The park was set up in 1995 and covers a hilly territory of around 900 hectares near Monteveglio in the Samoggia valley in the Bologna province at an altitude that varies between 90 and 324 metres asl.

The park preserves the most important part of the Samoggia valley which is dominated by the hill with the remains of the Medieval castle and the abbey of Saint Mary of Monteveglio with its centuries-old parish. 

Its various habitats boast the presence of the flora and fauna typical of the hill and, most of all, the badland areas preserve formations of a discrete geological, mineralogical and naturalistic interest such as the Rio Ramato stream valley, the Pan Perso basin and that of Rio Paraviere.

The 14th-century castle tower is home to a visitor centre dedicated to the tormented historical events of Monteveglio, which was of considerable importance during the Middle Ages. The castle was part of the land owned by Matilde di Canossa and became famous due to its resistance under the siege of Emperor Henry IV. 

The park centre is in the main buildings of the old San Teodoro rural settlement, just outside the modern residential area of Monteveglio. A path accessible to the visually impaired and disabled winds its way through the surrounding courtyard and lawns.