Discover Medicina: Nature, Churches and Historic Buildings

Medicina combines natural landscapes, religious architecture, historic buildings, scientific technology and regional culinary culture.

Natural landscape of the Oasi del Quadrone

The wildlife protection oasis “Il Quadrone” provides a strong natural focus. It was established in 1985 by the Province of Bologna, is located within the municipality of Medicina near the hamlet of Buda, and lies on land owned by the LACME agricultural cooperative. The Oasi del Quadrone comprises a wetland with a depression, a riparian forest, a wet meadow and a wooded area. This diverse mosaic of habitats provides an important refuge for numerous animal and plant species. Open wetland areas and vegetated sections are equally part of its structure. For nature observation, therefore, not only the wetland as a whole but also its division into a depression, riparian forest, wet meadow and wooded area is relevant as part of the natural landscape.

Chiesa del Crocifisso and Chiesa dell’Osservanza

The Chiesa del Crocifisso was designed by Torreggiani around 1748 and built in the following years on behalf of the old and widely established Confraternita dell’Assunta. Its central-plan structure has an octagonal drum and a lantern at the top; both architectural elements shape the form of the building.

The Chiesa dell’Osservanza was built in 1731 and was part of the Convento dei Frati dell’Osservanza. Its magnificent interior is furnished with valuable paintings, altars and finely crafted 18th-century stucco decorations. The two churches therefore differ in their features: at the Crocifisso, the central-plan structure with its drum and lantern is the main focus, while at the Osservanza, it is the connection to the convent and the interior furnishings. The stucco decorations complement the paintings and altars with an additional design element.

Torre dell’orologio and “Croce del Nord” radio telescope

The lower section of the Torre dell’orologio was built in the 16th century at the corner of the former Palazzo del Podestà. The tower has a large 17th-century clock face made from molded majolica pieces from Faenza, which is considered the only known work of its kind. The “Croce del Nord” radio telescope adds a technical and scientific connection: it is one of the largest transit radio telescopes in the world. The tower thus combines its historic construction phase with the clock face originating from Faenza; the radio telescope adds an independent scientific focus.

Medicipolla and places around Medicina-Buda

Regional culinary culture is also part of Medicina’s character. In its 24th edition, the traditional Antica Fiera di Luglio Medicipolla places the “Cipolla di Medicina” and typical gastronomic specialties of the region at the center of attention. For travelers interested in regional cuisine, the event combines the specific product “Cipolla di Medicina” with other specialties of the region. The area around Medicina-Buda is also home to Palazzo Dal Monte Casoni, a palace, and the Palazzo Machirelli Museum.

Further destinations: Porretta Terme, Rioveggio, Tolè, Portonovo, Malalbergo, San Marino, Lizzano In Belvedere, Bologna.

To the overarching travel overview: Bologna.