First of all, the hills can be reached in various ways from the centre of Bologna: on foot, by bike and, of course, also by bus or car. Once there, there is a wide range of activities to do. Some travel the length and breadth of the hills by bike or on foot, for example with a trekking or e-bike tour. If you are looking for relaxation, better then to take advantage of one of the many green areas on the hills to lie in the sun and read a book, enjoy the panoramic view of Bologna or have a picnic. And then you can visit the Basilica of San Luca, symbol of Bologna, and the Chiusa di Casalecchio.
Here then are 5 tips to make the most of your trip to the hills of Bologna.
The Colle della Guardia and the Basilica of San Luca
Much more than a basilica, San Luca is one of the best known and best loved places in Bologna. For the Bolognese, seeing the church silhouetted on the horizon when returning from a trip means already feeling a bit at home.Located on the Colle della Guardia, the Sanctuary of San Luca was built to house the icon of the Madonna, which is still carried in procession to the Cathedral of San Pietro in the heart of Bologna in May. The long portico of San Luca, the longest in the world at 3.8 kilometres, was built precisely to protect the devotional procession and the many pilgrims who visited (and still visit) the basilica every year.
The most traditional and suggestive way to visit these places is to walk along the portico, starting from Porta Saragozza and going up towards San Luca. After an initial flat stretch, the ascent begins, in which the steps alternate with paved stretches. There are many Bolognese who train under its arches, with a vigorous walk or a run to the top of the hill.
Along Via Saragozza, on the opposite side of the arcades, you can admire splendid ancient villas, some of which are private and therefore closed to the public; the park of Villa Spada, on the other hand, is accessible to anyone who wishes to visit it.
Whether you reach it on foot or by car, once on the Colle della Guardia you can observe the sanctuary in all its grandeur.
The belvedere of San Michele in Bosco
The belvedere of San Michele in Bosco is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike because it offers a truly marvellous view of the city, and is also quite easy to reach. If you are in the mood for walking, a twenty-minute walk from Porta San Mamolo on a slightly uphill road is enough to reach the terrace and appreciate its magical atmosphere, especially at sunset.
But this is also a place rich in history. If you look behind you you will see the San Michele in Bosco complex, which includes the church of the same name, the former convent now converted into the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, and the frescoed rooms of the Umberto I Library, open to the public during working hours.
San Michele in Bosco is also known for the experience of the so-called 'telescope' effect: walking along the corridor of the convent towards the panoramic terrace, the Asinelli tower will seem to shrink as you approach the window.
The Park of Villa Ghigi
The Park of Villa Ghigi can be reached by a short walk uphill from Porta San Mamolo. The park is the ideal destination for those who want to spend a few hours relaxing in nature, take a walk in the green or play in the meadows with their children.
Villa Ghigi welcomes every day the many Bolognese who need to take a break from the city and breathe fresh air walking on the park's dirt paths, through meadows, natural woods and orchards.
Here, too, there is a viewpoint located on the highest slope of the park, from which you can enjoy a nice view of the city and nearby San Michele in Bosco, and challenge yourself to recognise towers, churches and other buildings in the city.
The Cavaioni Park
Among our recommendations on what to see in the hills of Bologna, you cannot miss Cavaioni Park, a green area located on a hill about 270 metres above sea level a few kilometres south of the city.
To reach Cavaioni there are various options. One of these is, of course, the car: there is a convenient car park near the park (as well as some refreshment facilities). However, if you want to experience something different, our green suggestion is to get on an e-bike and take part in a guided tour of the Bolognese hills. Passing through various city parks such as the Giardini Margherita and the Villa Ghigi Park, you will soon arrive at Cavaioni, from where you can admire Bologna and the Reno valley from above.
The advantage of the electric bike is that you can better appreciate everything you see along the way and of course work less, which is no bad thing!