If you are looking for a perfect place to isolate yourself from the world and enjoy a few hours of peace, you are reading the right article. We are talking about places easily accessible from the centre of Bologna, in some cases on foot or by bicycle, where you can fully immerse yourself in nature. Let's take a look at 3 ideas for a hike near Bologna.
Hiking towards the sanctuary, make sure to look for the sign of CAI route 112/A. Once you are on your way, you will go deeper and deeper into the forest separating the two churches, which features some panoramic viewpoints. After a distance of about 1.7 kilometres, you will finally reach the basilica.
Our advice is to admire them in the countryside of Varignana, a small village about 20 kilometres south of Bologna, to discover the two contrasting faces of the Bolognese hills: on one side the tidy vineyards, on the other the wild eroded land.
1. Eremo di Ronzano
To reach the Eremo di Ronzano (Hermitage of Ronzano), we suggest you start from Via San Mamolo, just outside Bologna’s centre, and walk through the elegant residential district until you get to Villa Ghigi Park. You will find yourself in a very large and lovely park, pretty popular with locals. Take a deep breath and walk up to the opposite end of the park to find the entrance to CAI path 904, which leads to the hermitage and its church, decorated with 16th-century frescoes. From here you can also enjoy a wonderful view of Bologna.2. The Bregoli path
Created as a pilgrimage route, the Bregoli trail is traditionally walked on Easter Monday, but is now used all year round. The Bregoli connects the church of San Martino di Casalecchio (located at the entrance to the Talon Park) to the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine di San Luca, and includes a quite long uphill stretch.Hiking towards the sanctuary, make sure to look for the sign of CAI route 112/A. Once you are on your way, you will go deeper and deeper into the forest separating the two churches, which features some panoramic viewpoints. After a distance of about 1.7 kilometres, you will finally reach the basilica.
3. The ravines of Varignana
There are many ravines around Bologna, just a few kilometres away from the city. From a geological point of view, the calanchi are created by the erosion of the clay soil due to the action of rain. Seeing them is a unique experience, especially if it is your first time. The jagged and rugged profile of the rocks that descend the hills will open in front of you, very similar to a lunar landscape.Our advice is to admire them in the countryside of Varignana, a small village about 20 kilometres south of Bologna, to discover the two contrasting faces of the Bolognese hills: on one side the tidy vineyards, on the other the wild eroded land.