LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE - Bologna
Guide to LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE
Lizzano in Belvedere is a village of 2,250 inhabitants in the province of Bologna, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Its origins are very ancient, as evidenced by findings in Rocca Corneta and La Sboccata dei Bagnadori, which date back to the Stone Age and Bronze Age, although they were likely not permanent settlements given that the populations were mostly nomadic. It was with the arrival of the Etruscans, Ligurians, and Gauls that the first stable and consolidated settlements were formed, as shown by the “mummies,” stone-carved heads on houses or chimneys as a symbol of good fortune (likely a custom taken from the Gauls’ practice of preserving their enemies’ heads as trophies). During the Middle Ages, the entire territory was under the control of the Exarchate of Ravenna, as demonstrated by the Delubro temple, the only remaining part of the Lizzano Pieve dedicated to the Eastern saint Mamante. In 753, the name Massa Lizano appears for the first time. For a long period, the territory was under the control of the city of Bologna, and in 1227 a fortified castle was built, of which only ruins remain on Monte Cimbriano.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO - CORN IN THE CULS_DE_SAC
Lizzano in Belvedere is the ideal place for those who want to escape from the frenzy of daily life: immersed in nature, it is the perfect destination for those who want to relax or engage in outdoor activities, both in summer and winter. Nearby is the Parco Regionale del Corno alle Scale, where it is possible to go hiking or mountain biking, of every difficulty level, from organized ones suitable for everyone to more challenging ones, perhaps at higher altitudes or, in winter, with snowshoes, to finish with entire weekends with overnight stays in mountain huts, with meals based on local products. It is also possible to do thematic excursions: night ones to observe animals, or the climb to the highest peaks of the Bolognese Apennines to admire the sunrise; very evocative is the itinerary that leads to the Dardagna Waterfalls and the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero: it is a short and suitable for everyone route that, following the course of the Dardagna, leads to the point where the stream creates a waterfall consisting of a series of jumps, to then reach the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero, at 1200 meters above sea level, the most important in the area.
Even in winter, the Corno alle Scale Park is rich in activities: with peaks reaching almost 2,000 meters, here you will find a well-equipped ski resort, both for those who love descents and speed, and for those who want to do alpine skiing, as well as a modern snow park, where it is possible to perform acrobatics with snowboards. It is also worth visiting the Adventure Park on Monte Pizzo, suitable for both children and adults, where you will find a beautiful acrobatic course, as well as a climbing structure, two cable cars and a ramp for paragliding. For those who love thermal baths, those in Porretta Terme are only 13 kilometers away.
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS - FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
There are many events that take place throughout the year in Lizzano in Belvedere:
- in early March, the Dance Hall Riders event takes place, dedicated to snowboard enthusiasts and reggae music, with competitions, acrobatics, and music until late at night;
- in July, the Porretta Soul Festival takes place, the most prestigious European event entirely dedicated to soul and rhythm & blues music, now in its 30th edition;
- in mid-August there is the Blueberry Festival, where you can taste sweets made with this delicious fruit, but also polenta and lizzanesi pastries (a variant of fried gnocchi);
- the first weekend in September is when the Querciola Festival takes place, a traditional country fair with food and wine stands and local crafts.
- The first weekend of October is the Tartufesta, where truffle lovers can taste the prized truffle of the Bolognese hills.
- On 1 November, the Casone Ardente festival celebrates the traditional two-storey building used to dry chestnuts. Visitors can sample local chestnut specialities, including a must-try dish: maltagliati pasta made with chestnut flour and served with beans!
Corno alle Scale Ski Area
Info 0534 51052
www.cornoallescale.net
Town of LIZZANO IN BELVEDERE
Marconi Square 6
Tel. 0534 51024
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711
Reaching Lizzano in Belvedere
CAR: FROM NORTH ON THE AUTOSTRADA A1, TAKE THE EXIT FOR SASSO MARCONI AND FOLLOW THE SS64 PORRETTANA TOWARDS PORRETTA/PISTOIA, THEN TAKE PROVINCIAL ROAD 324 TOWARDS GAGGIO MONTANO, THEN PROVINCIAL ROAD 82 AND 71 TOWARDS LIZZANO.
TRAIN : Metropolitan Railway Service, frequent schedule, from Bologna Central to Porretta, Porretta Station, then local buses from Porretta Bus Station.
Lizzano in Belvedere
