Crevalcore between history, nature and everyday Italian culture
Accommodation in Crevalcore
Crevalcore combines a historically shaped townscape with museums, distinctive religious buildings, cycling routes and an important Natura 2000 site. This makes the town suitable for travellers who want to combine culture and landscapes during a trip to Italy. When choosing a hotel in Crevalcore, you can first decide whether your focus is on the historic centre, exhibitions, cycling or nature observation.
File:Collettore delle Acque Alte - Crevalcore, Bologna, Italy 19.jpg
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Historic Centre and Unusual Collections
Crevalcore’s historic centre has largely preserved the urban layout created between the 18th and 19th centuries. This character is particularly evident in the buildings along the main street. In the central square, a bronze sculpture dating from 1897 commemorates the scientist Marcello Malpighi and adds a locally rooted historical reference to a tour of the centre.
Among the distinctive cultural attractions is the Museo dei burattini Leo Preti inside the Porta Bologna. The museum displays Leo Preti’s original puppet theatre, 60 puppets and 110 painted stage backdrops, as well as other materials from his work. The Centro Melò is also home to the Museo della Pace, which contains artefacts and equipment from the First World War.
The religious buildings also span different periods. The Chiesa della Concezione has an 18th-century Traeri organ. The Teatro comunale di Crevalcore is associated with the Accademia degli Indifferenti Risoluti, whose activities date back to 1648.
Historical Traces in the Townscape
“Le vie del tempo” is a historical presentation spanning different periods along the streets in the centre of Crevalcore. It covers periods from prehistory to the Second World War and can therefore be read as a thematic way of approaching the town. Another historical trace can be found in the Oratorio next to Castello dei Ronchi: when a reliquary display case was rearranged there in 2007, a rare late antique glass vessel base from the 4th century was discovered. Figures of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are engraved in gold leaf on the glass.
The 18th-century Oratorio della Rotonda was connected by an avenue to Villa Caprara in Ronchi. Today, the railway cuts across this avenue. The historical connection thus also remains an example of how older structures and later infrastructure overlap in a particular area.
Nature and Cycling Routes
For those interested in nature, Natura 2000 site IT4050025 is significant. It is designated as the Special Area of Conservation/Special Protection Area “Biotopi e Ripristini ambientali di Crevalcore”. A total of 35 bird species of Community interest have been documented there, including 13 breeding species. In addition, 108 migratory bird species have been documented, including 55 breeding species. Those who want to explore Crevalcore by bicycle can reach the town via the Ciclovia del Sole, which forms part of the European EuroVelo 7 route. The 19-kilometre circular route “Il meglio di Crevalcore in bicicletta” combines culture, nature and local traditions.
Getting There and Regional Food Culture
Crevalcore has a railway station on the Bologna–Verona line. The town can be reached from Bologna Centrale on this railway line, which can be taken into account when planning a trip without driving the entire way.
A culinary connection is the 2025 edition of the Festa della Pasta Ripiena e del Castrato in Bevilacqua. Traditional filled pasta was prepared there and served together with castrato, the festival’s signature dish.
Other destinations: Linaro, Castello Di Serravalle, Molino del Pallone, Pizzano, Ozzano Dell Emilia, Sasso Marconi, Castiglione Dei Pepoli, Granarolo Dell'emilia
Back to the main travel overview: Bologna.
