What to see in the Bolognese Reno Valley

The Reno Valley is one of the main valleys of the Bolognese Apennines and offers a blend of history, culture, nature and wellbeing. It begins on the outskirts of Bologna, in the municipality of Casalecchio di Reno, and stretches along the course of the River Reno, following the historic SS64 Porrettana road to the border with Tuscany, passing through some of the area’s most picturesque villages.

It is a destination that changes with the passing of the seasons: in spring it offers footpaths and villages nestled in the countryside; in summer it is perfect for hikes and days spent in the open air; in autumn it offers the colours of the autumn foliage and the flavours of local specialities; whilst in winter it becomes the gateway to the Corno alle Scale ski area and the thermal springs of Porretta.

This itinerary takes you from Casalecchio di Reno to the border with Tuscany, passing through some of the valley’s most iconic spots. It’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend spent exploring the Bolognese Apennines.

• The Chiusa sul Reno, Casalecchio di Reno (BO)

The first stop on the itinerary is one of the landmarks of Bologna’s hydraulic history. The Chiusa di Casalecchio (The Sluice of Casalecchio), built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th century to a design by Jacopo Barozzi, known as Vignola, for centuries supplied water to the city’s canal system, which made Bologna one of Europe’s leading centres for silk production. Today, it is an ideal spot for a stroll along the Reno and serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the valley.

How to get there by car: from Bologna, take the SS64 Porrettana towards Casalecchio di Reno.
Journey time: approximately 15 minutes (8 km).
Map: Directions to the Casalecchio Lock on Google Maps.

© Photo by Paolo Cortesi

• MNEMA – “Pompeo Aria” National Etruscan Museum and Kainua Archaeological Park, Marzabotto (BO)

Marzabotto is home to one of the most important Etruscan archaeological sites in Italy. The archaeological site of Kainua still preserves the original urban layout of the city founded between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, with streets, dwellings, workshops, a necropolis and an acropolis that are perfectly discernible.

Also well worth a visit is the MNEMA - "Pompeo Aria” National Etruscan Museum and Kainua Archaeological Park, which houses the artefacts unearthed during the excavations that are still being carried out today with dedication and commitment by the University of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum.

Just a few kilometres away is the Monte Sole Historical Park, a memorial to the 1944 Marzabotto massacre and now an important centre dedicated to peace education.

How to get there by car: from Bologna, take the SS64 Porrettana towards Marzabotto.
Journey time: approximately 35 minutes (30 km).
Map: Directions to MNEMA – “Pompeo Aria” National Etruscan Museum and Kainua Archaeological Park on Google Maps.

• Rocchetta Mattei, Church of Santa Maria Assunta and Giorgio Morandi, Grizzana Morandi (BO)

Grizzana Morandi is one of the most iconic destinations in the Rhine Valley. It was here that the artist Giorgio Morandi spent much of his summers and found inspiration for many of his famous landscapes. You can visit the Morandi House Museum and the Documentation Centre housed in the Campiaro Barns.

Not far away lie two true gems of the Apennines: the Rocchetta Mattei, the eclectic castle built by Count Cesare Mattei, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Riola, the only Italian work by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

For those who love small villages, La Scola is also a must-see, one of the best-preserved in the Bolognese Apennines.

How to get there by car: from Bologna, take the SS64 Porrettana to Riola and Grizzana Morandi.
Journey time: approximately 1 hour (55 km).
Map: Directions to Rocchetta Mattei on Google Maps .

© Photo from the archives of Grizzana Morandi Town Hall

• Corno alle Scale, Lizzano in Belvedere (BO)

For mountain lovers, this is a must-visit destination. Lizzano in Belvedere is the ideal starting point for exploring the Corno alle Scale Regional Park, home to the highest peak in the Metropolitan City of Bologna. Numerous hiking trails set off from here, leading to the Dardagna Waterfalls, Lake Scaffaiolo and the panoramic views of the Tuscan-Emilian ridge. The area is also home to the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Acero and the ancient parish church of San Mamante.

How to get there by car: from Bologna, follow the SS64 to Porretta Terme and then continue towards Lizzano in Belvedere.
Journey time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes (85 km).
Map: Directions to Corno alle Scale on Google Maps .