San Vincenzo: History, Festivals and the Ciclovia del Reno

San Vincenzo can be discovered through its history, outdoor activities and local everyday life. Among old churches, religious festivals and the Ciclovia del Reno, there are various ways to experience the town and its surroundings. The market, library and a trattoria recognised as a Bottega Storica also offer insights into the local character.

Churches and religious history

The Pieve dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is one of the oldest churches in the Bolognese plain. It therefore represents a long ecclesiastical history that is visible in San Vincenzo through several buildings and festivals. The Pieve di San Vincenzo was first mentioned in 898 in the “Placito di Cinquanta”, a Carolingian document. This early written record provides a significant historical reference point.

A much later period is reflected in the Chiesa dei SS. Vincenzo e Anastasio: it was built between 1736 and 1737. The religious dates are also part of the town’s cultural calendar. The patron saint’s festival of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio takes place on 22 January, while the patron saint’s festival of the Madonna del Manzatico takes place on the third Sunday in September. At the 2025 festival of the Madonna del Manzatico, a procession led from Piazza del Manzatico to the Chiesa di San Vincenzo.

Exploring the Ciclovia del Reno

Those who would like to combine San Vincenzo with outdoor activities will find the Ciclovia del Reno a suitable focus for planning their day. The route is suitable for walking and for bicycles designed for unpaved paths, not for example racing bikes. Choosing the right bicycle is therefore an important practical consideration: this route is intended for models that can handle unpaved sections.

The section of the Ciclovia del Reno from Trebbo di Reno to San Vincenzo di Galliera is 42 km long. The Ciclovia del Reno also offers a special elevated viewpoint over the landscape of the Bolognese plain. Nearby, the Laghetto di San Prospero is used for sport fishing and outdoor leisure activities. In addition to walking and cycling, this places other opportunities for spending time outdoors at the centre of attention.

Market, library and local cuisine

The market, held on Wednesday afternoons, provides an everyday perspective on San Vincenzo. The “Giovanna Zangrandi” municipal library in San Vincenzo offers books and multimedia materials for loan. A culinary connection is provided by Trattoria Wilma, which is recognised as a Bottega Storica of the Province of Bologna. These three places and offerings complement the churches and routes with different facets of a stay.

When choosing your hotel in San Vincenzo, you can decide on your personal priorities in advance. If you are primarily interested in architectural history and religious festivals, the Pieve, the Chiesa dei SS. Vincenzo e Anastasio and the scheduled dates provide a clear thematic framework. For active days, on the other hand, the Ciclovia del Reno and the Laghetto di San Prospero take centre stage. The market, library and Trattoria Wilma suit a more leisurely exploration of local everyday life. This allows your accommodation decision to be connected with the way you would like to plan your days, without reducing the town to just one travel interest.

Discover more destinations

You can also find more destinations in Crespellano, Castel Guelfo Di Bologna, Farneto, Casalfiumanese, Pian del Voglio, Calderara Di Reno, Baragazza and Pianoro.

For the overarching travel overview: Bologna.