GALLIERA - Bologna

GALLIERA Guide

Galliera is a municipality of 5,444 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.

The territory was inhabited by the Romans and the Gallic Boii tribe, as evidenced by some relics found in the area.

Already in Roman times, the first reclamation works were carried out, as this area was marshy and malarial. During the Middle Ages, Galliera witnessed numerous battles, given its position as a border between the territories of Ferrara, Bologna, and Modena.

In the course of the thirteenth century, a system of watchtowers was built along the river routes, as evidenced by the remains of the Galliera tower, located not far from the town.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN GALLERA

The medieval Tower of Galliera, standing at nearly 22 meters tall with walls over 2 meters thick, is worth a visit. At the top, one can see the niche where the town’s coat of arms once hung, while at the bottom, signs of what was likely the structure of the Podesteria can be seen. Also of interest is the Church of San Venanzio, which dates back to around the year 1000, although it was restored and partially rebuilt at the end of the 1800s.
Galliera is located at the border with the Golenale Forest of Bisana and Panfilia, an area of 65 hectares between the territories of Bologna and Ferrara, formed by the accumulation of debris carried over time by the Reno River. Many of the golenales over the years have been equipped with embankments and channeled, but there are still some that retain their natural characteristics, such as those of Bisana. Within the area, visitors can find paths that can be walked both on foot and by bicycle, as well as areas equipped for rest. The Bisana is the natural habitat of many plant species, such as willow, various types of poplar, and the plain oak, as well as many bird species, such as the green woodpecker, while among the mammals that can be seen in this area we find foxes, dormice, and hedgehogs, and indeed one of the paths that cross the area leads visitors through all the different types of habitats without disturbing the various animals, but at the same time allowing them to observe them, perhaps with binoculars. The ideal times to visit the Bisana are certainly spring and autumn, to avoid the summer heat or winter rains, but the area is open and visitable throughout the year.

FAIRS AND EVENTS

Among the events that take place in Galliera throughout the year, we remember “Fireflies and More...”, in the first half of June, which brings visitors to the Bisana Forest to admire the fantastic spectacle of the first fireflies of the season, something that is no longer so common to see, even in the countryside; on August 1st, the August Fair takes place in San Venanzio, now a tradition, with antique exhibits, live music, and enogastronomic stands; on Halloween night, which has now become part of our traditions, San Venanzio comes alive with themed shows and parties; in mid-November there is the Paninazzo Festival, an opportunity to taste typical sandwiches, chestnuts, and new wine; in December there are the Christmas Markets: during these days Galliera dresses up for the holidays to host stalls of local artisans.

How to get to Galliera

HOW TO REACH GALLIERA

on Auto: A13 exit ALTEDO then Provincial Road 20 in the direction of Galliera

on Train : from Bologna Central, line Bologna-Padova, Galliera station.

Galliera

Useful Info and Contacts

Tourism Office Unione Reno Galliera
Tel: +39 051 890 4823

Pro Loco GALLIERA
Via Coronella, 75
Locality Old
www.prolocogalliera.info

Town of GALLIERA
Piazza Eroi della Libertà, 1 - San Venanzio - 40015
Tel. +39 051 667 2911
www.comune.galliera.bo.it

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS
Nearest hospital:
Hospital of Bentivoglio, via G. Marconi, 35 Tel. +39 051 664 4111

First Aid tel. 118