ARGELATO - Bologna

Guide to ARGELATO

Argelato is a municipality of 9,823 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its name probably derives from the characteristics of the territory, whether referring to the predominantly clayey soil or the works needed to prevent the frequent flooding of the Reno river.

During the Middle Ages, the territory of Argelato belonged to Countess Matilda of Canossa, until it passed under the control of the city of Bologna in the middle of the 1200s, becoming involved in the military and political affairs of the city as a result.

During the middle of the 1600s, following periodic sieges and floods, the families of Argelato built and moved to the town of Venezzano, which is now the fraction of Castel d’Argile.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN ARGELATO

Worth a visit Villa Beatrice, just outside the city center: this beautiful villa from the 1500s was built by the Bolognese Angelelli family, and inside it is possible to see magnificent frescoes mainly on rural themes, depicting life in the fields, hunting, and fishing, as well as commemorations of charitable works carried out by the owners, all preserved very well.
For those who love outdoor activities, the countryside around Argelato is full of paths and country roads that can be explored on foot or by bicycle, perhaps even venturing to one of the nearby villages, such as Funo or Malacappa, to admire places where time seems to have stood still.
But Argelato is not just suitable for walks, as it is located right in the heart of what is now known as the Motor Valley, and its roads are often the site of motor rallies or groups of enthusiasts who take advantage of the opportunity to come here for some driving fun.

There are countless organized vacation packages for car enthusiasts and beyond (it's always worth remembering that Emilia Romagna is famous not only for its motorsports but also for its excellent cuisine), offering the opportunity to take test drives on both two and four wheels (http://www.motorvalley.it). There are, of course, numerous museums dedicated to the most famous car manufacturers: the one dedicated to Ferruccio Lamborghini, where it's possible to admire the entire production of the famous automobile manufacturer, from the first Carloca tractor of 1947 to the most recent sports cars, such as the Miura, Countach, and Urraco, to name just a few; the Ducati Museum, which allows visitors to trace the entire history of the famous two-wheeler; and the Umberto Panini Collection, which, despite being a private collection, has been declared an Official Maserati Vehicle Collection and is now the official historical collection of the brand. In addition to the museums, which are too numerous to list, for those who want to do more than just look and actually take a spin on the track, Motor Valley offers many circuits for both motorcycles and cars, as well as 11 karting tracks: the choice is truly overwhelming!

FAIRS AND EVENTS in ARGELATO

Many events take place throughout the year in Argelato:

• in mid-September, at Villa Beatrice, the Holi Dance Festival Color Experience takes place, the most important color festival in Italy, with performances by DJs from around the world;
• in mid-October, the Fair of Ancient Flavors animates the town's streets with wine and food stands and local crafts, an opportunity to taste excellent polenta with ragù and to attend the concert of the Fanfare of the Bersaglieri;
• in early November, in the historic halls of Villa Beatrice, there is Tartufando, a festival in honor of one of the most sought-after foods in the province of Bologna, the truffle;
• in early December, still at Villa Beatrice, a Christmas Market is set up, with stands of local handicraft, perfect for Christmas gifts.

Remember that Villa Beatrice, with its magnificent spaces, also hosts concerts by artists from all over the world.