CASTEL GUELFO di BOLOGNA
Guide to CASTEL GUELFO di BOLOGNA
Castel Guelfo di Bologna is a town of 4,482 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.
Its name comes from Castrum Guelfum, a Guelph fortification dating back to 1309, when a castle was built to defend the territory from attacks by the nearby city of Imola, given its proximity to the latter.
Between 1400 and 1700, the architectural structure of the village took shape, with the castle in an elevated position and the village in a classic rectangular shape, which has largely remained unchanged ever since.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO: Palazzo Malvezzi-Hercolani - Battilani Collection - Outlets
When you arrive in Castel Guelfo, it feels almost like returning to the Middle Ages: the historic center is surrounded by impressive defensive walls and four corner towers. In the central square, you can find Palazzo Malvezzi-Hercolani, which has a beautiful courtyard with two rows of arcades and today houses the municipality; the Palazzo del Podestà, characterized by a tower and a cloister from the 15th century, and the Cassero, the ancient entrance gate of the village, once the only access point, to allow for more effective defense, and today the clock tower. In fact, in ancient times, in addition to the drawbridge that was lowered every morning, there was also a moat full of water around the walls, underscoring the military character of the village.
Castel Guelfo is the perfect starting point to visit the Motor Valley, the area of Emilia Romagna known worldwide for hosting the most famous car and motorcycle manufacturers. It is no surprise that so many gatherings of vintage cars and motorcycles, as well as modern ones, take place here; moreover, this area is famous for its roads filled with fantastic curves and breathtaking landscapes, attracting car and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition to the most renowned brands, just a few kilometers from Castel Guelfo, you can visit the Battilani Collection, particularly interesting, as it houses many vintage motorcycles from 1945 to the present day, both Italian and foreign. Here, you can admire rare and interesting models, such as the FN from 1905, or the Pennazio, as well as discover the thrilling stories of characters who made the history of motorcycles, like Vittorina Sambri, the first woman to participate in a motorcycle race. As if all of this were not enough, the Motor Valley also features various kart tracks and racetracks, where you can experience the thrill of a track lap in a sports car or participate in courses dedicated to sporty driving. Additionally, there are also numerous vacation packages with a motorsport theme.
For shopping enthusiasts, Castel Guelfo hosts one of the most famous outlets in Italy, the CASTEL GUELFO OUTLETS
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Various events take place throughout the year in Castel Guelfo: at the beginning of May, there is the Medieval Festival, a classic historical reenactment through the streets of the village, with costumed parades, archery competitions, historical combats, and a flag-wavers' show; at the end of June, there is the Wine and Ciambella Festival, which has become a tradition and a great opportunity to rediscover local cuisine, all accompanied by concerts, shows, and exhibitions; in mid-December, Colors and Flavors of Christmas takes place, the classic Christmas market, with the historic center and Palazzo Hercolani-Malvezzi dressed up to host stalls of local artistic crafts.
Tourist Information Office
CASTEL GUELFO di BOLOGNA
Via del Commercio, 4/Z - 40023 c/o Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets.
Tel: +39 0542 670765
www.imolafaenza.it
Municipality of CASTEL GUELFO di BOLOGNA
Via Gramsci, 10
Tel. +39 0542 639 211
www.castelguelfo.bologna.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALETTA hospital via Montericco 4 IMOLA
Tel.: +39 0542 66 2711
EMERGENCY ROOM Tel. 118
where it is and how to reach Castel Guelfo
BY CAR: From the A16 Motorway exit CASTEL SAN PIETRO TERME; then continue on provincial roads 19 and 31 towards CASTEL GUELFO; coming from Rimini on the A16, recommended exit IMOLA.
N.B.: The Outlets are located a few hundred meters from the CASTEL SAN PIETRO TERME exit on the A16
BY TRAIN + BUS : Imola Station on the Bologna-Ancona line, then TPER bus 157 from Imola Bus Station towards Medicina
CASTEL GUELFO di BOLOGNA
CastelGuelfoOutlets
