CASTLE OF CLAY - Bologna
Guide to CASTLE OF CLAY
Castle of Clay is an Italian municipality in the province of Bologna with a population of 6,509. Its name derives from the Latin "Argiletum," a term used by the Romans to describe a territory rich in clay; the addition of the word "Castello" dates back to 1380, when Bologna rebuilt the new settlement in the form of a castrum, or fortified place for defensive purposes, after the original village was destroyed during the struggle for the conquest of Bologna by the Visconti family. Due to its proximity to the capital, Castello d’Argile was for a long time under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Bologna until, in 1506, Pope Julius II conquered the territory and annexed it to the Papal States.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN CASTELLO D'ARGENTO
For those who love outdoor activities, the territory of Castello d’Argile is full of paths and country roads that can be explored on foot or by bike, perhaps even reaching one of the nearby villages, such as Venezzano or Ronchi, to admire places where time seems to have stood still, like the neo-Gothic church of Santa Maria in Venezzano or the Marsigli Tower, a typical example of a dovecote tower with probable defensive origins.
Castello d’Argile is not just a place for those seeking peaceful walks; this location is also situated within what is now known as the Motor Valley, where motorcycle enthusiasts, as well as car lovers, come to enjoy thrilling routes full of curves and panoramas, as well as the many motor-themed events held in the various locations of the area. How much these places are linked to the world of motors is demonstrated by the numerous motor-themed vacation packages now available. The possibilities are many, from visits to museums dedicated to some of the world’s most famous car and motorcycle manufacturers to the opportunity to experience the thrill of a test drive in a sports car.
FAIRS AND EVENTS
Various events take place in Castello d’Argile throughout the year: the July Fair, held in mid-July, is a market featuring exhibitors from all over Italy showcasing typical artisanal and gastronomic products; in Mascarino, a village in the municipality of Castello d’Argile, the Sagra dei Sughi takes place in mid-September: it is a rural festival that used to be held after the grape juice fermentation, when the must was boiled with sugar and flour to make a pudding-like dessert called "sugo," which is very tasty. The first weekend of October, the Festa d’Erzen, named after the dialect name of Castello d’Argile, is celebrated for the 181st year, dedicated to the Madonna of the Rosary, with wine and food stalls, live music, and festive lighting. In mid-December, in Mascarino, there is the Christmas Market, now in its second edition, with stalls of local handicrafts, ideal for Christmas gifts.
Tourism Office Unione Reno Galliera
Tel: +39 051 890 4823
Town of CASTELLO D'ARGILE
Piazza A. Gadani, 2 - 40050
Tel. +39 051 686 8811
www.comune.castello-d-argile.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
Nearest hospital:
Hospital of Bentivoglio, via G. Marconi, 35 Tel. +39 051 664 4111
First Aid tel. 118
where is Castle d'Argile
Castle of Clay