FONTANELICE - Bologna
FONTANELICE Guide
Fontanelice is a village of 1,936 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. It is located in the Santerno Valley, and its origins date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the many artifacts found in the area, but there are also traces of Villanovan, Etruscan, Celtic, and of course Roman settlements. The origin of the name is uncertain, although it is clear that it refers to an element of water. In fact, there is also a legend linked to the name of Fontanelice, according to which a mortal youth named Elicio fell in love, reciprocated, with a nymph of the Santerno Valley's woods. Unable to be together, risking death for the youth and the loss of immortality for the nymph, they decided to be transformed, he into a holm oak, she into a spring that flows precisely from the roots of that holm oak; it was thus that their sad story gave the village its name of Fontanelice, but it is only a legend. Returning to history, the village sided with the city of Imola during the wars between Guelphs and Ghibellines, then switched to the side of Bologna against Imola. It was conquered by the State of the Church in 1424, and remained under its control until 1700, when it became part of the possessions of the Spada family.
where - on the Via Emilia, heading southeast
CAR: FROM THE AUTOSTRADA A16 EXIT IMOLA; ALTERNATIVELY , VIA EMILIA , THEN CONTINUE ON PROVINCIAL ROAD 610 TOWARDS FONTANELICE
TRAIN : Imola station on the Bologna-Ancona line, then take TPER bus 104 to FONTANELICE
FONTEICE
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN FONTANELICE
You enter Fontanelice through an arched gateway, all that remains of the old entrance to the village, once protected by a drawbridge, now long gone, and probably a moat. The main square is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, which incorporates the former village castle and features an attractive external loggia. Another highlight is the ancient aqueduct in the market area, believed to date back to Roman times. Recent archaeological investigations have revealed a complex system of cisterns comprising three large chambers. The 14th-century Church of Madonna della Consolazione and the 17th-century Sanctuary of Madonna del Rio are also worth a visit.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Santerno River Park is an ideal destination. Along the river, numerous areas have been set aside for swimming and picnicking. Fishing is also possible, and the Santerno is said to be rich in fish. A 25-kilometre stretch offers opportunities for rafting and canoeing, with particularly favourable water levels during the winter months, when ice can make Alpine rivers unsuitable for these activities.
EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS
Three main events take place in Fontanelice throughout the year: on Easter Monday, there is the Festa della Pié Fritta: visitors can sample the delicious pié, a type of fried doughnut, accompanied by cured meats, cheeses, and wine; in the afternoon, there is the traditional donkey race, one for each neighborhood. At the end of June, there is Fiume di Vino, this year marking its 16th edition, an event centered, as the name suggests, on good wine and good food that have always characterized Emilia Romagna: therefore, food and wine stands where it is possible to taste excellent traditional cuisine, as well as stands dedicated to the wine of the Santerno valley, all accompanied by live music. On the night of August 10, there is Calici di Stelle, an opportunity to spend the evening observing shooting stars while enjoying the excellent dishes of traditional cuisine.
Tourist Information Office
FONTANELICE
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 of FONTANELICE
Piazza del Tricolore 2 - 40025
Tel. +39 054 292 566
www.comune.fontanelice.bo.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
