MARZABOTTO - Bologna
Guide to MARZABOTTO
Marzabotto is a town of 6,812 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.
Its origins probably date back to the Etruscan period.
Due to its border position between the territory of Bologna and Tuscany, Marzabotto was built a castle, an ancient parish church that is still well preserved, and several fortresses.
Marzabotto is, however, tragically remembered for the Monte Sole massacre, carried out by Nazi forces in the autumn of 1944, whose victims were predominantly civilians.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO - Etruscan National Museum
Interesting is the National Etruscan Museum, inside which it is possible to admire a rich collection of artifacts, a pride of the Museum. Worthwhile is to reach the village of Panico, about two kilometers from Marzabotto, where one can admire the beautiful Pieve di San Lorenzo, from the twelfth century recently restored, with three naves and a semi-circular apse; splendid are the many small villages that are found on the way to Luminasio, where time seems to have stopped, among which Ca’ di Zanetti, Rio (which has a tower from 1500 still intact), Casamento, and Montasico, with its castle of the eponymous family.
For those who want to venture a bit further north, not far from Marzabotto is the Natural Reserve of the Pliocene Escarpment, where it is possible to admire breathtaking landscapes but also extremely particular, characterized by ravines and narrow valleys, typical of this area of the Bolognese Apennines.
Monte Sole Regional Park
If you visit Marzabotto, you cannot miss the Monte Sole Historical Regional Park, which was created in 1989 in memory of the victims of the Monte Sole Massacre at the hands of the Nazis. Today, the Park is the perfect habitat for many animals, from roe deer to various species of woodpecker, and a good starting point for those who love hiking or long bike rides. Within the park, there is a dense network of trails, marked by CAI, which lead tourists to admire the most remote and interesting corners of the Park, such as the Devil's Hole, a series of caves that extend up to 47 meters deep, but also to follow peaceful nature trails and, on occasion, observe the various animals within their natural habitat, or perhaps to reach the archaeological area that contains the remains of the ancient Etruscan city of Kainua, where the finds that can now be admired in the National Etruscan Museum were discovered. Within the Park, there are also various stables that organize horse rides of different types, from those suitable for everyone to those that require greater preparation, and that allow the park to be visited in a different way from usual.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Various events take place in Marzabotto throughout the year: in mid-May, there is a mountain bike excursion to discover the places and symbols of the ancient Etruscans; at the end of June, there is the Marzanotte, or White Night, in its 8th edition this year, featuring street artists, live music, and enogastronomic stands; in July, in the archaeological park of ancient Kainua, theatrical performances are organized in the Paglia Theater, an opportunity to visit the Museum and the archaeological area for free and have an aperitif while waiting for the start of the show.
where - on the mountains south of Bologna
CAR: FROM THE AUTOSTRADA A1, TAKE THE EXIT FOR SASSO MARCONI, MARKED SASSO MARCONI
TRAIN : Metropolitan Railway Service, frequent schedule, from Bologna Central to Porretta, Station of SASSO MARCONI
MARZABOTTO
Tourist Information Town of MARZABOTTO
Piazza XX September, 1
Tel. +39 051 678 0533
Pro Loco di Marzabotto
Via Aldo Moro, 2/A
Tel. +39 051 678 7028
www.marzabottonline.it
open Saturday morning and Sunday
Town of MARZABOTTO
Piazza XX September, 1
Tel. +39 051 678 0500
www.comune.marzabotto.bo.it
other useful addresses
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Hospital of VERGATO -
Via Dell'Ospedale, 1
Tel.: 051 674 9111
