BENTIVOGLIO - Bologna
BENTIVOGLIO'S GUIDE
Bentivoglio is a municipality of 5,495 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its name derives from the eponymous noble family of Bologna, which built a castle here around 1500, called Domus Jocunditas, used for hunting with dogs and falcons, fishing, and other amusements. However, the origins of Bentivoglio are much older, dating back to the Villanovan period, as tombs dating back to 930 BC and a Stele from the 6th century BC have been found in this area; but it was the Romans who carried out the first land reclamation of the territory to make it healthier, and today some remains can still be seen that testify to this. The history of Bentivoglio is closely linked to that of the Navile canal, built in the early decades of the 13th century: this has always been used as a means of communication and trade exchange, and along its course numerous fortifications were built to defend the border against the neighboring territories of Ferrara, controlled by the Este family.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN BENTIVOGLIO
photo Province of Bologna
The Castle deserves a visit: the building has all the characteristics of a Renaissance construction, it is square-shaped, with large windows and a bright courtyard, inside it was decorated with vivid colors, which unfortunately have mostly been lost; very beautiful the Five Chimneys Hall and the Bread Hall, called so because it is decorated with beautiful frescoes that tell the story of this essential food. Also very beautiful is the Red Palace, today the seat of the Municipal Library, one of the examples of Bolognese Liberty architecture: its name derives from the red bricks used to build it; inside it is possible to admire the Zodiac Hall, with a beautiful decoration realized by Augusto Sezanne. Also Villa Smeraldi is very beautiful: today it hosts the Museum of Rural Civilization, while on the first floor, in the Hall of Festivities, concerts and conferences are held every year.
For those who love outdoor activities, La Rizza Oasis is the ideal place: located in the northern part of the territory, where old rice paddies once stood, today the Oasis constitutes a complex environment where wetlands, reed beds, forests and canals intersect, allowing a very large number of bird species to find here an appropriate place to nest. Inside the Oasis there are many trails, which allow not only to take beautiful walks, but also to approach pre-established observation points that allow to observe the rich fauna of this place, among which we find, after centuries of absence, the white storks.
FAIRS AND EVENTS
Various events take place in Bentivoglio: at the end of May, there is the Festival of Flavors, with wine and food stands and local crafts; on the first of September, there is St. Martin's Day Festival, an opportunity to take a walk and enjoy the excellent dishes of tradition, from crescione to piadinas, without forgetting the excellent desserts of the area; throughout the month of October, the Chamber Music Festival is held within the beautiful setting of the Castle, during which it is possible to listen to great musicians and young talents.
Town of BENTIVOGLIO
Piazza dei Martiri per la Libertà, 2
Tel.: +39 051 664 3511
www.comune.bentivoglio.bo.it
other useful addresses
A.S.L. - Hospital of Bentivoglio
Via Marconi, 35 Tel. +39 051 664 4111
First Aid tel. 118
where is Bentivoglio located?
BENTIVOGLIO