San Pietro in Casale: Discover History, Landscapes and Trails

Historic Town Centre and Notable Buildings

San Pietro in Casale first reveals its character in the historic town centre. The Church of Saints Pietro and Paolo, dating from the 19th century, stands on the main square. It is flanked by a Romanesque bell tower that recalls the building’s medieval origins.

Other buildings also give the area a cultural and historical character. Palazzo Calderini in Rubizzano is a 16th-century building with high-quality frescoes from the Carracci school. The Church of San Giacomo Maggiore in Poggetto contains an altarpiece from the school of Guido Reni. The Church of Sant'Andrea in Maccaretolo dates back to the 14th century. Ca' Gioiosa is a 16th-century building for the staff of the water-supply network and housed a mill in the 18th century. These different places bring together architecture, art and the changing functions of historic buildings.

Cycling Routes, Canal and Travel

Four cycling routes start in the main town of San Pietro in Casale for active exploration. They run along paved and unpaved roads, so the road surface can be taken into account when planning your own route. Another perspective on the landscape is provided by the section of the Canale Navile that crosses the San Pietro in Casale area. There, you can still walk along the right bank embankment, accompanied by a towpath that is accessible on foot. To get there, a regional train from Bologna Central Station towards Venezia Santa Lucia stops in San Pietro in Casale.

Water Landscapes and Commemorative Heritage

East of the main town, the landscape is shaped by its origins as a valley area. The area around Casone del Partigiano includes a large wetland surrounded by poplars and willows. At the same time, the site is connected with the history of the Second World War: Casone del Partigiano served as the base of the 2nd Paolo Partisan Brigade, which organised the uprising of 22 April 1945. Visits to Casone del Partigiano are possible only by request.

Traditions and Seasonal Impressions

The Carnival of San Pietro in Casale is a living tradition dating back to 1871 and takes place every year under the sign of the local character Re Sandron Spaviron. In November, the Sagra del Bollito offers the opportunity to try a traditional second course from Bolognese cuisine. San Pietro in Casale’s cultural park also includes an extensive park planted with roses. The range therefore extends from an annual festival and regional cuisine to a landscaped green space.

Historic Routes in the Surrounding Area

The connection between landscape and history can also be observed along the municipal Setti road. It runs between Maccaretolo and Tombe and is possibly the clearest example of Roman centuriation in the surrounding area.

Other destinations: Grizzana Morandi, Calderara Di Reno, Farneto, Borgonuovo, Quarto Inferiore, Molino del Pallone, Monzuno, Ponte Samoggia.

To the main travel overview: Bologna.