CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI | Bologna
CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI Travel Guide
Castiglione di Pepoli is a village of 5,505 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. The area has been inhabited by Etruscans and Romans, but the period of greatest development, also characterized by numerous battles, was the medieval one, given the position on the border between Byzantines and Lombards and later between the municipalities of Bologna and Florence. The second half of the 15th century, however, when the old Bolognese family Pepoli takes possession of the area and gives it to the Church, begins a period of peace and tranquility.
what to see and what to do
Castiglione di Pepoli is the ideal place for those who want to spend a relaxing weekend in contact with nature. Walking through the streets of the center, you can still see the ancient structure of the medieval village, until you get to the main square, on which overlook the Church of San Lorenzo, of 16th century, the ancient Palazzo Comitale and the Clock Tower, of the 18th century. Not far from Castiglione, there is the magnificent Santuario della Beata Vergine di Boccadirio, which deserves a visit: this Marian sanctuary dates back to the 16th century, although the structure was enlarged with a cloister and a loggia completed only in the 18th century.
Castiglione di Pepoli borders the Regional Park of the Lakes of Suviana and Brasimone, on the Bologna Apennines, which houses within it two large artificial lakes. For those who want to take a break from the bustle of everyday life, this is the perfect place: here are 30 kilometers of paths immersed in unspoiled nature, where many local species live, such as fallow deer and wolves. These paths are perfect for those who want to walk unhurriedly to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also for those who want to test themselves with the mountain bike, or for the more experienced trekkers who maybe want to reach the "Croce di Geppe" at 1214 meters above sea level on Monte Calvi. Snowhiking are organized during the winter, as well as walks with typical snowshoes; some of these even at night, to enjoy the charm of the mountains and valleys at night. There are very beautiful the villages of Stagno and Bargi, so much so that it is worth getting there to visit them. Given the presence of the two lakes, the park offers the opportunity to take a swim and sport activities such as boating, windsurfing and kitesurfing and rafting on the Limentra. On the lake of Suviana there is the Adventure Park Saltapicchio, which has many routes, some suitable for children and other specific adults.
Castiglione di Pepoli borders the Regional Park of the Lakes of Suviana and Brasimone, on the Bologna Apennines, which houses within it two large artificial lakes. For those who want to take a break from the bustle of everyday life, this is the perfect place: here are 30 kilometers of paths immersed in unspoiled nature, where many local species live, such as fallow deer and wolves. These paths are perfect for those who want to walk unhurriedly to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also for those who want to test themselves with the mountain bike, or for the more experienced trekkers who maybe want to reach the "Croce di Geppe" at 1214 meters above sea level on Monte Calvi. Snowhiking are organized during the winter, as well as walks with typical snowshoes; some of these even at night, to enjoy the charm of the mountains and valleys at night. There are very beautiful the villages of Stagno and Bargi, so much so that it is worth getting there to visit them. Given the presence of the two lakes, the park offers the opportunity to take a swim and sport activities such as boating, windsurfing and kitesurfing and rafting on the Limentra. On the lake of Suviana there is the Adventure Park Saltapicchio, which has many routes, some suitable for children and other specific adults.
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
There are various events that take place in Castiglione di Pepoli during the year: the first of May there is the Spring Festival, event of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines that attracts tourists and inhabitants of the whole valley: it is an opportunity to admire terraces and balconies full of flowers, as well as the opportunity to take a walk through the stands of typical crafts and enogastronomic stalls; at the end of May, in the district of Creda, there is the Agricultural Fair, with a vast display of agricultural equipment and machinery and a traditional market, where you can taste, among other local specialties, the delicious crescentine; at the end of August there is Montagna in Fiera, this year at the 29th edition, with food and wine stands and crafts stalls typical of the mountain tradition; at the end of October there is Tartufesta, which gives the opportunity to all lovers of this delicious food typical of the Bolognese Apennines, to taste it really in all sauces, even in the form of ice cream (it seems very good!).
Useful Info and Contacts
TOURIST OFFICE
URP
Piazza Marconi, 1 -
Tel. + 39 0534 801638
URP
Piazza Marconi, 1 -
Tel. + 39 0534 801638
PRO LOCO TOURIST ASSOCIATION
P.zza Marconi, 1
Tel. +39 0534 915 99
Town Hall of CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI
Piazza Marconi, 1
Tel. +39 0534 801 611
www.comune.castiglionedeipepoli.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
Health Service : Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711
First Aid tel. 118
where is and how to get
by CAR: From the A1 motorway the exit to reach Castiglione dei Pepoli is via the A1 var - Variante di Valico - exit towards Badia then Strada Provinciale 325 towards Castiglione dei Pepoli.
by TRAIN: Metropolitan Railway Service, with frequent frequency, from Bologna Centrale direction Prato, San Benedetto Val di Sambro Station, then local buses to Castiglion de Pepoli (BUS TPER)