Discover Tolè: Art, History and Trails
Accommodation in Tolè
Tolè between Art, Water and History
Tolè combines an unusual townscape with traces from different eras and paths through a forested landscape. An open-air art museum featuring various artworks can be explored on a walk through the town's streets. Water is also part of Tolè's distinctive character: the spring water comes from three sources that feed twelve fountains. In this way, public art and a specific local feature come together directly in the town.
Historical Traces in the Town and Along the Way
Tolè's history includes the Torre di Tolè ruins complex on the ancient Cassiola road. After the turnoff to the left of the primary school, the road is called Via Basabue; from there, the complex can be reached after about one kilometre. During the rule of Matilde di Canossa, the Torre di Tolè was one of the castles built to defend the Matildic territories. The Gothic Line, with the designations Linea Gotica 2 and Linea verde 2, also ran through Tolè during the Second World War, in the area of Monte Croce, La Palazzina and Madonna di Rodiano.
The memory of this period is also linked to a specific date: on 12 July 2020, a small museum dedicated to the Gothic Line, the Mostra-museo della linea gotica, was opened in Tolè. The parish church of Tolè also contains an organ by Agostino Traeri dating from 1750, which was transferred there in 1988. These two places highlight different aspects of wartime history, sacred music and the town's older history.
Monte della Croce and Monte Croce
The slopes of Monte della Croce are covered by centuries-old forests and crossed by winding paths used by hikers and pilgrims. The Cappella Alpina della Madonna della Neve stands on the summit. On the way to the summit of Monte Croce, traces of the wartime battles can be seen, including remains of American positions and German shelters. Those equally interested in the landscape and history will therefore find two closely connected themes here: forest paths and visible reminders of the past.
Routes through Tolè
The Piccola Cassia route runs through the centre of Tolè. In addition, two stages of the Cammino Tesori del Reno pass through the town as a stage point and head in different directions. The fifth stage leads from Rocca di Roffeno to Tolè and is 10 kilometres long. At around kilometre 10 of this stage, at the level of Tolè, there are several fountains; for the entire stage, it is recommended that you bring enough water. The sixth stage leads from Tolè to Vergato and is 18.5 kilometres long. The different distances help you organise your hiking plans according to your preferred stage length and daily rhythm.
Local Highlights and Practical Orientation
The first Sagra della Patata in Tolè was organised in September 1963 by the Pro Loco di Tolè. The Piscina di Tolè is also relevant for families and different needs, as it is accessible to people with disabilities. At the O.A.S.I., visitors could take part in activities by prior reservation, view permanent art collections and walk along seven themed paths. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore decide in advance whether the artworks in the town, historical traces, forest paths, stage hikes or the accessible Piscina should be the focus of your stay.
Further Destinations
Further destinations: Castel Maggiore, Medicina, Baragazza, Bologna, Crevalcore, Valsamoggia, Castenaso, Camugnano
To the higher-level travel overview: Bologna.
