SAN GIORGIO DI PIANO - Bologna

Guide to SAN GIORGIO DI PIANO

San Giorgio di Piano is a town of 8,472 inhabitants in the province of Bologna.

The first settlements in the area date back to Roman times, but the earliest documents referring to San Giorgio are from 947, when Emperor Otto defined it as “Castello Sanctii Georgii”, emphasizing the strategic position and the purely military function of the village (notably, the saint after whom the town is named is also a warrior saint).

By the end of the 1300s, the Castle was further fortified.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAN GIORGIO DI PIANO

In the historic center, you can still see ancient Palaces, such as Torresotto, in the central square, Palazzo Capuana, everything that remains today of the ancient castle, and Palazzo Cataldi, the latter being more recent, characterized by a large staircase in the shape of a horseshoe. Villa Beatrice, just outside the center of the town, is worth a visit: this beautiful villa from the 1500s was built by the Bolognese family Angelelli and inside, you can see magnificent frescoes mainly with rural themes, depicting life in the fields, hunting, and fishing, along with the commemoration of good deeds done by the owners, all very well preserved.
For those who love outdoor activities, the countryside of San Giorgio is full of trails and country roads that can be traveled both on foot and by bicycle, perhaps leading to one of the nearby villages, such as Funo or Malacappa, to admire places where time seems to have stopped.
If you are a motorsport enthusiast but also love medieval castles, then Emilia Romagna is the right place for you, but there is one location that combines both of these characteristics in one place, and that is the Castle of Panzano, not far from San Giorgio, where the Righini Collection is preserved. Mario Righini, passionate about cars and motorcycles since youth, has dedicated himself to the recovery and restoration of vintage vehicles. Today his collection boasts 350 vehicles, many of which are of incalculable value. Among these is the Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 by Enzo Ferrari, which raced in the Mille Miglia, and the Alfa Romeo 2300 8C, which belonged to Tazio Nuvolari and with which the great champion won the 1933 Gran Premio di Monza. And indeed, Alfa Romeo cars are the ones Righini has always loved the most. The collection is only visitable by appointment, and it is the host himself who leads the visitor through the vast halls of the castle, allowing them to admire his beloved collection.

FAIRS AND EVENTS

Various events take place in San Giorgio throughout the year: in early May there is Una Finestra sul Medioevo, a historical reenactment that brings the village back to its ancient appearance, with reconstructions of military camps, flag-waving performances, archery competitions, reconstruction of ancient crafts, and a historical parade; in mid-June there is the Beer Festival, an opportunity to taste many craft beers and dishes from Food Trucks, all accompanied by good music; at the end of September, the Sagra di San Luigi Gonzaga takes place, featuring an antique market, food and wine stands, exhibitions of vintage cars and motorcycles, and a fireworks show to conclude the festivities.

Info & Useful Contacts

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

Pro Loco SAN GIORGIO DI PIANO
Via Libertà 45

Tel. +39 051 897 058

Municipality of SAN GIORGIO DI PIANO
Via della Libertà, 35 - 40016
Tel. +39 051 663 8511
www.comune.san-giorgio-di-piano.bo.it

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

First Aid tel. 118