the TownHall as well as the seat of the War Museumand the Museum of the Chestnut Tree.

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In front of the castle, a road leads downtowards the river and the bridge, the Ponte

Alidosi, the symbol of Castel del Rio. Builtfrom 1499 onwards by Mastro Andrea Guer-rieri from Imola, commissioned by ObizzoAlidosi, the bridge was the means of accessand control of the town. Its unmistakablehumpback shape has a single arch that is 18.5metres high and 42 metres long, truly im-pressive to cross. Within its massive structu-re, on particular occasions it is possible tovisit the guard rooms. A genuine masterpie-ce of 15th-century civil engineering, the brid-ge was proclaimed a national monument in 1817.

Palazzo Alidosi

Photo by S.T.A.I.

Ponte Alidosi

Photo by S.T.A.I.

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Starting from the bridge, there is the panora-mic road for Valsalva, leading to Castellac-cio di Cantagallo. This fort dates back tothe 12th century and its ruins dominate allthe upper Santerno Valley.

Immersed in the centuries-old chestnutwoods above the town, there is the touristcomplex of “Le Selve” (open with prior boo-king and offered as self-catering to organi-sed groups or families), composed of ancientstone houses and an area equipped for tentsand small caravans. A few metres from thereception the Chestnut Trail begins, an in-formative area with games and illustrativeboards which introduces guests to the che-stnut orchards, their natural wealth and thetraditions linked to their cultivation. It is alsopossible paying to collect the “marroni diCastel del Rio”.Info: Tel. 0542.30558 - [email protected]

Marrone di Castel del Rio IGPThe Santerno Valley’s great chestnutwoods contain a precious treasure: the“Marrone IGP di Castel del Rio”, a particulartype of chestnut. The cultivation of che-stnuts in these lands date back to theMiddle Ages, when Queen Matilde ofCanossa introduced it on a large scale, tosustain the poor mountain economy. Themarrone differs from the common che-stnut for its sweeter flavour and larger size,so much so that each pod contains nomore than 2 or 3 nuts. The exquisite andnatural qualities of the marrone make itthe main ingredient of many recipes whichin autumn grace the tables of the valley’srestaurants. In October, you can taste andbuy them at the Festival in Castel del Rio.The production area includes the territo-ries of Castel del Rio, Fontanelice,Casalfiumanese and Borgo Tossignano.

Gastronomy and Wine

Waterfall of Moraduccio

Photo by S.T.A.I.

Chestnut Festival

Photo by S.T.A.I.

On the border between the Grand Dukedomof Tuscany and the Pontifical State, Mo-raduccio is a place of great naturalistic inte-rest, in particular for the waterfalls of theFosso Canaglia, whose name commemoratesthe ancient presence in the area of brigandsand smugglers. In summer, this stretch of theSanterno River is very popular with swim-mers, while in spring, its waters are ideal forcanoeing enthusiasts. Crossing the bridgeover the Santerno, it is a short trip to theevocative abandoned village of Castiglion-cello, in Tuscan territory.

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Further along the valley, the Church ofValmaggiore stands in a dominant positionbetween the Santerno and Senio Valleys.Probably built around the year 1000, theChurch has recently been restored, with theaddition of a glass covering. It is open on thethird Sunday of July, whenMass is celebrated. A fewmetres from the Church,there are the ruins of acastle, probably of Lombardorigins. This place is also lin-ked to the story of the Witchof Valmaggiore, a “healer”burnt to death by the Courtof the Inquisition of Imola in1559.

The whole upper Santerno Valley is an idealspot for excursions on foot, mountain bikeor horseback. Among the walking itineraries,one of the most interesting is the trail ofthe River Zafferino (CAI trail 723) which

leads to the beautiful mill,the Mulino della Madonna,the ring of the MagnolaValley and Monte La Fine(CAI trail 727), the view fromwhose summit takes in theSasso di San Zenobi, theSasso della Mantesca and theTre Poggioli cross. There are also numerousopportunities for mountainbike and horseback excur-sions on the Sillaro-Santernowatershed towards the Apen-

nine Passes of the Giogo and Futa.

Ponte Alidosi

Photo by S.T.A.I. - Elisa Cerè

Church of Valmaggiore

Photo by S.T.A.I.

Flower Festival: AprilRenaissance Festival: first two weekends of JulyFestival of the Porcino: last two weekendsof August

Festival of the marrone di Castel del Rio:Sundays of OctoberChestnut Market: October and November

MARKET DAY: Wednesday

Events

Imola and its historical centre

The Dino and Enzo Ferrari Racetrack

and the Battilani Motorbike Collection

The Outlet of Castel Guelfo

The “Croce del Nord” Radio-Telescope

of Medicina

The Thermal Spas and Golf Club of Castel

San Pietro Terme

Dozza, the painted borough and its fortress,

the “Rocca”

The Regional Wine Store of Emilia-Romagna

The Piadina bread and Sangiovese wines

The “Colli d’Imola” DOC Wines

The “Colli d’Imola” Wine and Flavours Route

The Sillaro and Sellustra Valleys

Not to be missed:

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Tourist itineraryThe second part of our itinera-ry is dedicated to Imola and itssurrounding hills and plains.

- Imola - Mordano- Castel Guelfo- Medicina- Castel San Pietro Terme- Dozza

The Valleys of Imola between the Sillaro andSanterno

the hills and plains

Imola

Dozza

Castel Guelfo

Castel San Pietro Terme

Medicina

Mordano

History and EnvironmentThe border between Emilia and Romagna is notindicated on any map, but it has an unmistaka-ble effect on the territory of Imola, evident inthe changes in dialects, traditions and characte-ristics. Romagna is a land with a very clear cul-tural and anthropological identity, to saynothing of its food and wine traditions. Thegateway to Romagna is Imola, a city of art, natu-re and motors, and the thriving centre of theeconomic and cultural life of the ten localCouncils which make up its District. Towardsthe Lowlands, the sea and the wide, fertileplains stretching eastward from Imola, youcome across three places, Medicina, Mordanoand Castel Guelfo, where you can discover thehistory and nature of this final borderland ofthe Province of Bologna. The territory ofMedicina, whose name is an inheritance fromthe Barbarossa, offers plenty of reasons forinterest, both naturalistic, with the QuadroneNature Reserve, and scientific, with the great“Croce del Nord” Telescope. The small centreof Mordano stands near the high banks of theSanterno in countryside marked by traces of the“centuriazione”, the Roman land division system.In Castel Guelfo, history reveals itself in theinteresting urban layout of the town, with themedieval historical centre surrounded by an18th-century enlargement. The Lords of theselands were the Counts of Malvezzi-Campeggi:this noble Bolognese family is also linked to thehistory of the painted borough of Dozza, domi-nated by the fortress, the Rocca, founded byCaterina Sforza, which stands in the foothillsalong the Via Emilia. On this ancient consularroad there is also Castel San Pietro Terme, builtin 1199 to defend Bologna after the Battle ofLegnano.

Buon appetitoHere at the intersection between Emilia andRomagna, the culinary delights are truly uni-que. Here you can find the best of a cuisine richin important pasta dishes, from lasagne cookedin the oven in the Bolognese tradition to cap-pelletti, garganelli and strozzapreti in the tradi-tion of Romagna. And then the grilled secondcourses, mutton, salami and ham to try withthe “piada” of Romagna, the famous, tasty flat-bread made since Roman times, a symbol ofthe conviviality and brilliance of these lands.To accompany all this, there are the localwines: Albana and Sangiovese in particular. Thetemple for wines from throughout the region isthe Regional Wine Store of Emilia-Romagna,housed in the sumptuous cellars of the for-tress, the Rocca of Dozza. The “Colli d’Imola”Wine and Flavours Route unites these landswith the territories of the Apennines in an iti-nerary of unforgettable tastes.

How to get here- The A14 Motorway, exits at Castel

San PietroTerme and Imola.- By road:

SS 9 Via Emilia in the direction of Rimini.SS 253 “San Vitale” in the direction of Ravenna.SP 48 “Castelli Guelfi” (Stradelli Guelfi)in the direction of Castel Guelfo and Mordano.

- By rail: Bologna-Rimini-Ancona lines, stations in Varignana, Castel San Pietro Terme and Imola.

- By bus: ATC www.atc.bo.it.

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Imola

Galleria del Centro Cittadino

Via Emilia, 135 - 40026 Imola (BO)


Opening times:

Monday to Friday 8.30am-1.00pm

Tuesday 3.00pm-6.00pm

Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm

Castel S.Pietro Terme

Piazza XX Settembre, 14

40024 Castel San Pietro Terme (BO)


Opening times:

Monday to Saturday 8.30am-1.30pm

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 3-6.30pm

Sundays in May, June, July, September

and December 9-12am/3-6pm

Castel Guelfo

Via del Commercio, 20/d

40023 Castel Guelfo (BO)


Opening times:

Monday 2-7.30pm

Tuesday to Friday 10am-7.30pm

Saturday and Sunday 10am-8.30pm

Tourist Information

Cycling in the Imolese plain - Photo by S.T.A.I.

