PIEVE DI CENTO - Bologna

Guide to PIEVE DI CENTO

Pieve di Cento is a municipality of 7,010 inhabitants in the province of Bologna, on the border with the province of Ferrara.

Its origins date back to the 8th century, when the village developed around the church, the Pieve indeed, one of the most important in the area.

After being part of the possessions of the city of Bologna, in 1376 it became an autonomous municipality, giving rise to the current Pieve di Cento.

At the beginning of the 1500s, it became part of the Ferrara territory, later, at the end of the century, coming under the control of the Papal State

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN PIEVE DI CENTO

Walking through Pieve di Cento, it seems that time has stopped: it really feels like walking through a feudal village, admiring historic palaces, such as the Casa degli Anziani, one of the oldest buildings in the country, from the late 1200s, which probably originally served as an inn and refuge for pilgrims. The beautiful Rocca, from 1380, characterized by the classic square plan structure and the keep, has been recently restored and is open for visits. The stunning Church of the SS. Trinity, from the late 16th century, is worth a visit, as it, along with its Oratory, is part of the masterpieces of art in the province of Bologna.
Between the areas of Galliera and Pieve di Cento lies what can rightly be defined as a naturalistic monument, namely the Ecological Rebalance Area of Bisana and Panfilia. This is an excellent example of a wet riparian forest that was once common throughout the southern part of the Po Valley. Over time, as a result of channeling and land reclamation that made the territory more livable and less prone to flooding, these types of floodplain forests have gradually disappeared, but the Bisana has retained natural characteristics that have allowed numerous animals to find a suitable habitat here. In the Bisana area, there are also plants of great interest, so much so that the Italian Botanical Society has classified the Bisana as a “vegetational interest biotype.” Within the area, many paths have been equipped for biking as well as walking, and there are also resting areas equipped with tables and benches, suitable for stopping for a picnic.
For art lovers, a magnificent route departs from Pieve di Cento to discover the works of Guercino, an Italian painter of the 17th century, who was born right in Cento, the twin town of Pieve. The journey begins at MAGI’900 – Museum of artistic and historical excellence, where many works saved after the 2012 earthquake have been collected, including those of Guercino. In Corporeno, 3 kilometers away, is the Church of San Giorgio, where one can admire the altarpiece depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary. The route concludes at the Church of San Sebastiano, in Renazzo, to see the Miracle of San Carlo Borromeo.

FAIRS AND EVENTS

Many events take place in Pieve di Cento throughout the year: during the Carnival period there is the traditional parade of allegorical floats, made by twelve carnival societies, which attract visitors from all over the region and beyond; between the end of June and the beginning of July there is the Sagra del Maccherone al Pettine, an opportunity to taste dishes from ancient tradition, such as "bagia", a poor dish made of beans and polenta, or "sassi di pieve", a sweet made of sugar, flour, eggs, and almonds, along with, of course, the maccheroni al pettine! At the end of September, the Sagra dei Sapori d'Autunno takes place, with food and wine stands and local crafts.

Useful Info and Contacts

Tourist information point
Municipality - URP
Piazza A. Costa 17
Tel. +39 051 686 2611

PIEVE DI CENTO Town hall
Piazza Andrea Costa, 17 - 40066
Tel. +39 051 686 2611
www.comune.pievedicento.bo.it

OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
Health Service - nearest Hospital
Ospedale di S. Giovanni in Persiceto SS. Salvatore
Via Enzo Palma, 1
Tel. +39 051 681 311

First Aid tel. 118