MONZUNO - Bologna
Guide to MONZUNO
Monzuno is a town of 6,414 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. The first findings date back as far as the Neolithic Age, but the first permanent settlements probably date back to the Imperial Roman period. In the Middle Ages, the territory of Monzuno was located at the border between Byzantines and Lombards, and its castle was an important center of power until the end of the 1300s, when it was destroyed.
It is worth taking a trip to Rioveggio to admire the Elle Castle and the Montorio Tower, partially restored and modernized, as well as the Ca’ Marsili house-tower, dating back to the 15th century. The historic centers of the villages of Agadello di Sotto and Croci are particularly beautiful, dating back to the 16th century, where time seems to have stood still.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO
Due to its proximity to the Regional Historical Park of Monte Sole, those who want to enjoy outdoor activities can take advantage of the dense network of trails mapped by the CAI. Inside the Monte Sole Park, in fact, there are many paths suitable for mountain biking, hiking, but also horseback riding, and indeed scattered throughout the park are several stables that organize challenging excursions or even simple walks. Among the various interesting routes, it is worth following the one that leads to the top of Monte Abelle: this loop route is not overly challenging and allows, among other things, passing through the ancient village of Sperticano, where interesting archaeological finds dating back to the Etruscan period have been found. The Church of Saints Simon and Jude, dating from the seventeenth century, is also of great interest, alongside a fourteenth-century oratory. Crossing the forests, one finally reaches Monte Abelle, from which magnificent views of the Reno Valley can be admired; beautiful the view of the sheer cliff of the Burrone Gorgone ravine.
Another interesting excursion, if one moves further north, is that of Monte Rosso, which allows discovering some of the most interesting places and features of the Pliocene Escarpment Nature Reserve. One starts from Livergnano, a small village characterized by picturesque houses carved directly into the rock, and then sets off towards Monte Rosso; the path runs along the characteristic cliffs of light-colored sandstone that give this part of the territory its unique appearance. During the excursion, if one is lucky, one can see peregrine falcons engaged in hunting, one of the protected species that has found within the Reserve an ideal habitat protected.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Among the events taking place in Monzuno, we remember the Chestnut Festival, this year at its 47th edition, and the Truffle Festival, both held during the first two weekends of October: they are an excellent opportunity to rediscover the typical autumn flavors, such as roasted chestnuts, perhaps accompanied by a good glass of wine, but also polenta made with chestnut flour, served with a good ragù, or truffles, a prized local product from the Bolognese territory, prepared in many different ways to allow everyone to savor it in its various forms, from truffle-infused oil to pure truffle, perhaps grated over a beautiful plate of tortelloni filled with chestnuts.
Pro Loco di MONZUNO
P.zza XXIV May 15/a
Tel. +39 051 677 0419
www.prolocomonzuno.it
Town Hall of MONZUNO
Via Renaissance, 5
Tel. +39 051 677 3311
www.comune.monzuno.bologna.it
USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
LOCAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) Hospital of VERGATO -
Via Dell'Ospedale, 1
Tel.: 051 674 9111
where - on the mountains of Bologna, towards the south
in AUTO: From the Autostrada A1, take the exit for Sasso Marconi and then proceed on Provincial Road 325 SETTA towards Monzuno.
by TRAIN + BUS : Metropolitan Railway Service, hourly frequency, from Bologna Centrale to Prato, Monzuno-Vado Station, then TPER 827 Bus to Monzuno Centro.
MONZUNO