176

Imola is an elegant city, lively and pleasant,even just for a weekend visit. Famous throu-ghout the world for its racetrack, Imola hasmany surprises for its visitors.

Having come into the sphere of Bologneseinfluence only with the Union of Italy, Imolahas passed all the modern period in theLegation of Romagna, which with Bolognaand Ferrara, constituted the Lombard plainside of the extensive Papal domain.

It was here that the revolt against the powerof the Church smouldered for a long time,before exploding in the great period of theRisorgimento, giving birth to the first ItalianSocialist Movement.

Imola

Imola Land of MotorsTHE ENZO AND DINO FERRARI INTERNATIONAL RACETRACKVia Fratelli Rosselli, 1 - Imola (BO)Tel. [email protected] is part of the genetic heritage of thepeople of Imola. The current circuit wasopened in 1950 and in 1970, its future wasentrusted to the image and charisma ofEnzo Ferrari. Formula 1 arrived in 1980 andsince 1981, the San Marino Grand Prix hasbeen held there. At the main entrance to thecircuit there is a notable work by the Frenchsculptor Arman, a 5-metre-tall structure inbronze composed of a collection of modelsof the famous Ferrari F40. As well as auto-mobile and motorbike races, the circuit alsohosts rallies and large-scale musical events.Visits can be booked.Info Point Terra di motoriPiazza Leonardo da Vinci - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.010483 - [email protected] during the main programmed events.

BATTILANI COLLECTIONThe Benito and Renzo Battilani Collection ofhistorical motorbikes includes numerous clas-sic motorbikes produced by both Italian andforeign companies between the beginning ofthe 20th century and 1945. Among the manyexamples, there are bikes by Harley Davidsonand Frera. There are also more recent bikes,such as the Mancini, Loris Capirossi’s firstmotorbike. Info: Via Poiano, 1/b - Imola (BO)

MOTOR SITE The passion of all Emilia-Romagna for moto-ring has led to the creation of “MotorSite -La Terra dei Motori”, giving the chance fororganized visits to the most symbolic sites ofthe Italian motoring tradition, from theGalleria Ferrari to Ducati, from the ImolaCircuit to the numerous private collections. Info: MotorSite via Scudari, 10 - ModenaTel. 059.218264 - Fax [email protected] - www.motorsite.it

A citizen of Imola, Andrea Costa, the father ofItalian Socialism, was barely twenty when hebecame the protagonist of the first anarchic-style revolts in the region, for which he paidwith periods of exile and imprisonment. Thanksin part to these experiences, Andrea Costa ela-borated his political thought, summed up in hisfamous Lettera agli amici di Romagna in 1879, inwhich he advocated abandoning subversivestruggle and presented a democratic and refor-

mist concept of Socialism. In 1892, he becamethe first Socialist to be elected to Parliament,while in 1889, Imola became the first Italian cityto have a Socialist mayor, elected thanks to analliance with the Republicans and Radicals.Mayor himself in 1895, Andrea Costa alwaysmaintained a close relationship with his city. Hedied in Imola in 1910 and his ashes are kept inthe Piratello cemetery; the epigraph is byGiovanni Pascoli, his study-mate at the Facultyof Arts in Bologna.


Science and Technique - Museums

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Today, Imola proudly preserves all the featu-res of its history and its “separateness” withregard to the administrative context of whichit is part, even though it is functionally, cultu-rally and economically linked to Bologna.

The town planning of modern Imola is stilllargely faithful to the Roman colony of Fo-rum Cornelii, founded in the 2nd century ADon the Via Emilia in honour of Lucio CornelioSilla. The streets of the Roman city were pa-ved with large slabs of volcanic rock, broughtto Imola from the hills of Euganeo by wateras far as Conselice, and then by cart alongthe Via Selice, so-called because it was pavedwith lava "selci" (cobblestones). Many stret-ches of these streets are still visible in the S.Annunziata garden.

Walking through the historical centre is theideal way to discover Imola.

The beautiful “Piazzetta dell’orologio”(Clock Square, also known as Piazza deiCaduti per la libertà) is rather like the city’ssalon, with Casa Vacchi Suzzi, the oldesthouse in Imola, overlooking it.

A few steps and you enter the great squareof the city, Piazza Matteotti, with the impo-sing Palazzo Sersanti on one side and thePalazzo Comunale (City Hall) on the other.

The Piratello“Continuing along the Via Emilia for 4 kmsyou come to the Sanctuary of the Madon-na del Piratello which has been close to thehearts of the Imolese for centuries. Piratellostands for “piradel”, which means “little pear”,that was the tree growing beside a pillar witha painting of the Madonna, in the 15th century.A certain Stefano Mangelli from Cremonastopped in the shade while on a pilgrimageto Sanctuary of Loreto. He saw a candle infront of the statue light up miraculously anda voice told him to instruct the Imolese thata shrine should be built in that place. Shortlyafterwards, work was started and it was com-pleted thanks to the goodwill of CaterinaSforza, who with her children had survivedthe siege of the fortress of Imola. Some yearslater Cesare Borgia vowed that if he tookImola without spilling blood he would con-struct a chapel in honour of the Virgin. Gran-ted this favor, he kept his promise and, so itseems, summoned Leonardo da Vinci to de-corate it with a suitable picture. Today thereremain frescoes by Guardassoni to comme-morate the miracle for the many visitors.”

Portico of the historical centre

Photo by S.T.A.I.

Palazzo Riario, later called Sersanti, is avaluable example of Renaissance architecturewith an open brickwork façade supported by14 arches with sandstone columns. GirolamoRiario, Lord of Imola and the husband of Cate-rina Sforza, commissioned the building fromGiorgio Fiorentino in 1480 with the intentionof making it his official residence. A bridgewas intended to connect it to a garden whoseentrance can be seen in the side street ViaAldrovandi at no. 29, still indicated by an ele-gant brick arch. At the end of his seigniory, theground floor was taken over for many years bythe workshops of the “garzolari” (textile-ma-kers), who kept silkworms there. Today thebuilding is private property and houses theMargotti Art Collection which, together withthe council rooms on the first floor, can bevisited with a prior appointment.

The Palazzo Comunale (City Hall), althoughoriginally medieval, nowadays has an elegant18th-century appearance, due to the work ofAlfonso Torreggiani and Cosimo Morelli. Itsmain feature is the Appartamento del Magi-strato: three rooms decorated with frescoes bythe artists Giacomo Zampa from Forlì andAlessandro Della Nave from Imola. The roomscontain beautiful 18-19th century furniture andare worth visiting, with a prior appointment.

History and Culture

Renzo Renzi

178

Perhaps the oldest church in Imola is SantaMaria in Regola, constructed in the 7th centu-ry on the site of a previous sacred building. ABenedictine monastery until the 9th century, itwas then altered in the course of the follo-wing centuries. Among the most noteworthyancient elements, there are the Byzantinealtar, the sarcophagus of San Sigismondo (1372)and the Romanesque 12th-century bell-tower,visible from the adjacent Vicolo Laderchi. Thefaçade and interior are the result of 18th-centu-ry re-elaboration, the work of the architectCosimo Morelli. Adjoining the church, thereare the monumental cloisters of the ex-Con-vent of the Olivetani.

In Piazza Duomo, there is the Cathedral of SanCassiano, the city’s first Christian martyr.Originally built in the 12th century, the Cathe-dral was completely renovated between the18th and 19th centuries, based on the designs ofCosimo Morelli. The 15th-century bell tower isnoteworthy. Inside there is a 15th-century woo-den Crucifix. The tombstone of GirolamoRiario is still visible, as his widow, CaterinaSforza, wished him to be buried in the Cathe-dral. The adjacent Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop’sPalace) houses the Museo Diocesano (Museumof the Diocese), with a collection of paintingsand sacred relics.

The Palazzo Vescovile houses a collectionof paintings from the 14th to the 19th centu-ry (of particular note the works by Inno-cenzo da Imola, Bartolomeo Vivarini andthe Veneziano, as well as other local andFlemish works), important illustrated co-dices from Bologna and Ferrara from the13th and 14th centuries, sculptures, sacredornaments and medals.MUSEO E PINACOTECA DIOCESANI(MUSEUM AND GALLERY OF THE DIOCESE)Palazzo VescovileP.zza Duomo, 1 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.24156 - Fax [email protected] times: Tuesday and Thursday9.30-12am and 2.30-5pm; other days byappointment. Free entrance.

The Hospital PharmacyThe building was inaugurated in 1794 and isstill largely intact as regards relics anddecorations, a fascinating example of an18th-century pharmacy. Of particular noteare the 457 antique majolica vases, made inImola, with the names of the medicineswritten on scrolls, displayed in carvedwooden cabinets. The decorated vault isthe work of the painters Angelo Gottarelliand Alessandro della Nave, who were alsogreatly involved in the decoration of thecity’s most beautiful buildings in thesecond half of the 18th century. The fresco-es celebrate the virtues of Medicine andthe regenerative force of Nature. Theupper reaches of the background walls aredecorated by six terracotta statues paintedwith tempera, made in Faenza. The phar-macy is still functioning and can be visitedin its opening hours.

