BUDRIO - Bologna
Budrio Driving and Hotels
Budrio is a village of 18,479 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its origins are very ancient, dating back to the Villanovan civilization, as evidenced by the many artifacts found in the area and displayed at the Archaeological Museum, as well as its name, which was originally Butrium, meaning ravine. There are also traces of Etruscan and Gallic settlements, up to the Romans, as shown by the geometric division of the fields, known as centuriation, and the streets of the historic center, which intersect at right angles, typical of Roman civilization. At the end of the fourteenth century, the castle of Budrio, which had been destroyed several times in past battles, was rebuilt by the governor of Bologna, Cardinal Albornoz, in the typical square base with towers at the corners; in the following century, the village was incorporated into the castle.
Budrio is currently famous, among other things, for hosting a center of excellence at the European level for the care and production of prostheses for people who have suffered disabling traumas. The structure, managed by the INAIl, is located in Vigorso.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN BUDRIO
Walking through Budrio, one can still see the four Torrioni of the Albornoz fortress, which have been recently restored, as well as the only remaining stretch of wall; the Town Hall, with the Clock Tower (formerly a guard tower), also dates back to the period of reconstruction by Cardinal Albornoz; today it houses a Modern Art Gallery that exhibits works by local and international artists. Very interesting is the Boriani Dalla Noce Palace, which today houses the Library: it dates back to 1700 and inside one can admire beautiful frescoes. Worth a visit is also the Budrio Parish Church, one of the oldest in the area, below which part of an older church can still be seen; the Church of Saint Agatha, which has a magnificent six-arch portico; and Santa Maria del Borgo, within which there is an important crucifix from the sixteenth century.
To visit the Museum of the Idice Valley, housed in a neo-Renaissance style building and inaugurated in 2001. As one can infer from the name, the Museum aims to highlight the protagonists who have shaped the history of these territories with inventions and innovations; with this in mind, a reference to the genius of Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of radio, could not be missing. The exhibition also features rare objects produced by Ducati, from the factory's inception to the 1970s, but above all motorcycles of the era, such as the Cucciolo, one of the first models produced by the motor company, and also one of the most beloved; the two motorcycles that, in 1957, circumnavigated the globe during the epic adventure of Tartarini and Monetti, along with the original footage of the journey, could not be missing.
FAIRS AND EVENTS
There are many events held in Budrio throughout the year: in February, in Mezzolara, a fraction of Budrio, there is L'Inftidura dal Ninèn, or the Sagra del Maiale, where it is possible to taste and/or purchase salamis of all kinds, excellence of Emilia Romagna; in March, usually the second weekend, Budrio Ciok, the Chocolate Artisan Festival, takes place this year at its third edition, during which many variations of this food loved by all can be tasted, from chili chocolate to honey chocolate and many others; between the end of April and the beginning of May, the International Ocarina Festival takes place, this year at its ninth edition, which includes the presence of musicians and artisans from all over the world, with concerts and folk dances through the streets of the village; throughout the month of May, Country Rose is held, one of the most important flower and rose markets in Italy, with exhibitions of antique roses from all over the world; at the end of June there is Budrio Bier Fest, an event that allows you to taste many Italian beer productions, but not only, and to listen to live numerous musical groups that will perform throughout the duration of the event; at the end of August there is the Summer Festival, with enogastronomic stands and local crafts and accompanying music; in the second half of September, in Mezzolara, a fraction of Budrio, the Sagra della Cipolla takes place, an ancient festival that recalls the rural traditions of the territory, of which the onion is an excellence; among the dishes that can be tasted on this occasion there is certainly onion soup with crostini and the delicious fried onion, a must try!
Pro Loco BUDRIO
5 Via dei Mille
Tel. +39 051 802 888
www.prolocobudrio.it
Town of BUDRIO
Piazza Q. Filopanti, 11
Tel.: +39 051 692 8111
www.comune.budrio.bo.it
other useful addresses
- A.S.L. - Hospital of Budrio - Via Benni, 44 Tel. +39 051 809 111
First Aid tel. 118
in the hinterland of Bologna, towards the east
BUDRIO is located 23 km from Bologna and is reachable from there:
by CAR: State Road 64 and Provincial Road 5 San Donato or State Road 253 San Vitale towards Ravenna
by TRAIN: From BOLOGNA CENTRALE , line for PORTOMAGGIORE , Budrio STATION
