LOIANO | Bologna
LOIANO Travel Guide
Loiano is a village of 4.347 inhabitants in the province of Bologna. Its origins date back most probably to the Roman period, as evidenced by various findings made in the area. Given its position, the territory of Loiano has seen numerous political and territorial alternations, finding itself between the possessions of the Goths and the Exarchate of Ravenna first, and between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Church then. For a period, it was part of the possessions of the Countess Matilda di Canossa, who later donated it to the Pisan Church. It was also a territory of struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, while at the time of the Capitani di Montagna (administrative institution wanted by Bologna), it was one of their main headquarters.
what to see and what to do
The Astronomical Observatory is very interesting, here is possible to take daytime guided tours throughout the year, while summer night visits are also available by prior arrangement. The Observatory has a Zeiss historical telescope dating back to the 1930s, and a more recent one measuring 152 cm in diameter, dedicated to the astronomer Domenico Cassini. For mountain bikers, in Loiano, downhill, freeride and enduro tracks have been built and attract bikers from all over the region; in 2014 here there was a stage of the Emilia Romagna Challenge mountain bike championship.
For trekking enthusiasts, from Loiano you can organize a beautiful excursion on the Alpe di Monghidoro, which is just ten kilometers away; following the path that climbs along the slope of the Bolognese Apennines, you can arrives at the Polente Spring, from which pure water gushes out. Not far away are the remains of the Osteria del Fantorno, which dates back to the early 1800s, when travelers who went from Florence to Bologna stopped here to find shelter.
Finally you reach the Croce dell'Alpe, at 1224 meters above sea level, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view over the whole valley below. The paths that climb the slopes of the Bologna Apennines, as well as being well marked by the CAI, are ideal for an excursion of medium difficulty, and can be walked either on foot or on horseback. Very interesting also the excursion in the southern part of the Historical Park of Monte Sole: starting from the village of Pioppe di Salvaro and following the paths marked by the CAI, you cross a beautiful forest that climbs along the western side of Monte Salvaro until you reach the summit, at an altitude of 826 meters. Not far away is the Buca del Diavolo, a very interesting cave system with a depth of 47 meters.
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
There are various events taking place in Loiano during the year: in early June, in Bibulano, there is "Campanili of the upper Savena Valley in concert", a special occasion to listen to a concert performed only by the sound of the bells; in mid-July there is the Festival d’la Badtura, this year at the 20th edition, where it is possible to relive the agricultural traditions of the area, with food and wine stands, live music and cultural events; at the end of October there is "Let's party to truffles and bread", in Scanello di Loiano: in the evocative setting of a centuries-old wood, local craft markets, food and wine stands, tastings of typical products including roast chestnuts, mulled wine and truffles are set up.
Useful Info and Contacts
Tourist Information Office of LOIANO
www.prolocoloiano.com
LOIANO Town Hall
Via Roma, 55
Tel.: +39 051 654 3611
www.loiano.eu
OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
Health Service : Hospital Simiani in Via Roma 8, Loiano tel. +39 051 654 53710
First Aid
tel. 118
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FAI UNA DONAZIONE !where is LOIANO
by CAR: From the A1 motorway, the exit to reach Loiano is via the A1 exit Sasso Marconi (coming from the North;) or Rioveggio (coming from the South then the Provincial Road 59 then the Provincial Road 61 in the direction of Loiano ; alternatively both from the North (Bologna) and the South (Florence), former Futa National Road 65 (now Strada Regionale 65 in Tuscany and Strada Provinciale 65 in Emilia Romagna)
by BUS: TPER Bus Service from Autostazione Bologna (adjacent to the Central Railway Station), direction Loiano
by BUS: TPER Bus Service from Autostazione Bologna (adjacent to the Central Railway Station), direction Loiano