Museums

Hospital Pharmacy

Photo by S.T.A.I.

History and Culture

Palazzo Sassatelli, a short distance from theDuomo in Via Emilia 69, was the residence ofthe Alidosi family, who were also the lords ofthe antique Rocca (Fortress) of Imola and thecastle in Castel del Rio, which can still be visi-ted today. Also in Via Emilia at no 95, there isthe Farmacia dell’Ospedale with surprising 18th-century interiors.

At the number 95, there are the Hospital Phar-macy with his insides of the 18th-century.

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“G. Scarabelli” Civic Art Gallery and Archaeological MuseumThe Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) has a collec-tion of works mainly from Bolognese cir-cles, from the 15th to the 20th century. Nextto Innocenzo da Imola, Lavinia Fontana,Cesi, Sammachini, Ubaldo Gandolfi and Via-ni, there are contemporary artists such asMorandi, de Pisis, Castrati and Guttuso. Thearchaeological section displays objectsfound in the surrounding territory by thecelebrated local scientist Giuseppe Scara-belli. Educational and restoration wor-kshops are organized.

MUSEUM OF SAN DOMENICOEx Convento di San DomenicoVia Sacchi, 4 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.602609 - Fax [email protected] times: Saturday and Sunday 4-7pm. Tourists, students and groups canalso visit from Monday to Friday 9-12am,booking by telephone (0542.602609) orcoming directly to the Museum (if thedoor is closed, there is a doorbell).Tickets: full price € 3; reductions € 2; freeto students; combined tickets - € 4 forthe Rocca Sforzesca and Palazzo Tozzoni,€ 5 for the Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Toz-zoni and Museum of S. Domenico.

Museums

Innocenzo da Imola A precise interpreter of the best Raphael'sManiera style, Innocenzo da Imola earnedthe name of “Raffaello of Romagna”. He wasthe son of a jeweller and thanks to a coun-cil grant, as apprentice to Francesco Francia,the greatest representative of the Bolo-gnese Renaissance. The painting preservedin the Pinacoteca Comunale (City ArtGallery) dates back to 1515, and is said tohave been painted as a sign of gratitude forthe grant he had been given: in fact, thepainting shows the Patron Saints of Imola,with San Cassiano holding the city in hishands (in the picture). In 1517, he returned toBologna, where he became the painter forthe major religious orders and the mostimportant families. His student wasProspero Fontana, a painter in the lateBolognese style, whose daughter, Lavinia,having settled in Imola, created importantworks in the city. Among which of particu-lar note is the large altar piece for the cha-pel in the Palazzo Comunale (City Hall),showing the Patron Saints of Imola wor-shipping the Madonna. This is now part ofthe Pinacoteca Comunale’s collection.


MUSEUM OF THE CERAMIC COOPERATIVE OF IMOLAVia Vittorio Veneto, 13 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.601601 - Fax 0542.601534www.imolaceramica.itThe history of the “Cooperativa Ceramicadi Imola”, active since 1874, is illustrated inthree sections, dedicated to the evolutionof the decorations produced by the com-pany’s Artistic Section, to the ceramicartists who influenced the typology of arti-stic and industrial production, and finally tothe works created here by contemporaryartists such as Pomodoro, Hsiao Chin, Baj,Del Pezzo, Pericoli and Tilson.Opening times: Monday 3-7pm; tuesday toFriday 8.30am-7pm; Saturday 8.30-12.30amFree entrance.

Museums

The ex-Convents of the Dominican and Fran-ciscan monastic orders have today becometwo important centres of art and culture.

The Church and Convent of San Domenicodate back to the 13th century. In the church,the Martirio di Sant’Orsola by Ludovico Car-racci is particularly noteworthy, while theex-Convent houses a museum.

Madonna on the throne between Saint Cassiano

and Saint Pier Crisologo by Innocenzo da Imola

Photo by Provincia di Bologna

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Ebe Stignani“The last great Italian mezzo-soprano in themost classical sense of the term”, Ebe Stignaniwas perhaps the greatest mezzo-soprano ofthe first half of the 20th century. Born in Naplesto a family from Romagna, she qualified in pia-noforte and singing at the Conservatory of S.Pietro in Majella, and made her début at the S.Carlo Theatre in 1925. Immediately attractingattention for her splendid voice, she receivedtriumph and honours in theatres all over the

world. A leading star in a memorable periodfor Opera, she sang with the greatest of hertime, from Mario Del Monaco to Maria Callas.Gifted with a vocal extension of over twooctaves, with perfect tone and dazzling clarityon high notes, she soon distanced herself fromfacile realist singing effects, confident in herperfect technique and classical pitch. Havingmoved to Imola, in 1957, at fifty years of age,she retired from the stage. In tribute to its illu-strious citizen, Imola named its CommunalTheatre after her on the 20th December 1977.


In 1810, a group of wealthy people in Imolabought the ex-Church of S. Francesco toturn it into the city’s new theatre, inaugura-ted in August 1812, on the occasion of thecity fair. Three years later, Pope Pious VIIordered it to be closed due to incompatibi-lity between its theatrical activities and itsprevious function as a place of worship. Itwas only in 1831 that Pope Gregory XVI allo-wed it to reopen, on condition that any refe-rence to the pre-existent church be remo-ved from the façade. Its modern appearanceis the result of restoration work in the mid-19th century: as well as the façade, the cei-ling was decorated with the Muses in a fre-sco by the Iconic painter Paolo Sarti, whilealong the sides and the rear of the building,architectural elements of the original reli-gious structure are still recognisable. Inaugu-rated once more in 1855 with a performanceof Verdi’s Macbeth, the theatre started a re-gular programme, alternating opera andprose works: at the turn of the 20th century,Ermete Zacconi performed there regularlyand later the Ermete Novelli Company. Clo-sed during the Fascist period, the theatrereopened its doors in 1974 with a show bythe Antonio Gadès Dance Company.

The ex-convent of San Francesco housesan antique library containing, as well asmanuscripts and early prints, a Hebrew bibleand a Latin Book of Psalms with miniatures ingold, both from the 13th century. Within theFranciscan complex, there is also the Com-munal Theatre.

The Ebe Stignani Communal Theatre

Leonardo da Vinci e ImolaLeonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance genius,was also a great military architect. It was inthis role that he came to Imola in 1502, on theinvitation of Cesare Borgia, Lord of Romagnafrom 1499 to 1503. Leonardo studied the for-tress, as shown by the sketches now kept inthe Royal Library at Windsor, with the aim ofstrengthening the defensive structure, planswhich were however never carried out. Healso drew the famous map of Imola now inthe Royal collection of Windsor, the firstsuch zenithal projection and the oldest exi-sting city map.

Culture and Famous Names Map by Leonardo da Vinci


Stignani Theatre

Photo by S.T.A.I.

181

Caterina Sforza, the great lady of RomagnaCaterina Sforza, Lady of Imola and Forlì,was one of the most representative cha-racters of the Italian Renaissance. Fromthe lineage of the Dukes of Milan, Cateri-na brought the family name of Sforzaback to Romagna, where the dynasty hadstarted with the soldier-of-fortune MuzioAttendolo di Cotignola, called “Sforza”.Once, in a rebellion during which herhusband, Girolamo Riario, was killed,Caterina, seven months pregnant, turnedthe cannons on the rebels, thus quellingthe revolt and gaining the regency of theSeigniory. After a secret second marriage,in a third marriage she married Giovannide’ Medici and had a son, Giovanni dalleBande Nere, a legendary cavalier of fortu-ne who inspired the director ErmannoOlmi for his film Il mestiere delle armi,winner of 9 “David di Donatello” Awardsin 2001. Caterina’s seigniory ended in 1499,when Cesare Borgia, called “Il Valentino”,son of Pope Alexander VI and brother ofLucrezia Borgia, besieged Imola in anattempt to create a genuine dukedom inRomagna. Rather than fleeing, Caterinaput up fierce resistance, leading herdefenders personally. Taken prisoner byCesare Borgia and then freed in 1501, shespent her last years in Florence with herson Giovanni, without ever giving up herattempts to re-conquer the Seigniory. Shedied on the 28th May, 1509. Caterina Sforzawas a highly important figure in the socie-ty of her time, the perfect example of astrong-willed, independent Renaissancewoman. A truly eclectic character, shewas also an expert in herbal alchemy,about which she wrote a treatise.


