The best foliage spots in and around Bologna

Discover the 7 most evocative places not to be missed in the Bologna area

• Park of Villa Ghigi, Bologna
• Regional Park of Lakes Suviana andBrasimone, Camugnano
• Poranceto-Woodland,Camugnano
• Venadel Gesso Park, Riolo Terme
• Alidosi Bridge, Santerno-Valley, Fontanelice
• Water Ecomuseum and Expansion Tank,Dosolo - Sala Bolognese
• Sanctuaryof Madonna del Faggio, Alto Reno Terme

• Villa Ghigi Park, Bologna

With its 28 hectares, this vast park offers not only a rich variety of trees and natural areas, but also a breathtaking view over the city of Bologna. Ideal for an autumn walk, it can be easily reached by car, bus no. 52, or on foot from Porta San Mamolo. A perfect spot to admire the foliage without venturing far from the city center.

• Suviana and Brasimone Lakes Park, Camugnano

Less than 70 km from Bologna, in the Bolognese Apennines, lie the artificial lakes of Suviana and Brasimone. Surrounded by dense woodland, these water basins become spectacular in autumn as the leaves turn into a thousand shades of color. Easily reachable by car, it is the ideal place for short or long hikes and family picnics, offering a serene and rejuvenating environment.

• Poranceto Forest, Camugnano

A true gem of the Bolognese Apennines, the Poranceto Forest in Camugnano is a magical and enchanting place where centuries-old chestnut trees stand tall, some over a thousand years old. In autumn, these giants of nature offer an unforgettable sight, with their abundant fruits and foliage in golden and coppery tones. The forest also hosts the Poranceto Forest Museum, the visitor center of the park dedicated to the local ecosystem, perfect for deepening your knowledge of this magical place.

• Vena del Gesso Park, Riola Terme

Less than 70 km from Bologna, the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique karst formations. This is the longest gypsum chain in Europe, characterized by caves and fascinating tunnels. Beyond its remarkable geology, in autumn the park is dressed in extraordinary colors, making it an ideal place for hiking or mountain biking immersed in the foliage.

• Alidosi Bridge, Santerno Valley, Fontanelice

The Santerno River, one of the largest tributaries of the Reno, flows through the picturesque Imola area from Castel del Rio to Imola. The nature surrounding the famous Alidosi Bridge in the Santerno Valley lights up in autumn with vibrant yellow and orange hues that are simply unmissable for photography lovers.

• Water Ecomuseum and Floodplain Area, Dosolo - Sala Bolognese

Less than 30 km from Bologna, the Water Ecomuseum and the Floodplain Area in Sala Bolognese offer a different kind of experience. Once a marshland, this area is an example of land reclamation and hydraulic engineering. The surrounding trails, freely accessible on foot or by bike during the day, allow visitors to appreciate the local flora and fauna, which in autumn take on new shades. The museum highlights the technical, historical, cultural, and environmental aspects linked to water, blending nature and knowledge.

• Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio, Alto Reno Terme

The Sanctuary of Madonna del Faggio owes its name to a fascinating legend linked to the apparition of the Virgin Mary beneath a large beech tree, where the church was later built. Reachable by car as far as Borgo di Tresana, from there it is recommended to continue on foot along a 600-meter path winding through a beech forest and dense woodland. An experience that combines spirituality with the beauty of autumn foliage, in an environment rich in history and nature.