Loiano: Astronomy, Art Trail and Historic Places

Location between the Futa Road and the town center

Loiano is located near the historic Strada della Futa, which connects Bologna and Florence. Loiano’s Astronomy Park is 1 kilometer beyond Loiano on Strada Statale 65 della Futa in the direction of Monghidoro. Another prominent point of reference is the Bologna Montana Art Trail: it begins in Loiano at Piazza Dall'Olio, is a circular route, and starts and ends in the center of Loiano. The trail is approximately 100 kilometers long. This gives you different location considerations when choosing accommodation, between the area along the Futa Road and the town center.

Planetarium and the History of Astronomy

The Astronomy Park is intended for self-guided visits. During the day, public visits to the historic telescope and the planetarium are offered on Saturdays or Sundays according to a set calendar, but generally not in winter. In the planetarium, the night sky is projected onto a digital dome six meters in diameter; the astronomical presentations include either a documentary film or a live explanation by an astronomer. The subject therefore ranges from the projection of the night sky to historical observation techniques.

Churches and Historic Places

The parish church Chiesa parrocchiale dei SS. Giacomo e Margherita was founded by the Augustinians in the 14th century. Its choir, presbytery and bell tower were built by Pier Jacopo dei dall'Olio with the collaboration of architect Mauro Bianchini. Inside are a Saint James by Denijs Calvaert, a statue of the Madonna del Carmine by Angelo Peo', and an 18th-century terracotta Pietà.

Anconella is an old village in the Loiano area, dating largely from the 16th century. The characteristic colonnaded building once served as a rest hospital for pilgrims; the old road to Florence passed through Anconella. Together with the historic Strada della Futa, this place points to the connection between sacred history, old routes and village architecture.

Garden Diversity and Views across the Apennines

The Giardini del Casoncello in Loiano are a natural and ecologically sustainable garden with an unusually rich botanical diversity for the relatively small area of approximately one hectare. The gardens are also a living museum with a wide variety of plant species for people who wish to engage with the plant world for professional, scientific or personal reasons. From Scanello, the view extends across the main mountains of the Idice and Savena valleys to the high Apennines on one side and to the hills surrounding Bologna on the other.

Mountain Biking and Farming Tradition

The Bologna Montana Bike Area includes Loiano and offers mountain biking opportunities in all four seasons. These include particularly technical sections for Gravity Enduro and Mountain Trail, as well as easier sections. The All Star Trail is designed both for mountain bike beginners and for handbike and tandem users. Another aspect of local life is represented by the Festa d'la batdura: the traditional festival takes place in mid-July and celebrates the farming tradition of threshing grain.

Discover more destinations here: Valsamoggia, San Pietro In Casale, Pizzano, Mordano, Marzabotto, Molino del Pallone, Budrio, Farneto

To the main travel overview: Bologna.