The Museum has a rich collection of medie-val and defensive weapons and firearmsfrom the 12th to the 20th century, and a nota-ble collection of antique and Renaissancemajolica ceramics found during rebuildingwork on the fortress. There are guided visits,educational activities and workshops forschools, and restoration workshops.ROCCA SFORZESCAP.zza Giovanni dalle Bande Nere 40026 Imola (BO) - Tel. [email protected] hours: in winter (16/9-30/4):Saturday 9-12am and 2.30-6.30pm, Sunday2.30-6.30pm; in summer (1/5-15/9): Saturday9-12 am and 3-7pm, Sunday 3-7pm. Tourists,students and groups can also enter fromMonday to Friday 9-12am, booking by tele-phone (0542.602609) or coming directly tothe Museum (if the gate is closed, there is adoorbell).Tickets: full price € 3; reductions € 2; freeto students; combined tickets - € 4 for theRocca Sforzesca and Palazzo Tozzoni, € 5for the Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Tozzoniand Museum of S. Domenico.

Rocca Sforzesca - Photo by Comune di Imola

A splendid example of fortified architecture,the Rocca Sforzesca was built in the 13th cen-tury as a defensive rampart on the side of thecity facing Bologna. Modified at the end ofthe 15th century on the basis of plans by theSforza family engineer Danesio Manieri, thefortress maintained its military function.Constantly guarded by a garrison of soldiersunder the command of a captain, it was partof a complex territorial defence system crea-ted in the historical context of the struggle forpower between the Guelphs and Ghibellines,which took place throughout Romagna fromthe 13th century onwards. Worth visiting for itscollections of weapons and ceramics, or evenjust for the wonderful view of the city fromthe towers, it also hosts events and shows inits internal courtyard in the summer months.

Museums

The history of the fortress in the Renaissance islinked to that of three great characters: CaterinaSforza, Cesare Borgia and Leonardo da Vinci.

Not far from the Rocca, the 18th-century Pa-

lazzo Tozzoni on its own makes a visit tothe city worthwhile. This extraordinary buil-ding, a particularly rare example of a nobleresidence, has been perfectly preserved,down to the furniture and relics.Before leaving the historical centre of Imola,it is also worth visiting the Osservanza,which includes the Church of San Michele,

the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine delleGrazie and the Convent of the Osservanza.The 15th-century Church of San Michele waslater embellished with two beautiful cloi-sters. Outside the church, under the 16th-cen-tury portico, there is still the funeral monu-ment dedicated to Bianca Landriani,Caterina Sforza’s sister. In the small chapel inthe adjacent garden, there is a splendid ter-racotta Pieta from the late-15th century. Thegroup, known as “I Piagnoni”, is composed ofseven life-size statues. In the surroundinggreen area, there used to be one of the mostimportant mental asylums in Italy, one ofwhose inmates was the Bohemian poet DinoCampana, a student at Bologna University.Today the whole complex is the subject of alarge-scale urban improvement project.

Donated to the City by the last Tozzonifamily heir, the building is a precious,complete witness to the life of an aristo-cratic family: an important gallery (16th-19th

century), objects of applied art, furnishingand family mementos, a rich library, theservants’ quarters with utensils and orna-ments, the cellars with tools and instru-ments for wine production and workingthe land. PALAZZO TOZZONI

Via Garibaldi, 18 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542-35856

[email protected]

Opening times: in winter (16/9-30/4):Saturday 9-12am and 2.30-6.30pm, Sunday2.30-6.30pm; in summer (1/5-15/9): Satur-day 9-12am and 3.15-7.15pm, Sunday 3.15-7.15pm. Tourists, students and groups canalso enter from Monday to Friday 9-12am,booking by telephone (0542.602609).Tickets: full price € 3; reductions € 2; freeto students; combined tickets - € 4 forthe Rocca Sforzesca and Palazzo Tozzoni,€ 5 for the Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Toz-zoni and Museum of S. Domenico.

Housed in the 15th-century Casa Gandolfi,the museum documents the events thathappened in the territory of Imola in theperiod between Fascist rule and the crea-tion of the Constitution of the Republicthrough posters, leaflets, models, relics,medals and objects of war, with particularattention to the local Resistance. Thereare guided visits, conferences, courses,educational activities and workshops forschools, a conference hall and a library.MUSEUM OF THE RESISTANCE AND

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY - C.I.D.R.A.

Via dei Mille, 26 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. e Fax 0542.24422

www.cidra.it - [email protected]

Opening times: Tuesday, Thursday andSaturday 9.30-12am and 3-5.30pm. Free entrance.

Museums

Museums

Palazzo Tozzoni


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A “Wine City” and the food and wine capitalof Romagna, Imola dedicates truly uniqueevents to food: first of all, the “Baccanale”,when the city turns into a giant stage onwhich historians, chefs, gastronomists, artistsand producers alternate their presentations.

The green heart of Imola is the Parco delleacque minerali, which takes its name from aspring of sulphurous mineral water. Then, inthe foothills surrounding the city, there isParco Tozzoni, and a wood, the Bosco dellaFrattona, an authentic natural sanctuary.

Zoo AquariumVia Aspromonte 19 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. e Fax 0542.24180 - www.zooacquario.itThe Zoo Aquarium offers visitors a fasci-nating journey among invertebrates, rarefish, marine plants and reptiles, presentedin their natural environment, scientificallyreproduced to give the maximum effect.The centre also promotes an intenseinformation programme, including thema-tic lessons of an educational nature, con-ferences with experts in the field andcourses for lovers of aquariums.Opening times: in winter (1/10-31/05)from Tuesday to Saturday 9-12am and3.30-7pm, Sunday 9.30-12am and 3.30-7pm;in summer (1/06-30/09) from Tuesday toSaturday 9-12am and 3.30-7pm, Sunday 9.30-12am and 4-7pm.Closed on Monday, Sundays in July and forthree weeks in August.Tickets: full price € 6, reductions € 4.70

Astronomical Observatory Via Comezzano 21 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. 0542.684335 - [email protected] observatory is about 4 kms fromImola at a height of 250 metres above sealevel, and is run by the Associazione As-trofili Imolesi, who have elaborated itover the years. Under the glass dome to-wers a Newton-Cassegrain telescope witha 4.5-metre diameter, a 410-millimetre pri-mary mirror equipped with a 150-millime-tre refractor. The telescope and all theaccompanying technical instruments areused in various public events throughoutthe year, dedicated to the observation ofthe moon, planets and other heavenlybodies.Opening times: in the evening, on occa-sion of events organized by the Associa-zione Astrofili Imolesi.Tickets: free entrance (booking is necessary)

The “Bosco della Frattona” Nature Reserve The first range of foo-thills, nowadays in order-ly geometric fields ofgrain and fallow, alterna-ted with orchards, wasonce covered with extensi-ve woods. A splendid witness to that pastis the Bosco della Frattona, on the slopesbetween Imola and Dozza, along the RiverCorrecchio. The wood covers almost allthe reserve like a giant mosaic. Dependingon the exposure to the sun, the characte-ristics of the soil and the humidity, youcan find a myriad of different types ofvegetation. The southern band stretchesalong a sunlit plain, which shows off itsbest colours in autumn. Descending downthe slopes towards the river, the woodbecomes shady and cooler, carpeted withdark green areas of holly. Oaks dominate,but it is the undergrowth which holds thegreatest surprises: by the end of January,snowdrops are already appearing, then pri-mulas slowly arrive, as well as dandelions,wood anemones and violets. The bloo-ming continues at a swift pace and for afew weeks, the undergrowth becomes amulticoloured carpet. The wood is alsohome to numerous animal species: themost common and the easiest to spot isundoubtedly the squirrel. In the park, youcan also find the so-called “sabbie diImola” (Imola sands), what remains of thebeaches on the shoreline of a sea thatmore than a million years ago covered thewhole plain of Lombardy and licked at thefoothills of the Apennines.

CEA Centro Visita e documentazione ambientaleComplesso Sante ZennaroVia Pirandello, 12 - 40026 Imola (BO)Tel. e Fax 0542.628795bosco.frattona@comune.imola.bo.itwww.comune.imola.bo.it/boscofrattona

Nature

Science and Technique


Fantaveicoli, Procession-competition of extravagant ecological means of locomotion:Carnival SundaySagra dei maccheroni di Ponticelli (Macaroni Festival): first Sunday of LentLom a merz (“Light in March”): second or third Saturday of MarchImola in Musica, Music Festival in the streets, squares and buildings of the historical centre:at the beginning of JuneImola di Mercoledì, Thematic market and evening opening of shops in the historical centre:four Wednesday evenings from the end of June to mid-JulyCrossover Jazz Festival, Rocca Sforzesca: at the beginning of JulyEmilia Romagna Festival, prestigious classical music artists: from July to SeptemberFestival Internazionale da Bach a Bartòk: August and SeptemberFestival Internazionale del Folklore: last Saturday of JulyFesta del Contadino e Palio dei Pigiatori di Sasso Morelli: first weekend of SeptemberLa Città dell’Artigianato e Sfujareia, exhibitions, market-stalls, animation in the streets ofthe historical centre and traditional festival of the “sfogliare” (corn-on-the-cob): secondSaturday of SeptemberMostra-scambio di auto e moto d’epoca CRAME, Vintage cars and motorbikes marketshow, Autodromo Dino e Enzo Ferrari: third weekend of SeptemberFesta della Tagliatella di Ponticelli: second and third weekend of SeptemberSuperBike, international motorbike racing, Autodromo Dino e Enzo Ferrari: SeptemberSagre di Zello, - feast of the watermelon: second last weekend of July;- grapes: third weekend of September;- polenta and chestnuts: second weekend of OctoberTre Monti, international walking race, Autodromo Dino e Enzo Ferrari: third Sunday of OctoberBaccanale, cultural festival on a wine and gastronomic theme in various places in the historical centre: exhibitions, tastings, events: three weekends in the first halfof November (for two weeks)Corto Imola Festival, international festival of short films: late November/early December

Events

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International Festival of Folklore - Photo by S.T.A.I.

