Portonovo: Church Art, Historic Centre and Historical Connections

Portonovo and Its Historical Surroundings

Portonovo was located in the lands that had formed the Patrimony of the Partecipanza di Medicina since the Middle Ages. The old agricultural structures of Portonovo are considered particularly interesting. The Partecipanza di Medicina and the agricultural structures represent two historical points of reference for Portonovo. The town’s history therefore encompasses both its connection to the lands and the former routes of transport.

The Church of Santa Croce and Its Works of Art

The Church of Santa Croce e San Michele in Portonovo was built between 1721 and 1730. Inside is a historic organ built by Domenico Maria Gentili in 1774 and restored by Paolo Tollari. The furnishings also include a Madonna with Saints Lucia, Peter and Paul, as well as a view of Medicina by G. B. Bolognini. The main altar features the work “The Exaltation of the Cross and Saint Michael” by Ercole Lelli. The church thus combines sacred art with the historical connection between Portonovo and Medicina.

Porto Nuovo and Former Connections

The name Portonovo also points to the town’s past. It is connected with a navigable Porto Nuovo, which was opened after the Porto Vecchio of Buda had been forcibly filled in by the people of Bologna in 1325. Porto Nuovo was opened to restore trade with the valleys of Argenta and the Po di Primaro. In the past, Portonovo was connected to the municipal centre of Medicina by the Canale di Medicina. The name Portonovo thus preserves the history of waterways and trade in the context of the town.

A Walk Through the Town Centre and the Past

During a walk in 2024, the route began in the village square and continued to the Church of Santa Croce and through the old town centre. The cinema, the old houses of the sharecroppers, grain stores and warehouses were also included among the stops. The small cemetery of Portonovo was likewise part of the walk; at this location, it was possible to explore the history of the Biennio Rosso and the rural struggles in greater depth. The walk thus brought together the church, town centre, everyday architecture, agriculture and political and social history.

A 32 km nature itinerary through the area of Medicina and partly through Molinella includes Portonovo in its route listing and is suitable for mountain bikes. The 32 km refer to the itinerary itself, not to the walk through the town centre. When planning an individual day, the itinerary can therefore be considered as a separate cycling excursion alongside the walk through the village square, church and old town centre. Portonovo appears in it as part of the route listing, without a starting point in the town itself being specified.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

More places for your travel planning: Castenaso, Granaglione, Bentivoglio, Ripoli, Casette di Funo, Sala Bolognese, Casalecchio Di Reno and Fontanelice.

To the main travel overview: Bologna.