SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO - Bologna
Guide to SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
San Benedetto Val di Sambro is a town of 4,348 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.
Its origin is very recent, at the end of the 1800s, when the two communes of Pian del Voglio and Poggio dei Rossi were united. However, it is known that the territory has always been part of the possessions of the city of Bologna, sharing its alternating fortunes.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO
Very close to San Benedetto, just 6 kilometers away, lies the Lake of Castel dell’Alpi, the only natural lake in the province of Bologna: it was created by a landslide in 1951 that blocked the course of the Savena river. This event unfortunately destroyed the ancient village of Castel dell’Alpi, sparing only the church; today the village has been rebuilt on the lakeshore, becoming a much-appreciated tourist destination, especially in the summer. The lake is particularly suitable for sport fishing, both by casting and by trolling with a boat, depending on the area chosen; among the fish that have found their ideal habitat here are carp, which can reach considerable weights, pike, and tench. The entire area is crisscrossed by many trails of varying difficulty, from those suitable for everyone to those more challenging, suitable for those who want to escape the frenzy of daily life, and which can be walked both on foot and by mountain bike. Among these, the Via degli Dei trail, marked by CAI, is particularly beautiful; it seems to be part of an ancient series of Roman roads that during the Middle Ages connected Bologna and Florence. Its name probably derives from the fact that it passes through places like Monte Adone, Monte Venere, and Monte Luario, all places that evoke the names of ancient characters and deities (Lua was the Roman goddess of atonement). Along its route, one passes by ancient parish churches and villages, such as Cedrecchia, Pian del Voglio, the medieval Torre Galappio, all the way up to the peaks of Monte Bastione, at 1190 meters, and Monte dei Cucchi, at 1140 meters. However, there is another itinerary worth mentioning for its beauty: the one that leads to the many small rural villages that dot the slopes of the Bolognese Apennines. The villages of Musolesi and Qualto are particularly beautiful and picturesque, recently restored and dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Probably the oldest structure is found in Poggio Suizzano, and it is a tower house from the year 1300. Following what was once called the Via dei Mulini, alongside the rivers Sambro and Setta, one can still see about forty water mills, some hidden by vegetation, but others clearly visible and still functional.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Various events take place in San Benedetto, including the Feast of Saint Anthony in the first half of June, with food and wine stands, local craft booths, theatrical performances, and live music. In late October, there is the Tartufesta, a typical event featuring one of the most prized products of the Bolognese Apennines, the truffle! The celebration offers the opportunity to taste truffles prepared in many different ways, including as ice cream (it seems to be very good too!).
PRO LOCO SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
37 via Roma
www.prolocovalsambro.it
Town of SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
Via Roma, 39 - 40048
Tel. +39 053 495 026
www.comune.sanbenedettovaldisambro.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Simiani Hospital in Via Roma 8, Loiano tel. +39 051 654 53710
First Aid tel. 118
where - on the mountains of Bologna, towards the south
HOW TO REACH SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
in AUTO: From the A1 Motorway, coming from the North, exit at Rioveggio, then follow Provincial Roads 61 and 60 until SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO-; from the South, take the A1 Valico Variant, exit at Badia, then follow Provincial Roads 61 and 60 until SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
by TRAIN : Line Bologna-Prato (Direttissima), station of San Benedetto Sambro-Castiglione P.
SAN BENEDETTO VAL DI SAMBRO