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Setting off into the lowlands of Imola, wecome to Mordano, the ancient Moretano.

The entrance to the historical centre is markedby two lovely battlemented towers, with thefaçade of the Church of S. Eustachio in thebackground.

The Communal Theatre is also worth noting.

Starting with the Roman “centuriazione”(page 104), of which there are still clear tra-ces in the orthogonal structure of the net-work of streets, the great land reclamationworks of the Lowlands of Romagna becameidentified in the last century with the epicfigures of the “scariolanti”. Halfway betweenMordano and the Selice provincial road,there is the hamlet of Bubano, where in the13th century, Benedictine monks erected for-tifications to protect the property of theChurch of Santa Maria in Regola. Of the ori-ginal fortifications, later transformed into agenuine fort which passed from one Lord toanother, there are no longer any traces. Inthe hamlet, it is worth noting the Canale deiMolini (Mill Canal), the oldest still-workingmanmade object in the area, perhaps datingback to the 8th century. The canal took waterfrom the Codrignano dam and then rejoinedthe Santerno just after Bubano. Having lostits original function of providing energy forthe mills, it is now a filling channel for waterfrom the Santerno and feeds importantwater purification plants.

The most ancient religious site in the territo-ry is the Chaplaincy of San Francesco.Already existent under a different name be-fore the year 1000, in January 1177 it hostedFederico Barbarossa for a few days. Havingfallen into disuse, perhaps as a result of floo-ding, it was rebuilt from 1478 onwards byFranciscan Friars. Precious from an architectu-ral point of view, it has an arcade facing east.

The writer Carlo Lucarelli lives in Mordano,whose pen gave birth to the police commis-sioner De Luca, main character of the TV se-rial filmed in the countryside of the Bolo-gnese lowlands.

Mordano

The Communal Theatre of Mordano is asmall late-19th-century theatre, on the firstfloor of an old building next to the ex-municipal residency. According to a docu-ment dated October 1893, it appears therewas a local theatrical company in Mor-dano, who probably had exclusive use ofthe theatre, which still basically has itsoriginal appearance, characterized bywooden balconies with wrought-iron rai-lings. It was re-inaugurated on the 16th

March 1985, since when there have beenregular programmes of plays. It is alsohired out for evenings of dance.

Carnival: MarchAgricultural-Industrial-Craftwork Fair:late May-early JunePalio del Torrione (Tower Race): JuneFestival of Sant’Antonio Abate: 1st Sundayof AugustRock a tutta birra: September

MARKET DAY: Monday

Events

Tower Race

Photo by Comune di Mordano

Between rows of vines and peach-trees, in flo-rid countryside looked after like a garden, youcan come across numerous precious buildingsin the typical architectural style of ruralRomagna: smaller than those in Emilia, theymostly consist of a single building in whichthere is the farmer’s house, stables and hayloft.

Next to the town, the banks of the Santernostand imposingly in memory of the hard workof land reclamation carried out in these lands.

Communal Theatre

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Castel Guelfo is a typical plainland fortifiedborough, which has kept its late-medievalperiod structure intact, enriched by an origi-nal 18th-century extension project.

Given to the Church by the Canossa dynasty,the castle was then passed on to the Mal-vezzi, who in the 15th century, turned it into asmall city-state to control the borders of theBolognese territories along the River Sillaro.

Its imposing walls, four corner towers andfort frame the streets, churches and buil-dings of its elegant historical centre. Of par-ticular interest are Palazzo Malvezzi-Her-colani, today the town hall, with its lovelycourtyard and twin orders of porticoes,Palazzo del Podestà, with its mix of medievaland Renaissance styles, and the Church ofthe Sacred Heart, designed between 1799and 1802 by Angelo Venturoli.

Castel Guelfo

The “Passatore” (Ferryman)Stefano Pelloni, known as the “Passatore”,was a brigand active in Romagna in themid-19th century. This nickname came fromhis job as a ferryman on the River Lamone,which brought him into contact withnumerous smugglers, thieves and banditspassing through these lands, who introdu-ced him into the “profession” for which hewas to become famous. Having organized aband, he was active for several yearsaround Ravenna, Bologna and Ferrara,without disdaining the occasional incur-sion over the Apennines. The typical traitof his band was occupying entire villages,with the aim of plundering the richest citi-zens’ houses. In 1851, at only twenty-sevenyears of age, he was betrayed by one of hismen and killed by the pontifical gendarme-rie near Russi (RA). His deeds immediatelyinspired popular imagination, making himthe Robin Hood of Romagna. Not evenGiovanni Pascoli could remain indifferentto the legend, so much so that in his poem“Romagna” he recalled this legendary figu-re, defining him “il Passator Cortese” (TheCourteous Ferryman). An oddity: accordingto some sources, the Ferryman is an ance-stor of Raffaella Carrà (a television star),whose real surname is in fact Pelloni.


View of the Campanazzo

Photo by Comune di Castel Guelfo

The defensive system of the castle had anarchitectural organization in which everyelement had a specific function: each towerwas in command of the walls below, orrather, as well as defending them, it couldattack them if they were taken by theenemy. Following the same logic, the fortwas in command of the towers. Transformedinto a town gate between the 18th and 19th

centuries, the fort has now become theclock-tower, called the “campanazzo”.

The fortifications managed to protect thetown’s population for centuries and up untilthe end of the 18th century, its gates wereclosed every evening: a precaution whichshould also have been maintained in themid-19th century, when Castel Guelfo wasraided by the famous brigand StefanoPelloni, known as the “Passatore” (Ferryman).

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In front of the castle, there is the Borgo, an18th-century quarter with a particularly sce-nic atmosphere. Built outside the ancientwalls by the Malvezzi Seigniory on a designby the Bolognese architect Luigi Casoli, theBorgo is based around a triangular square,with the base towards the castle and thesides decorated by long porticoes.

In the area of Poggio Piccolo stands “CastelGuelfo Outlet City”, a genuine shoppingcity, with a precinct of shops, small squares,restaurants, cafés and a children’s play-ground. Inside there is an information pointfor tourists.Info: Tel. [email protected]

At the entrance to the Borgo stands theSanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of thePioppa, built between 1490 and 1500. Thebuilding originally had a Greek cross-shapedplan, today missing the arm on the entranceside. This compositional anomaly is theresult of rebuilding in 1763 following thecreation of the Borgo, when it was decidedto withdraw the façade of the church toavoid altering the perspective of the square.

Festival of Sant’Agnese: JanuaryWine and Doughnut Festival: end of June

MARKET DAY: Friday

Events

Castel Guelfo at the time of Malvezzi

Photo by Comune di Castel Guelfo

Castel Guelfo Outlet City - Private archive

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Medicina is situated in the heart of theplains between Imola and Bologna on theancient Via Salaria, today the San Vitale. Itwas the birthplace of Pier da Medicina, whoDante put in Inferno among the sowers ofdiscord (28th canto), engraved on a plaqueof the 16th-century Clock Tower.

The strange name of the town is linked to alegend which tells how Federico Barbarossa,who refounded the city in 1155, was cured ofhis ailments here thanks to the medicinalqualities of a snake which he was servedcooked in broth. In fact, the name dates backto ancient times, meaning “place wherecures are practised”.

The architecture of Medicina developedmainly in the 17th century around a quadrilate-ral urban nucleus, which was enclosed bywalls until 1789. In the historical centre, a visitmust be paid to the imposing 18th-centuryChurch of San Mamante, with its beautifulbell-tower by Dotti, and to the Church of OurLady of the Assumption, by Torreggiani (1753).

The 16th-century Palazzo della Comunità istoday the Public Library and Municipal Mu-seum, rich in evidence of the history and cul-ture of the territory.

Medicina

O thou! Guiltless,Who on the Latian ground hast met me,

save resemblance lead astray,remember Pier da Medicina

if you ever return to see the gentle plainwhich slopes down from

Vercelli to Marcabò.

