GAGGIO MONTANO | Bologna
GAGGIO MONTANO Travel Guide
Gaggio Montano is a village of 4,838 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. The origins of the town are very old, in fact here were found remains dating back to the Bronze Age and the Villanovan Age. Given its position, Gaggio Montano has witnessed numerous battles throughout the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the construction of the Rocca, today called Sasso di Rocca, in an elevated position for greater defensive effectiveness.
what to see and what to do
A visit to the ancient village of Gaggio is very suggestive: it rises around the Sasso, characterized by narrow streets and ancient buildings. At the top of the Sasso you can see the Lighthouse of the Fallen Mountain Soldiers, built in 1951, with its belvedere from which you can admire a beautiful view of the entire valley.
Not too far from Gaggio Montano, there is the Sassoguidano Regional Reserve: 280 hectares of wild nature, characterized by badlands and karst phenomena crossed by the Lerna river, up to a plateau covered by oak and chestnut woods that reaches the rocky ridge of Cinghio di Malvarone, 722 meters above sea level. Here the peregrine falcon nests, but the Sassoguidano Reserve is known above all for the presence of a vast flora, from many species of orchids to the Hottonia palustris, a rare aquatic plant that thrives here. You can also find many thematic trails, from the purely geological ones, that lead to admire badlands and caves, to those that cross the different habitats of the reserve, to a historian one that allows you to get, among other things, the Oratory of Sassomassiccio and to the villages of La Torre and Còrnola.
From Gaggio Montano you can also easily reach the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, one of the great parks of Emilia Romagna: the territory inside it is purely mountainous, with peaks reaching almost 2000 meters, and from which the Dardagna and Silla torrents born and, in their descent to the valley, form beautiful waterfalls that can be admired by one of the paths that make up the dense network of paths that cross the Park. Not far from the falls is also the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Acero, which certainly deserves a visit, perhaps in the autumn, when the park shines thanks to the beautiful shades of autumn colors. For the more experienced trekkers, on the other hand, there is the possibility of organizing excursions for a whole weekend, staying in shelters and enjoying a nice hot dinner based on typical local products. Given the altitude of its peaks of course, the Park is also perfect for those who want to practice winter sports: inside there is a well-equipped ski resort that satisfies the demands of everyone, both those who love fast descents, and who instead he prefers ski mountaineering, while snowboarders can have fun doing acrobatics in a special snow park.
Not too far from Gaggio Montano, there is the Sassoguidano Regional Reserve: 280 hectares of wild nature, characterized by badlands and karst phenomena crossed by the Lerna river, up to a plateau covered by oak and chestnut woods that reaches the rocky ridge of Cinghio di Malvarone, 722 meters above sea level. Here the peregrine falcon nests, but the Sassoguidano Reserve is known above all for the presence of a vast flora, from many species of orchids to the Hottonia palustris, a rare aquatic plant that thrives here. You can also find many thematic trails, from the purely geological ones, that lead to admire badlands and caves, to those that cross the different habitats of the reserve, to a historian one that allows you to get, among other things, the Oratory of Sassomassiccio and to the villages of La Torre and Còrnola.
From Gaggio Montano you can also easily reach the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, one of the great parks of Emilia Romagna: the territory inside it is purely mountainous, with peaks reaching almost 2000 meters, and from which the Dardagna and Silla torrents born and, in their descent to the valley, form beautiful waterfalls that can be admired by one of the paths that make up the dense network of paths that cross the Park. Not far from the falls is also the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Acero, which certainly deserves a visit, perhaps in the autumn, when the park shines thanks to the beautiful shades of autumn colors. For the more experienced trekkers, on the other hand, there is the possibility of organizing excursions for a whole weekend, staying in shelters and enjoying a nice hot dinner based on typical local products. Given the altitude of its peaks of course, the Park is also perfect for those who want to practice winter sports: inside there is a well-equipped ski resort that satisfies the demands of everyone, both those who love fast descents, and who instead he prefers ski mountaineering, while snowboarders can have fun doing acrobatics in a special snow park.
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Among the events taking place in Gaggio Montano we remind the Fiera of Marano, in mid-June, with food and wine stands and local crafts, demonstrations of ancient crafts and sale of typical products, while during the Christmas season a Christmas Market is set up, ideal place to buy gifts.
Useful Info and Contacts
TURIST INFO
PRO LOCO GAGGIO MONTANO
www.prolocogaggiomontano.com
Town Hall of GAGGIO MONTANO
Piazza A. Brasa, 1
Tel. +39 0534 380 03
www.comune.gaggio-montano.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
Health Service : Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711
PRO LOCO GAGGIO MONTANO
www.prolocogaggiomontano.com
Town Hall of GAGGIO MONTANO
Piazza A. Brasa, 1
Tel. +39 0534 380 03
www.comune.gaggio-montano.bo.it
OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
Health Service : Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711
where - on the hill of Bologna, to the South
by CAR: From the North from the A1 motorway the exit to reach GAGGIO MONTANO is that of Sasso Marconi from A1 and then continue on the SS64 Porrettana, direction Porretta / Pistoia then Strada Provinciale 64.then Provincial Road 324 towards Gaggio Montano
by TRAIN: Metropolitan Railway Service, every half hour at peak time, from Bologna Centrale direction Porretta, Porretta Station, then local buses from Autostazione di Porretta.