CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI - Bologna
Guide to CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI
Castiglione di Pepoli is a village of 5,505 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. The area has been inhabited since Etruscans and Romans, but the period of greatest development, also characterized by numerous battles, was the medieval one, given its position on the border between the Byzantines and Lombards and later between the municipalities of Bologna and Florence. However, the second half of the fifteenth century, when the ancient Bolognese family Pepoli took control of the area and ceded it to the Papal State, began 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, culminating in the main square, which is bordered by the Church of San Lorenzo, from the sixteenth century, the ancient count's palace, and the Clock Tower from the eighteenth century. A short distance from Castiglione, there is the magnificent Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Boccadirio, which is absolutely worth a visit: this Marian sanctuary dates back to the sixteenth century, although its structure was expanded with a cloister and a loggia completed only in the eighteenth century.
Castiglione di Pepoli borders the Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Regional Park, in the Bolognese Apennines, which hosts two large artificial lakes. For those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the perfect place: here you will find 30 kilometers of paths immersed in unspoiled nature, where many local species, such as deer and wolves, live. These trails are perfect both for those who wish to stroll leisurely to enjoy the beauty of nature and for those who want to challenge themselves with mountain biking, as well as for the more experienced trekkers who may want to reach the “Geppe Cross” at 1214 meters high on Monte Calvi. In winter, snowshoeing is also organized, walks with typical snowshoes; some of these are also at night, to enjoy the charm of the mountains and valleys at night. The beautiful villages of Stagno and Bargi are well worth a visit. Given the presence of the two lakes, the park offers the possibility of both swimming and sports activities such as rowing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and rafting on the Limentra. On Lake Suviana, there is the Saltapicchio Adventure Park, which has many trails, some suitable for children and others specifically for adults.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Various events take place in Castiglione di Pepoli throughout the year: in early May, the Festa della Primavera is held, an event of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines that attracts tourists and residents from all over the valley: it is an opportunity to admire terraces and balconies filled with flowers, as well as the possibility of strolling among stalls of typical crafts and food and wine; at the end of May, in the hamlet of Creda, the Agriculture Fair takes place, with a vast display of agricultural equipment and machinery and a traditional market, where it is possible to taste, among other local specialties, the delicious crescentine; at the end of August, there is Montagna in Fiera, this year at its 29th edition, with food and wine stands and typical crafts of the mountain tradition; at the end of October, there is Tartufesta, where all lovers of this delicacy have the chance to taste it prepared in many different ways, such as ice cream (it seems to be very good!).
INFORMATION OFFICE
URP - Piazza Marconi, 1 -
Tel. + 39 0534 801638
PRO LOCO
Piazza Marconi, 1
Tel. +39 0534 915 99
Municipality of CASTIGLIONE DEI PEPOLI
Piazza Marconi, 1
Tel. +39 0534 801 611
www.comune.castiglionedeipepoli.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711
First Aid tel. 118
where it is and how to get there
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 Provincial Road 325 in the direction of Castiglione dei Pepoli.
by TRAIN: Metropolitan Railway Service, with frequent intervals, from Bologna Centrale direction Prato, Station of San Benedetto Val di Sambro, then local buses to Castiglione dei Pepoli (BUS TPER)
Castiglione dei Pepoli