BARBAROSSA,a great celebration in history, legend and poetry The memory of the sovereign refounderof Medicina has changed over time withsome imagination into a lovely legendand the fascinating fable has becomepoetic verses engraved in marble underthe austere face of Barbarossa in the faça-de of Palazzo della Comunità:Oh voyager, behold this beautiful story;

Here a serpent’s merciful aidTo Federico Barbarossa gave life

Which slopes down from Vercelli toMarcabò.

History, legend and imagination havealways been the components of theextraordinary collective creativity whichenlivens the great festival dedicated toBarbarossa every September.

Events

The Onions of Medicina IGPA proclamation, dating back to 1618, fixesthe prices for the various sizes of theonion of Medicina, a type of goldenonion in widespread use since the MiddleAges. The onions of Medicina are used forthe famous Bolognese “friggione”, a suc-culent sauce of onion and tomato, andthe renowned red onion marmalade ofMedicina. The cultivation zone includesthe territories of Medicina, Castel Guelfo,Castel San Pietro Terme, Ozzano dell’Emi-lia, Dozza and Imola.

Gastronomy and Wine

Barbarossa Festival

Photo by S.T.A.I. - Sfefano Calamelli

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Other notable elements of the historicalcentre are the ex-Church of the Suffrage, inthe main square, and the monumental com-plex of the Carmine, a masterpiece of Bo-lognese baroque architecture, on the mainstreet with its tall octagonal dome. Alongthe portico of Via Cavallotti, there is thesmall Church of Santa Maria della Salute,designed by Ferdinando Bibiena.

Also worth noting, in Via Saffi, is the “Por-ticone” by Venturoli and in the background,the Church of the Osservanza.

The Municipal Museum documents thehistory of the territory and local community.The archaeological section contains relicsfrom the Iron and Bronze Ages, and theRoman and High-Medieval periods. Two sec-tions of art and architecture display devotio-nal works and evidence of the intense archi-tectural and artistic development of the cityin the 12th and 13th centuries, documentedthrough the history of the churches and buil-dings, the work of the main Bolognese archi-tects of the period: Giuseppe Antonio Torri,Alfonso Torreggiani, Giuseppe Antonio Am-brosi, Ferdinando Bibiena and Carlo FrancescoDotti. There are designs and projects by thetwo greatest architects of Medicina, AngeloVenturoli and Francesco Saverio Fabri as well

as interesting recreations of a lute-makingworkshop and an ancient pharmacy, next tothe antique mechanism of the clock from theCivic Tower and works by the maestro AldoBorgonzoni, who was also responsible for thefrieze in the upper chamber of the TradeUnion building.

MUSEO CIVICO (CIVIL MUSEUM)Palazzo della Comunità Via Pillio, 1 40059 Medicina (BO)tel. 051.6970356 - Fax [email protected] times: the first Saturday and Sundayof each month (except July and August), 3-6pm; also open for local festivals. Tickets: fullprice € 2.60, reductions € 1.60 for studentsand over-65s, free for under-14s.

Museums

View of the historical centre

Photo by Comune di Medicina

Municipal Museum, laboratory of Lutemaking


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Tradition attributes Matilde of Canossa withintroducing into the area the “Partecipanza”,the subdivision of land among the local fami-lies and the right to pass the property downto male descendents. In the hamlet of VillaFontana, the Palazzo della Partecipanza (18-19th centuries) is decorated with a doubleexternal staircase leading to the first floor. Inside, there is the precious archive of thePartecipanza and the Community of VillaFontana, and in the Chamber of the Board, alate-16th-century painting of Santa Lucia, thepatron saint of the two institutions. (Info: Tel. 051.853807).

The PartecipanzaThe Partecipanza consisted of the imperialor ecclesiastical concession of land to acommunity in exchange for land improve-ments. Its origins lie in the medieval institu-tion of perpetual lease and was introducedin response to hydraulic problems whichcould not be resolved by individuals. It was perhaps the first example of collecti-ve action in a land which, centuries later,would make cooperation one of its strongpoints. It still survives in Nonantola (Mo),Sant’Agata Bolognese, San Giovanni inPersiceto, Pieve di Cento, Cento (FE) andVilla Fontana di Medicina, and continues tofunction as a territorial and environmentalregulatory body. The oldest is in Nonantola,while the most prosperous is in SanGiovanni in Persiceto, thanks to the richhorticultural lands of Decima where the IGPMelons and Watermelons are cultivated:2400 hectares assigned rotationally to theparticipants according to a draw of lots.

History and Culture

Partecipanza of Villa Fontana


In the film Deserto Rosso by Michelangelo An-tonioni, Monica Vitti, in the role of an astrono-mer, talks of “an antenna to listen to the sound ofthe stars”. The scene takes place at the “Croce delNord” Radio-Telescope of Medicina, the mostpowerful Italian radio-astronomical complex,situated in the area of Fiorentina. Guided visitsreally do let you listen to the voices of the starsand discover the secrets of radio-telescopes.

Having the “Croce del Nord” Radio-Telescopein its territory, as well as the research centresof the CNR, being the birthplace of GiuseppeBiagi (the wireless operator of the Nobileexpedition to the North Pole), having as itscitizens Loris Prantoni (twice at the South Poleat the Terranova research station, where heplanted the coat-of-arms of Medicina), havingas honorary citizen the Nobel Prize-winnerRita Levi Montalcini, have all led to Medicinabeing given the title “Cities of Science”.

The “Croce del Nord”: the voice of the starsVia della Fiorentina, 3560 - Medicina (BO)Tel. 051.6399405 - 333.1999845Fax. 051.6399431www.centrovisite.ira.inaf.itThe “Croce del Nord” is the largest existing“transit instrument”, conceived for thesystematic exploration of the skies insearch of radio-sources. In operation since1964, it has two arms in a T-shape, adjusta-ble along a north-south axis, so that thesources can be observed as they travelalong a meridian, due to the effect of theearth’s rotation. The large surface of thereceiving mirror and the low observationfrequency make the “Croce del Nord” ahighly interesting instrument for studyingpulsars and in particular high-speed pul-sars. Next to the telescope, there is theVLBI parabolic antenna, inaugurated in 1983:it can be totally orientated, and so can pickout and follow any object in the skies.Opening times: guided visits only withprior booking, for schools on Wednesdayand Friday, for groups of at least 15 peopleon Saturday afternoon, for everyone onSunday afternoon.Duration: 2 hours. There are special visitson occasion of “Col favore del buio”, an ini-tiative promoted by the Province ofBologna. Tickets: € 2.


Croce del Nord - Photo by S.T.A.I.

Paths, both for cyclists and walkers, connectthe historical centre and the river area of theMedicina Canal.

The Quadrone Nature ReserveVia Portonovo, 890 - Buda - Medicina (BO).The “Cassa del Quadrone” Nature Reserve isa small wet zone to the north-east ofMedicina, near the hamlet of Buda. There isa visitors’ centre, observation points and anorganised itinerary. It extends over about 40hectares and includes a cultivated belt withvarious ponds and a hydrophilic wood. Itsimportance is due to its notable biologicaldiversity and the fact that it is a resting placeand nesting site for a rich selection of birds.Various initiatives, festivals and workshopsare organised for adults and children.Info: La.C.Me - Tel. 051.851155Fax 051.6982396 - www.lacme.it.

The Fracassata ValleyAn ancient reservoir for the zone’s rice pad-dies, in active use until the mid-20th century,now a bird repopulation zone. It includes abird and fauna enterprise and one for fishproduction, with an area of lakes for fishing,and a restaurant. The water of the Fracas-sata Valley comes from the nearby Medi-cina Canal, originally used to power millsand feed the moat which once surroundedthe castle walls.

The farm-tourism route of the Medicinawet zones is a unique itinerary leading visi-tors to places that can be reached both onfoot and by mountain bike (and some bymotorized means), all extremely interestingfor various aspects:

- naturalistic, with the “Quadrone” NatureReserve and the reclaimed “Vallona” area,rich in plants, birds and other animals in an uncontaminated environment;

- historical, with the ancient Church of Buda and further north, the Oratories of Santa Lucia and of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca;

- scientific, with the “Croce del Nord” Radio-Telescope and its Visitors’ Centre at the “Aia Cavicchio” enterprise;

- gastronomical, at the “Aia Cavicchio” and “Oasi del Quadrone” enterprises of the La.C.Me Cooperative, and the “Murello” farm tourism organisation.

For the complete itinerary:www.comune.medicina.bo.it,link: ambiente.

Medicina Carnival: FebruarySpring Festival, allegorical procession:the 1st Sunday after the 21st MarchCantamaggio: late April - early MayMagazzino Verde, in the “Parco delle Mon-dine”, theatrical events: MayThe “Medicipolla” Ancient Fair of Medicina: JulyTwinning Festival: - Caursa dal Dòg e Trî

(“The Twelve-forty-five Race”), a challenge between the 5 castles of Medicina, Castel San Pietro Terme, Dozza, Castel Guelfo and Mordano to winthe Palio (a silk banner): the night betweenFriday and Saturday of the 3rd weekend of September.

