Waters, villas and nature: A loop tour to discover Bologna beyond Bologna
Information
A 68-kilometre circular route that starts in the centre of Bologna and heads eastwards, crossing the plain through canals, farmland and historic villas.
The route starts in the centre of Bologna, from where you head out along roads leading towards the eastern plains. You soon reach Villanova di Castenaso, home to the MUV – Museum of Villanovan Civilisation, dedicated to the protohistoric culture that takes its name from this very area.
Leaving Castenaso behind, the route enters the Bolognese countryside, amidst cultivated fields and quiet roads ideal for cycling, to encounter the important historic villas of Bagnarola: the Malvezzi Campeggi complex and Villa Ranuzzi Cospi, before passing through San Giovanni in Triario and reaching the castle of San Martino in Soverzano.
Passing through Valle Benni, the route then takes you past the Acqua Campus of the Emiliano-Romagnolo Canal, a centre dedicated to research and public outreach on irrigation techniques and the sustainable use of water in agriculture. Finally, in the centre of Budrio, you can take a break amongst the arcaded squares, cafés and shops.
From here, you head back towards Bologna and return to the starting point.
map Stages
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1
Bologna - Museo della Civiltà Villanoviana di Castenaso
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2
Museo della Civiltà Villanoviana di Castenaso - Complesso Malvezzi Campeggi e Villa Ranuzzi Cospi
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3
Complesso Malvezzi Campeggi e Villa Ranuzzi Cospi - San Giovanni in Triario
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4
San Giovanni in Triario - Castello di San Martino in Soverzano
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5
Castello di San Martino in Soverzano - Acqua Campus del Canale Emiliano Romagnolo
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6
Acqua Campus del Canale Emiliano Romagnolo - Budrio
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7
Budrio - Bologna
bar_chart Technical Info
- Km: 68 km
- Stages: 7
- Municipalities: 5
- Regions: 1
Ground: almost exclusively tarmac
Elevation gain: negligible
Suitable for: gravel bikes, e-bikes, road bikes
The route has been designed to prioritise cycle paths and quiet, mixed-use minor roads. Where this has not been possible, the route includes short stretches on busier roads. In all cases, we recommend exercising the utmost caution and always observing the Highway Code.
Given the length of the route, it is recommended for fit cyclists or less fit cyclists on e-bikes.
Technical cycling clothing
First aid kit
GPS navigation system
Telephone and charger + power bank
The cycle route is accessible all year round. The best times to visit are definitely the spring months, when you can enjoy the blossoms and mild climate, and early autumn.
During the summer season, particularly in July and August, it is not recommended due to the high temperatures, and winter is also not recommended due to the risk of snow, rain and fog.
