SAN GIOVANNI IN PERSICETO - Bologna
Guide to San Giovanni in Persiceto
SAN GIOVANNI IN PERSICETO is a city of 28,016 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its origins are very ancient, dating back to the Bronze Age, but there is also evidence of Gallic settlements and subsequently Roman ones. With the Exarchate of Ravenna, a period of land reclamation and water channeling begins, and San Giovanni comes under the control of the Lombards in 727; they are probably responsible for the characteristic shape of the historic center, called the "round village". After a period under the dominion of the city of Modena, San Giovanni becomes part of the possessions of the city of Bologna, later becoming part of the Papal States in the 16th century.
WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO IN San Giovanni in Persiceto
The historic center of San Giovanni in Persiceto has maintained the original concentric medieval structure, and within it, one can see all the main buildings of the city, such as the Collegiate Church of San Giovanni, from the late 1600s, inside which many important paintings from the Bolognese school can be admired; in front of the Collegiate stands the Town Hall from the 15th century, whose main characteristic is the large staircase from the 18th century, and beside it is the Municipal Theatre, which still retains its 18th-century structure. The picturesque Betlemme square is worth a visit, known as the "square of tricks" for the colorful trompe l'oeil paintings by set designer Gino Pellegrini.
Not far from San Giovanni in Persiceto, one can find the "Torrazzuolo" Rebalancing Area, an interesting area characterized by marshes and reeds, but also by recently planted forests, which constitute the ideal habitat for a large number of birds, such as the Great Spotted Woodpecker and the Sparrowhawk, which can be observed by birdwatching enthusiasts. However, in the marshy areas, the most particular animal that can be observed is the European Marsh Tortoise.
FAIRS AND EVENTS
There are many events that take place in San Giovanni in Persiceto throughout the year: in early February, the Historical Carnival is held, whose peculiar characteristic is the Spillo: when the allegorical floats, after parading through the city, arrive in the main square, they spectacularly transform, revealing their allegorical meaning; in mid-June, the Feast of King Bertolo takes place, during which a medieval restaurant is set up in Piazza Garibaldi, allowing everyone to taste ancient traditional dishes, all accompanied by medieval reenactments and folk performances; at the end of September, the Autumn Fair takes place, one of the main events of the season, with concerts and theatrical performances that animate Piazza del Popolo for an entire weekend; in mid-October there is Eatinero Persiceto, a traveling street food festival, where the best quality street foods are presented, from Sicilian cannoli to paella to tigelle: not to be missed! In early November, there is Flavors of Autumn, an opportunity to taste the typical products of the season; while at Christmas, San Giovanni dresses up to host the Christmas Markets, with many local crafts stands throughout the center.
The typical product of San Giovanni is the africanetto, a type of meringue with a bright yellow color, rectangular in shape, crisp on the outside and softer on the inside.
where - Bologna hinterland, Northwest
SAN GIOVANNI IN PERSICETO
Useful Info and Contacts
Pro Loco San Giovanni in Persiceto
Corso Italia 79
Tel. +39 051 826 839
www.proloco-persiceto.org
Comune di San Giovanni in Persiceto
Corso Italia, 74 - 40017
Tel. +39 051 681 2701
www.comunepersiceto.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
