CASTEL DEL RIO - Bologna
Guide to CASTEL DEL RIO
Castel del Rio is a municipality of 1,229 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.
Its origins likely date back to the 6th and 7th centuries, as evidenced by some artifacts found in the area.
In the 10th century, a castle was built here, which probably gave the town its name, but today only ruins remain.
Crucial to the history of Castel del Rio was the Alidosi family, which ruled these lands for 400 years until, in 1638, Papal troops conquered the fiefdom, driving out the Alidosi family.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO
It definitely deserves a visit Palazzo Alidosi, built in the 16th century: originally it was meant to be a monumental work, a palace-fortress to testify to the grandeur of the Alidosi family, but it remained unfinished due to lack of funds; today, however, it is still possible to admire the two large bastions, three wonderful shell-shaped fountains and a beautiful loggia. Currently, the Palace is the seat of the Town Hall, as well as hosting the Library, the War Museum and the Chestnut Tree Museum.
Also very interesting is the Bridge over the Santerno River, also commissioned by the Alidosi family: for the time, the construction of the bridge was a notable challenge, as it consists of a single arch of 42 meters. Its peculiarity are the five internal rooms, probably built for structural reasons, which allowed soldiers to collect taxes. In 1897, the bridge was declared a national monument, and its internal rooms have become an interesting exhibition space.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Castel del Rio is part of the High Path of Parks, a trail that crosses through Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Marche, allowing visitors to discover the beauty of the Apennines with its breathtaking views and pristine nature (the trail runs through two National Parks, five regional parks, and one interregional park). The route is divided into 27 stages, covering a total length of 500 kilometers, suitable for both experienced hikers and casual enthusiasts. There are also 10 cycling routes of varying difficulties in the area, known as “Cycling Paths of the Parks”. The Regional Park of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola is also worth visiting: in addition to a rich flora and fauna due to the unique microclimate of the area, there are ancient remains of human settlements from various eras, such as the ruins of the Rontana Castle, on the peak of Monte Rontana, dating back to 973, offering magnificent views. However, the unique feature of the Vena del Gesso is the abundance of caves, many of which are visitable: over 200 have been discovered, with a total length of more than 40 kilometers.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Various events take place in Castel del Rio: at the end of June and the beginning of July there is the Festival of Gnocchi, where you can taste the famous fried gnocchi and typical dishes of Romagna and Tuscany cuisine (due to the proximity to the border between the two regions); in conjunction with the Festival of Gnocchi, the Renaissance Festival is also held, a historical-cultural reenactment that recalls the greatness of the Alidosi Signoria: inside the Alidosi Palace one can witness an impressive parade (about 400 participants), as well as reconstructions of historical markets and military camps, all accompanied by various types of shows, from archery demonstrations to falconry displays, to conclude with spectacular fireworks over Alidosi Bridge!
Throughout the month of October, the Chestnut Festival is held, in honor of this fundamental food of the local culture, during which it is possible to buy and eat many dishes made with chestnuts, from chestnut cake to polenta made with chestnut flour to chestnut liqueurs.
XXXVIII RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
CASTEL DEL RIO
The Renaissance Festivals recreate the atmosphere of the '500s, bringing the town back to the era of the Alidosi Signoria, through the Great Historical Parade, period constructions and animations, a historical market, evening spectacles, a witch trial, the bonfire, and fireworks at the Alidosi Bridge, and much more...
Republic Square Castel del Rio
phone = 3297719675
website = http://www.festerinascimentali.it
Cultural Association Alidosiana
Tourist Information Office
CASTEL DEL RIO
Via del Commercio, 4/Z - 40023 Castel Guelfo di Bologna (BO) c/o Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets.
Tel: +39 0542 670765
www.imolafaenza.it
Town Hall of CASTEL DEL RIO
Montanara Street, 1
Tel. +39 0542 95 906
www.casteldelrio.provincia.bologna.it
OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALETTA hospital via Montericco 4 IMOLA
Tel.: +39 0542 66 2711
EMERGENCY ROOM Tel. 118
where is Castel del Rio and how to get there
CAR: FROM THE AUTOSTRADA A16 EXIT IMOLA; ALTERNATIVELY , VIA EMILIA , THEN CONTINUE ON PROVINCIAL ROAD 610 TOWARDS CASTEL DEL RIO
TRAIN : Imola station on the Bologna-Ancona line, then take TPER 104 bus to CASTEL DEL RIO
CASTEL DEL RIO
