Ozzano dell’Emilia - Bologna
Guide to Ozzano dell’Emilia
Ozzano dell’Emilia is a municipality of 13,741 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its origins date back probably to the Etruscan period, although the first urbanized center is likely due to the Romans. Documents relating to the medieval period are very scarce, but it seems that the territory of Ozzano was part of the possessions of the city of Bologna.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN Ozzano dell’Emilia
The Church of Sant'Andrea, dating back to the 11th century, is worth a visit, as it houses the remains of Blessed Lucia da Settefonti, founder of the Camaldolese Sisters, who is also commemorated in the name of the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi and Calanchi dell'Abbadessa.
And within the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi and Calanchi dell'Abbadessa, just five kilometers from Ozzano dell'Emilia, lies the WWF Fluvial Oasis of Molino Grande, the first oasis established by the WWF in the territory of Bologna. The oasis spans approximately ten hectares and primarily develops along the course of the Idice river; cycling and walking paths have been created to allow visitors to observe the nesting sites of rare bird species, as well as to traverse extremely interesting areas characterized by monumental trees or lush riparian vegetation, which has been allowed to develop freely over the past twenty-five years. Within the oasis, there is also a small lake, particularly rich in biodiversity: here, among other rare species, the fringed water lily and the yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea) grow, often used for ornamental purposes.
For those more interested in fossils, within the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell'Abbadessa, there is an old quarry known as a filo quarry, named after the diamond wire technique used for extraction, where many fossils dating back to the last glacial period have been found. Over 500 specimens were discovered at the bottom of a swallow hole, likely of karstic origin, and have been brought to the Prehistory Museum "Luigi Donini". This incredible series of artifacts, all from the Bolognese Apennines area, show a period when this territory was inhabited by large wild animals and hunter-gatherers, eventually leading to the first permanent settlements after millennia.
FAIRS AND EVENTS
Many events take place in Ozzano throughout the year: during Carnival, as has become tradition, typical allegorical floats parade through the town streets, and at the end of the parade, the most beautiful mask is awarded; at the end of May, Assaggi e Passaggi is held, an event characterized by exhibitions, theatrical performances, and guided tours to discover villas and gardens usually closed to the public; also at the end of May, there is the Festival of the Abbess, a historical reenactment that recalls the legend of the love between Abbess Lucia and the knight Roland: the center of Ozzano is set up to serve as a backdrop for a costumed procession and performances by flag throwers and archers, as well as the establishment of a medieval market where one can witness ancient performances and games; in mid-July, there is the Centonara Fair and White Night, a weekend dedicated to music, performances, enogastronomic stands, and even a gathering of vintage cars, which concludes with a folkloric performance; in the first half of September, there is the Saint Simon Fair, featuring performances, live music, and enogastronomic and local craft stands.
OZZANO TOURISM
Viale della Repubblica, 10
Tel. +39 051 791 333
ozzanoturismo.comune.ozzano.bo.it
Pro Loco Ozzano dell’Emilia
16/a Via degli Orti,
www.prolocozzano
Town of Ozzano dell’Emilia
Viale della Repubblica, 10 - 40064
Tel. +39 051 791 333
www.comune.ozzano.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. - Budrio Hospital - Via Benni, 44 Tel. +39 051 809 111
Emergency Department tel. 118
in the hinterland of Bologna, towards South-East
OZZANO DELL'EMILIA is located just a few km from Bologna and is reachable from there:
in AUTO: State Route 9 Emilia direction Rimini
by TRAIN : From Bologna CENTRALE , line to Ancona , Ozzano Station
OZZANO DELL'EMILIA
