GAGGIO MONTANO - Bologna

GUIDE OF GAGGIO MONTANO

Gaggio Montano is a town of 4,838 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. The origins of the town are very ancient, as remains dating back as far as the Bronze Age and the Villanovan period have been found here. Due to its location, Gaggio Montano has been witness to numerous battles throughout the Middle Ages, as evidenced by the construction of the Rocca, now called Sasso di Rocca, in a elevated position for greater defensive effectiveness.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO

Very suggestive is the visit to the ancient village of Gaggio that rises around the Rock, characterized by narrow alleys and ancient buildings. At the top of the Rock one can see the Faro ai Caduti della Montagna
built in 1951, with a belvedere from which one can admire a beautiful panorama of the entire valley. Not far from Gaggio Montano, there is the Regional Reserve Sassoguidano: 280 hectares of wild nature, characterized by ravines and karst phenomena crossed by the Lerna torrent, up to a plateau covered by oak and chestnut forests that reaches the rocky ridge of Cinghio di Malvarone, at 722 meters above sea level. Here the peregrine falcon nests, but the Sassoguidano Reserve is known above all for the presence of a vast flora, from many species of orchids to Hottonia palustris, a rare aquatic plant that here grows luxuriantly. Here one can also find many thematic trails, from those purely geological, which lead to admire ravines and caves, to those that cross the different habitats of the reserve, to a historical one that allows one to reach, among other things, the Oratory of Sassomassiccio and the villages of La Torre and Còrnola
.From Gaggio Montano one can easily reach the Regional Park of Corno alle Scale, one of the great parks of Emilia Romagna: the territory within it is mountainous, with peaks that reach almost 2000 meters, and from which the Dardagna and Silla torrents originate, which in their descent towards the valley form beautiful waterfalls that can be admired from one of the trails that make up the dense network of paths that cross the Park. Not far from the waterfalls is also the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero, which deserves a visit, perhaps during the autumn period, when the park shines thanks to the beautiful autumnal hues. For more experienced hikers, there is the possibility of organizing excursions for an entire weekend, staying in mountain huts and enjoying a warm dinner based on typical local products. Given the altitude of its peaks, obviously, the Park is perfect for those who want to practice winter sports: within it there is a well-equipped ski resort that satisfies everyone's tastes, from those who love fast descents to those who prefer alpine skiing, while snowboard enthusiasts can have fun performing acrobatics in a dedicated snow park.

EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS

Among the events taking place in Gaggio Montano, we note the Marano Fair in mid-June, featuring food and wine stalls, local crafts, demonstrations of ancient trades, and the sale of typical products. During the Christmas period, a Christmas Market is set up, the ideal place to buy gifts.

useful Info & Contacts

PRO LOCO GAGGIO MONTANO
www.prolocogaggiomontano.com

Town of GAGGIO MONTANO
A. Brasa Square, 1
Tel. +39 0534 380 03
www.comune.gaggio-montano.bo.it

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Hospital of PORRETTA TERME - Via Oreste Zagnoni, 5 · 0534 20711

where is Gaggio Montano

CAR: FROM NORTH ON THE AUTOSTRADA A1, TAKE THE EXIT FOR SASSO MARCONI AND THEN FOLLOW THE SS64 PORRETTANA TOWARDS PORRETTA/PISTOIA, THEN TAKE PROVINCIAL ROAD 324 TOWARDS GAGGIO MONTANO.

TRAIN : Metropolitan Railway Service, frequent schedule, from Bologna Central to Porretta, Porretta Station, then local buses from Porretta Bus Station.

Gaggio Montano

to be visited...