Villages & CastlesVillages & Castles

By train between villages and castles

by /// December 23, 2024
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

24 h

Time
24 h

SHARE

24 h

Time
24 h

SHARE

The hinterland between Bologna and Modena is a land rich in history, with picturesque villages and majestic castles that tell the story of bygone eras. Here is a one-day itinerary to discover some of these places, at a slow pace, using the network of Ferrovie dell’Emilia-Romagna (Emilia-Romagna Railways).

A train journey starting from Casalecchio di Reno, a stone’s throw from Bologna, to discover some of the pearls of the Samoggia and Panaro Valleys: history, culture and unforgettable views between Bazzano, Savignano sul Panaro and Vignola.

Travelling by train is an excellent choice for those who want an eco-friendly and authentic experience. Along the route you can relax, without worrying about traffic or parking.

Ready to go?

Departure from Casalecchio di Reno

Our adventure begins early in the morning at Casalecchio di Reno railway station, easily reachable from the city of Bologna. The regional train is convenient and allows you to immediately immerse yourself in the beauty of the Bologna foothills, admiring the landscapes that flow out of the window.

Colli Bolognesi Ph. Giorgio Morara via shutterstock
Bologna Hills Ph. Giorgio Morara via shutterstock

First stop: Bazzano and its Fortress

The first stop on our itinerary, about half an hour by train, is Bazzano, a small jewel in the Samoggia Valley.

The undisputed star of the town is the Rocca dei Bentivoglio, an imposing medieval fortress that dominates the town from above. Here you can:

  • explore the rooms inside the Rocca, which contain frescoes, coats of arms and historical evidence of the Renaissance period.
  • visit the Civic Archaeological Museum “A. Crespellani”, to immerse yourself in the ancient history of the area.
  • admire the view from the Rocca and take some picturesque photos.
Bazzano (Valsamoggia,BO) Rocca dei Bentivoglio Ph. Veronica Scandellari
Bazzano (Valsamoggia,BO) Rocca dei Bentivoglio Ph. Veronica Scandellari

Before leaving, stroll through the streets of the old town of Bazzano, full of charm and small local shops.

Second stop: Savignano sul Panaro, medieval village

Another 10-minute train ride will take you to Savignano sul Panaro, in the foothills of the Panaro Valley. This medieval village is an authentic postcard from another era, ideal for those who love to stroll among cobbled streets and ancient walls.

A walk leads to the medieval village of Savignano Alto, among stone houses, ancient arches and panoramic views. Here stands the Castle Tower, symbol of the town, which once had a drawbridge and where you can still admire a 17th century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child.

Savignano sul Panaro (MO) Ph. Nacchio Brothers via Terre di Castelli
Savignano sul Panaro (MO) Ph. Nacchio Brothers via Terre di Castelli

Don’t forget to stop at a local trattoria to taste the delights of Emilian cuisine: tortellini, tortelloni, tagliatelle or lasagne, accompanied by local wines, will satisfy every palate.

Third stop: Vignola, between the Rocca and Palazzo Barozzi

The last stop on our itinerary, just a few minutes by train, is Vignola, a town famous for its historic architecture and its famous cake, the Torta Barozzi, whose recipe is a secret.

Vignola (MO), Rocca Ph. pixelshop via shutterstock
Vignola (MO), Rocca Ph. pixelshop via shutterstock

A visit to Vignola is a must for art and history lovers; not to be missed are:

  • the Vignola Fortress: one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in Emilia, with decorated rooms and remarkable frescoes, including the late Gothic frescoes in the Contrari Chapel; from its towers (which can only be visited with a guided tour) there is also an enchanting view of the town and the surrounding countryside.
  • Barozzi Palace: famous for its extraordinary spiral staircase, an architectural masterpiece attributed to Jacopo Barozzi, known as “Il Vignola”.
  • the historical centre, with its porticoes and artisan workshops, is the perfect place to stroll around and discover the little local wonders.

At the end of your visit, take the train back to Casalecchio di Reno.

Author

Elisa Mazzini

Social Media Manager for @inEmiliaRomagna and full-time mom.

You may also like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *