LOIANO - Bologna

Guide to LOIANO

Loiano is a town of 4,347 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its origins probably date back to the Roman period, as shown by various findings made in the area. Given its position, the territory of Loiano has seen numerous political and territorial changes, being located between the possessions of the Goths and the Exarchate of Ravenna first, and later between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal State. For a time, it was part of the possessions of Countess Matilda of Canossa, who later donated it to the Pisan Church. It was also the territory of struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, while during the time of the Capitani di Montagna (an administrative institution wanted by Bologna), it was one of their main seats.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO

The Astronomical Observatory is interesting, where guided daytime tours are available year-round, while in summer, nighttime tours are also available by reservation. The Observatory has a historic Zeiss telescope dating back to the 1930s, and a more recent one with a diameter of 152 cm, dedicated to the astronomer Domenico Cassini. For mountain bike enthusiasts, downhill, freeride, and enduro tracks have been set up in Loiano, attracting bikers from all over the region; in 2014, a stage of the Emilia Romagna mountain bike championship was held here.
For trekking enthusiasts, a beautiful excursion can be organized from Loiano to the Alpe di Monghidoro, which is just about ten kilometers away; following the path that ascends along the Bolognese Apennines, you reach the Sorgente delle Polente, from which purest water flows. Nearby are the remains of the Osteria del Fantorno, which dates back to the early 1800s, when travelers going from Florence to Bologna stopped here for shelter. Finally, you arrive at the Croce dell'Alpe, at 1224 meters above sea level, from which you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the entire surrounding valley. The paths ascending the slopes of the Bolognese Apennines, in addition to being well marked by CAI, are ideal for a medium difficulty excursion and can be traversed both on foot and horseback. The excursion in the southern part of the Monte Sole Historical Park is also very interesting: starting from the village of Pioppe di Salvaro and following the trails marked by the Italian Alpine Club, you cross a beautiful forest that climbs along the western slope of Monte Salvaro until reaching the summit, at an altitude of 826 meters. Nearby is the Buca del Diavolo, a cave system with a depth of 47 meters, extremely interesting.

EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS

Several events take place in Loiano throughout the year: at the beginning of June, in Bibulano, there is “Campanili dell’alta Valle Savena in concerto,” a special opportunity to listen to a concert performed solely by the sound of bells; in mid-July, there is the Festa d'la Badtura, this year at its 20th edition, where it is possible to relive the agricultural traditions of the area, with food and wine stands, live music, and cultural events; at the end of October, “Facciamo festa al tartufo e al pane” takes place in Scanello di Loiano: in the picturesque setting of a centuries-old forest, local craft markets, food and wine stands, and tastings of typical products, including roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and, of course, truffles are set up.

useful Info & Contacts

PRO LOCO DI LOIANO
www.prolocoloiano.com

Municipio di LOIANO
Via Roma, 55
Tel.: +39 051 654 3611
www.loiano.eu

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Simiani Hospital in Via Roma 8, Loiano tel. +39 051 654 53710