All the wonders of the Bologna hills
Description
A walking tour dedicated to the secrets of the Bolognese hill. In the monasteries and in the cenobies of the hill the communities of friars who hosted the pilgrims going to the city met, the bishops many centuries later built their villas here, and the great hydraulic projects to bring the fresh water of the hill took place in this wild corner and wooded in the city. Our itinerary touches some of the wonders preserved in this part of the city, where nature and architecture come together in a unique union. The red and yellow colors of the villas, Renaissance churches and medieval cenobies (ancient medieval monasteries) blend with the light yellowish and white colors of the badlands and clay. Large wooded gardens are the setting for these architectural wonders.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The complex, of enormous architectural and artistic value, now home to an important orthopedic hospital, houses a church of splendid features and cycles of Renaissance frescoes, including Bagnacavallo, Prospero Fontana and Amico Aspertini, an octagonal cloister in a partial state of neglect with frescoes by the 3 Carracci brothers, and some special environments related to the conventual life.
a corner of peace and meditation desired by the friars in medieval times, evocative and perfectly preserved, today shows all the warmth of the red brick of Bolognese clay, the thirteenth-century frescoes (the oldest in Bologna after those of the Rotonda di Villa Aldini), with their warm colors of the local Gothic, a Renaissance wooden choir, and many other art treasures.
. The spectacular Renaissance cistern, also called Bagni di Mario, excavated by Pope Pius IV in the sandstone heart of the hill, with the aim of supplying the city with fresh and drinking water, today represents one of the best preserved hydraulic structures of the 16th century. 2.30 pm will end, reaching the starting point at the foot of the hill again.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(4)
Riccardo was AMAZING! He led us around on the most perfect day of our Italy trip. We visited a Parmesan factory, tasted real balsamic vinegar, visited a castle, and he explained the history so well! We also toured Bologna with him and he did a phenomenal job showing us the energy sources of the city that gives it such a unique vibe. Thank you, Riccardo, for an amazing day. I highly recommend this tour for ANYONE who wants a guide who speaks perfect English, is knowledgeable and funny, and will show you a great time!!
Riccardo planned a great day for myself and 6 friends. We met at 10.00 as planned close to our hotel. We had a great visit to Modenas cathedral, then a wonderful lunch. In the afternoon we first had a balsamic tasting and then went on to a dairy to see and taste how the parmesan cheese is made. During lunch we had asked that a winetasting be added to the program. So late in the afternoon we rolled up to a vineyard where the harvest was in full swing. We tasted some delicious wines and watched the winemaking. All in all a great day.