- Historical Recreation of Barbarossa (3rd weekend of September) www.ilbarbarossa.net

Autumn Festival “Venite a quel paese”:October

PortonovoLòmm a Mèrz (Lights in March): February

Villa FontanaPartecipante Festival c/o tenuta Vallona:July

MARKET DAY: Thursday

Events

Nature

Nature

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The Spas of Castel San PietroTerme di Castel San Pietro S.p.a.Viale Terme, 1113Castel San Pietro Terme (BO) Tel. 800213540www.termedi-castelsanpie-tro.itCastel San Pietromakes the mostof the geologi-cal wealth of this zone. The thermal waterssurfacing here belong to the great geologi-cal basin which extends below all the nor-thern Apennines: in fact, as well as a groupof iodine-salt springs, there are sulphurousand ferruginous springs and pseudo-volca-nic formations, the “Salse del Dragone”,used for their mud. A spa centre famoussince antiquity, its curative springs werealready known in the 14th century for theirtherapeutic properties. The present spashave a scientifically avant-garde structure,connected to the University of Bologna,and swimming pools with the most up-to-date techniques for physical wellness.

Spas & Wellness

“Le Fonti” Golf ClubViale Terme, 180040024 Castel San Pietro Terme (BO)Tel. 051.6951958 - Fax 051.6949014 [email protected] course stretches through the lovelySillaro Valley, 200 metres from the Spas.The club has a wide range of facilities,from a welcoming club house to a swim-ming pool, golf shop, bar and restaurant.A particularly long course for professio-nals, it is however extremely good fun foramateurs. Seat of a technical FederalFemale centre, the Club has hosted from2006 the L.E.T. (Ladies European Tour).Closed on Tuesday.Technical data: 18 holes, par 72, 6480 mts, 75 mts a.s.l.

Sport and Active TourismCastel San Pietro Terme has stood for overeight centuries on the Via Emilia, along theRiver Sillaro, a natural boundary betweenEmilia and Romagna. In balance between thepast and future, it began as a fortified castleto defend Bologna after the Battle ofLegnano. Today the welcoming historicalcentre of Castel San Pietro Terme is a multi-faceted tourist attraction. There are so manyreasons for a visit, combined in the unionbetween sport and wellness offered by theSpas and “Le Fonti” Golf Club.

The area of the spas, which can be reachedfrom the historical centre with a lovely walkthrough the “Lungo Sillaro” Park, is rich infountains, among which the “Fonte Fegatel-la”, already famous in 1337 for the curativeproperties of its water.

Castel San Pietro Terme

Ladies European Tour

Photo by Golf Club Le Fonti

Not far away, there is one of the keeps of theold walls, of which pieces can still be seen inVia Castelfidardo and along the River Sillaro.

In the main square (XX September), next tothe Town Hall, there is the Sanctuary of theSS. Crocifisso, with a bell-tower containinga good 55 bells on different levels, an origi-nal invention by Giulio Gollini in 1930. Thismakes it a unique building in Italy and thesecond largest for the number of bells inEurope. For many years now, the carillon hasperiodically been used to ring its music outover the town. For the “September Castel-lano” Festival and the Festival of the Cruci-fix, the Town Band of Castel San Pietro Ter-me organizes striking concerts for band andcarillon.

In the surrounding area, about 10 kms awaytowards Bologna, there is Varignana, a deli-ghtful hamlet on a hill overlooking the ViaEmilia. Dating back to perhaps even earlierthan Castel San Pietro Terme, Varignana hada well-developed defensive system, eviden-ce of which is still visible in its fortress. Inthe centre, there is the beautiful Tower ofVarignana, which can only be visited exter-nally. It is also worth visiting the Church ofSan Lorenzo, with its atmospheric 9-10th-century Romanesque crypt, which can bevisited on request.

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Sanctuary of the SS. Crocifisso


The history of Castel San Pietro is linked tothat of Bologna, having followed its fatesince the Middle Ages, taking advantage ofits difficult moments to establish its ownrole. Thus Castel San Pietro twice becamethe seat of the University of Bologna betwe-en 1306 and 1338, when Bologna was laidunder papal excommunication. It was here in1410 that the antipope John XXIII took refu-ge to escape the plague that was raging inBologna.

The beauty of the historical centre, with itsoriginal town plan still intact, presents visi-tors with all the charm of centuries of histo-ry of cultural and artistic life.

The Cassero (fort) is the monument whichofficially signalled the birth of Castel SanPietro in 1199. A massive construction, deco-rated with Ghibelline merlons, it is surmoun-ted by an imposing 14th century tower with aclock added in 1784, visible from a greatdistance. The Cassero currently houses amulti-purpose theatre, open for theatricaland musical performances, as well as confe-rences and art exhibitions.

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Slow Carnival: February“Slow City” Spring Festival: 18th MarchCassero Jazz: MarchFestival of the SS. Crocifisso: 15 daysbefore Easter“In Blues” Festival: late MayCarrera dei piccoli (Children’s Push-cartRaces): MayNaturalmiele (Honey Fair) and Teatro checammina (Street Theatre): 4 Saturdays in JuneWhite Night: 4th Saturday of JuneSeptember Castellano Festival:- Carrera Races (1st and 2nd Sundays in September)

- Feast of the pork chop (2nd Sunday of September)

- National Honey Fair and Exchange (3rd Sunday of September)

CastelaNadel, exhibitions, nativity scenes and gift fair: December to JanuaryExtra Markets: 21st October and 8th December

MARKET DAY: Monday

Events

Carrera Races

Photo by S.T.A.I.

Among the numerous events which ani-mate the territory, the Carrera autopodi-stica (Push-cart Races) is undoubtedlythe most famous. A very original relayrace with carts pushed by hand, it hasbeen held for fifty years and features asprotagonists the pushers (in slang “spingi-tori”) and drivers of these special 4-whee-led vehicles. The competition is held aspart of the September Castellano, festi-val full of cultural, tourist and sportingevents and promotion of traditional localproducts throughout the month ofSeptember.

Events

Castel San Pietro Terme, Honey city

Photo by S.T.A.I. - Paolo Benini

Castel San Pietro Terme is a “Slow Cities”: it isin fact a member of the international networkfor good living, whose member-towns standout for their commitment to an economicand social development which respects theenvironment, local traditions and identity.

Consequently, the offerings of food and wineare particularly rich: Castel San Pietro Termehas also been adorned with the titles of“Wine Cities” and “Honey Cities”: in fact, theNational Observatory for Honey Productionand the Market is based right here, and on thethird Sunday of September, there is theQuality Honey Fair and Exchange.

Sitting on the ridge of the hill dominatingthe Sellustra Valley, between Imola andCastel San Pietro Terme, Dozza is a medievalborough which, over the centuries, has keptits characteristic spindle-form town layoutintact. Dominated by an imposing fortress,Rocca Sforzesca, its walls embellished withmurals and famous for its Regional WineStore, Dozza is a member of the NationalAssociation of the “Most Beautiful Bo-roughs In Italy”.

The name Dozza is derived from a wordfrom the high-Medieval period, ducia, mea-ning “water pipe”, evidence that troughs andcanals to collect water already existed inancient times.

It was founded in Roman times, then overthe medieval period, the Bolognese protec-ted it with a wall, towers and a fortress, fur-ther strengthened by Caterina Sforza (15th

century) (page 181). The feud was then givenby the Church State to the Malvezzi andCampeggi families, whose descendentsgoverned it until the 18th century with thetitle of Marquises of Malvezzi-Campeggi.Access to the borough passes through theRivellino, a 15th-century tower, and throughthe large square tower of the Rocchetta,dating from 1250. From here, two large paral-lel streets (“Contragrande” and “Contracina”)cross Dozza to the square of the fortress,where there is a viewpoint over the valleybelow.

Dozza

The Rocca of Dozza, originally from the 13th

century, was turned into a fortress at theend of the 15th century by the Florenti-nearchitect Giorgio Marchesi who, followingthe wishes of Caterina Sforza, Lady ofImola and Dozza, raised the thick walls andthe main tower. In the course of the 16th

century, thanks to the Campeggi family, theRocca took on the appearance of a nobleresidence which it still maintains today. Avisit to the Rocca passes through the origi-nal paintings and furnishings of the variousrooms and the salon, a defensive well fullof blades in a corridor, the private chapel,prisons, kitchen, courtyard with doubleloggia on the ground floor, and the towers.On the second floor, there is the frescoed“Pinacoteca del Muro” (art gallery) and theExhibition Rooms which house an annualprogramme of shows organized by the“Dozza Città d’Arte” Foundation.ROCCA MALVEZZI CAMPEGGIP.zza della Rocca, 6/a - 40050 Dozza (BO)Tel. 0542.678240 - Fax [email protected] times: summer: 10-12.30am and 3-6.30pm, Sunday and public holidays 10am-1pm and 3-7.30pm; Winter: 10-12.30am and2.30-5pm, Sunday and public holidays10am-1pm and 2.30-6pm. Closed on Mon-days, Christmas and New Year.Tickets: full price € 4, groups of over 20people € 3, students and residents € 1.Guided visits with prior booking.

