Discover Monghidoro: Trails, Mills and Mountain Traditions
Accommodation in Monghidoro
Monghidoro can be explored through a variety of experiences: trails through the landscape, evidence of mountain and village history, and places where earlier ways of working can be seen up close. The Sentiero dei Pilastrini begins in Monghidoro, passes through typical villages and follows ten small stone pillars. In the town centre are the cloisters of La Cisterna. They are the remaining parts of the former monastery of San Michele ad Alpes, which was created in 1528 through the conversion of the Palazzo di Armaciotto dei Ramazzotti.
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Photo: Rodrigotebani via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Landscape and Trails
The Alpe di Monghidoro lies in the upper reaches of the Torrente Savena and forms a nature reserve on the border between the Idice and Savena valleys. The landscape offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Smaller bodies of water are also important for experiencing nature: ponds such as the Triton Pond near Fantorno, as well as pools in the clearings of the beech forests of the Alpe di Monghidoro, provide valuable habitats for flora and fauna. The combination of the valley boundary, woodland and bodies of water gives this area a distinct natural character.
Another natural area is Parco La Martina. The woodland is recognised as a SIC (Site of Community Importance) for its biological diversity in flora and fauna and has an extensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Trails from the park cross various long-distance and pilgrimage routes, including the Via Mater Dei. Trails in the park also lead to the land-art installation “Il Soffione”.
Adventures on Monte Oggioli
Triton's Park is located on Monte Oggioli in the Alpe di Monghidoro. It is an adventure park at an altitude of approximately 1,000 metres, with courses suspended between the trees. The park offers three different courses with three difficulty levels, as well as two courses for children. Next to the entrance are a pond with newts and a picnic area.
Mills and Rural Life
The historic Mulino Mazzone mill is still in operation today and already existed before 1785. Guided tours of Mulino Mazzone are available by prior reservation.
The Museo della civiltà contadina dell’Appennino Bolognese includes a reconstructed water mill interior at a scale of 1:3, allowing visitors to understand how a mill works. The museum also reconstructs aspects of work and everyday life in the Apennines in earlier times. It can only be visited by prior appointment. This museum visit therefore combines a clear presentation of technical processes with insights into past worlds of work and everyday life.
Churches and Mountain Traditions
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Monghidoro dates back to 1256. The old village of Sant’Andrea di Valle Savena is home to a church of the same name built in the 14th century.
The Festa del Maiale in Monghidoro is a long-established festival celebrating the mountain tradition of the Norcini. The Norcini slaughter pigs and process their meat. The festival therefore focuses on a specific craft tradition that connects the culinary character of the mountain region with its rural history.
Bentivoglio, Tossignano, San Giovanni In Persiceto, Calderara Di Reno, Pieve Di Cento, Scuola, CĂ Bianca and Vidiciatico.
For the broader travel overview: Bologna.
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