Museums

Murals on the walls of the borough - Photo by S.T.A.I.

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In the heart of the borough, opposite theTown Hall stands the Provostal Church ofSanta Maria Assunta in Piscina, built on theremains of a primitive church, of which thereremains a sandstone lunette and a Roma-nesque capital. In 1350, it was entrusted to acertain Antonio, “Praepositus” of the Order ofthe “Umiliati”. The baptismal font, dating backto the late-16th century, is an octagonal san-dstone basin with bas-reliefs carved on itssides. It is also worth noting the painting onthe left wall of the church by Marco Palmez-zano of Forlì, painted in 1492, of a Madonnawith Child between St. John the Baptist andSt. Margherita.

Dozza is a member of the National Associationof “Wine Cities” and the superb cellars of theRocca fittingly house the spectacular RegionalWine Store of Emilia-Romagna.

Enoteca regionale dell’Emilia Romagna Tel. 0542.678089 - Fax 0542.678073info@enotecaemiliaromagna.itwww.enotecaemiliaromagna.itThe Regional Wine Store of Emilia-Roma-gna occupies an area of a thousand squaremetres where it exhibits (and sells at favou-rable prices) over 800 wines, selected by aspecially-chosen commission of experts:white, red, sparkling and “passito” wines, aswell as balsamic vinegar and distillates,absolutely all produced in Emilia-Romagna.The order along the shelves is organizedaccording matching the wines with food, tohelp even the least expert visitor. Among its many objectives, the RegionalWine Store of Emilia-Romagna also aims toprovide consumer information, for which atasting room has been set up as a wine bar,open to the public on Sunday afternoons(autumn and winter). Additional openingsare possible for groups of tourists on week-days. The Wine Store is the ideal place foraperitifs, courses in wine appreciation andmatching wine with food, wine tasting,counters of food samples, guided tastingsand evenings dedicated to typical regionalproducts.

Gastronomy and Wine

Enoteca regionale dell’Emilia Romagna

Photo by S.T.A.I. - Arianna Biavati

The real protagonist in the history of theRocca was Cardinal Lorenzo Campeggi,who took possession of the castle andfeud of Dozza in 1531, as a reward for histravels abroad on behalf of the pontiff.Having been sent to the court of Louis XIIby Pope Julius II, he became Archbishop ofSalisbury thanks to his friendship withHenry VIII of England. Nominated Bishopof Bologna, he was again sent to the courtof Henry VIII to avert the split of theAnglican church, a mission which failed.On his death in Rome in 1539, his remainsreceived an unusual treatment: they wereboiled, reduced to the bones, packed upand sent to Dozza, where they wereburied in a tower. They now rest in thecrypt of the Provostal Church of Dozza.


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On a hill near the borough, there is the ex-convent complex of Monte del Re. Tradi-tion recounts that the wooden cross whichstill stands near the church was raised bySaint Francis himself in 1223. A Franciscanconvent until the suppression of the ordersby Napoleon, the complex was then boughtby Count Sassatelli, who turned it into hisholiday hunting lodge. Today it housesaccommodation facilities.

Nearby, it is also worth visiting the 17th-cen-tury Sanctuary of the Calanco, on the roadof the same name, today private property.Inside there is a 15th-century Madonna in pla-ster, carried every year in a procession toDozza on the day of the Pentecost.

Biennale del Muro DipintoAn original artistic event in Dozza, theMural Biennial enlivens the streets of theborough every September in odd-numbe-red years, when artists from all over theworld paint the walls of the houses “live”while visitors watch. This mural-painting isthe central element of the event which inrecent years, has also added exhibitions andshows presented all over the ancientBorough, the Rivellino and the RoccaSforzesca. It first took place in 1960 andsince then, the event has continually grownin stature, becoming a genuine biennial ofmodern art, ennobled by the participationof important master painters such asBrindisi, Frasnedi, Licata, Matta, Purificato,Saetti, Sassu, Schweizer, Sughi and Zan-canaro. There is now a cycle of over a hun-dred murals on the walls of the boroughand a walk through the streets is like goingalong the corridors of a giant open-air artgallery. Sketches and preparatory studiesfor the works are kept in the Study andDocumentation Centre of the MuralBiennial, inaugurated in 2006 inside theRocca, near the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery),where there are also some frescoes “torn”from the walls to conserve them fromdamage. The Documentation Centre can bevisited on Sundays and holiday afternoons,or with prior telephone booking. Tel.0542.678240.

Events

The small museum attached to the ParishChurch of Our Lady of the Assumptiondisplays sacred objects (vases, crucifixes,reliquaries, monstrances, a 17th-centurybreviary and 90 devotional plaques), pain-tings on canvas and wooden boards, dra-wings and engravings, antique prints, aswell as sacred hangings and liturgical sil-verware from religious sites in the sur-rounding countryside.PARISH MUSEUM Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta Via XX Settembre, 54 - 40050 Dozza (BO)Tel. 0542.678111Opening times on request. Free entrance.

Museums

Dozza and the Sellustra Valley

Photo by Comune di Dozza

Mural Biennal

Photo by S.T.A.I.

The Three Wise Men in Dozza, historicalprocession on the day of the Epiphany: 6th

JanuaryWine Festival: a Sunday in early MayPentecostal Festival in honour of theMadonna del Calanco: in May and in JuneDozzaEventi, theatre, art, music and gastro-

nomical events: in May and in OctoberArzdore Festival, traditional dishes of Doz-za: 1st weekend of SeptemberMural Biennial, artistic performance: Se-ptember in odd-numbered yearsBonfire of San Silvestro: 31st December

MARKET DAY: Wednesday

Events

Painted Wall - Photo by S.T.A.I.

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The Sellustra ValleyThe Sellustra Valley is a small valley betwe-en the Santerno and Sillaro Valleys, which isreached from Toscanella, leaving the ViaEmilia and following signs for Dozza. AfterDozza, our itinerary continues along theprovincial road SP 34 “del Gesso”, which fol-lows the valley-bottom. In the area ofValsellustra, a right turn leads along severalkilometres of winding tarmac road alongthe range of a small internal valley, wherethere are the ruins of the ancient castle ofFiagnano: the Pliocene gypsums on whichthe castle was built are particularly intere-sting. Going back to the provincial road, wego past the turning for Casalfiumanese andfollow the last stretch of the valley-bottomwhich leads us into one of the wildest lan-dscapes of the area. On the left, there arethe Monti dell’Acqua Salata (Salt WaterMountains), where the Chalk Vein ofRomagna begins, today protected by aRegional Park. At the turning for Fontane-lice, the Sellustra Valley effectively ends.Here there are the ruins of the Sanctuary ofthe Madonna del Rio, in which it is still pos-sible to recognise an elegant Baroquechurch. Continuing along the “del Gesso”provincial road, we soon reach Sassoleone,overlooking the Sillaro Valley.

The Sillaro Valley The River Sillaro starts at an altitude ofabout 1,000 metres at the “Tre Poggioli”summit and reaches the plains at Castel SanPietro Terme, from where it continues, par-tially as a canal, until it joins the River Reno.The Sillaro has a strong symbolic value inthe region: it is conventionally consideredto be the border between Emilia andRomagna. The Valley can be entered fromCastel San Pietro Terme, following indica-tions for Valle del Sillaro and Sassoleone.Passing alongside the “Le Fonti” Golf Club,various lakes and ponds are scatteredthroughout the valley, creating interestinghumid zones. A little further on, in the ter-ritory of Monterenzio, we reach the spa ofthe “Villaggio della Salute Più”. In this area,the Sillaro Valley reveals all its lunar charm,accentuated by vegetation largely compo-sed of low bushes and almost totally lac-king in tall trees. At the foot of Sassoleone,the road leaves the valley-bottom andbecomes steeper. Before reaching thetown, there is a turning for the SellustraValley. Continuing on, we reach Sassoleone,where there is a beautiful castle-tower,today used as the bell-tower of the parishchurch. Higher up, at the crossroads forCastel del Rio and the Santerno Valley,there is a wide vista. Just before enteringthe next village, Belvedere, where there isan interesting parish church, a stele com-memorates the sacrifice of 55 partisans inSeptember 1944. The winding road conti-nues for 3 kilometres to Giugnola, a moun-tain village where the ancient buildingsclose in on the road as if to indicate thepassage from Romagna to Tuscany. Threemore kilometres and there is Piancaldoli,the birthplace of Evangelista Torricelli, theinventor of the barometer. The typical buil-dings in clearly Florentine style remind usthat we are now in Tuscan territory, nearSasso di San Zenobi and the Passo dellaRaticosa.

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the imolese valleys the district of imola · the chestnut woods and the “marrone igp of castel...

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