Located on the Strada della Futa, Loiano is a village in the early part of the Bolognese Apennines, 35 km far from Bologna
WHAT TO VISIT
Distinguishing features in Loiano are its small hamlets embraced by a mountain landscapes. Among the places to visit is the 16th-century village of Anconella, probably part of the Corte di Scanello domains, as well as a special tavern in the heart of the village, whose portico bears the Bentivoglio family crest and floral decorations dating from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Also worth visiting are a historic church and the remains of a 14th-century oratory.
Given its peculiar setting and history, the Barbarolo hamlet dates back before the year 1000, and played its part fort the local community in the Middle Ages thanks to its Pieve. Not by coincidence, here can be found the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Pieve, named after the settlement of Germanic, probably Lombard, populations.
Loiano is also home to the Astronomical Observatory of the Bologna University, inaugurated in 1936. At first a 60cm telescope was installed, and for two decades it proved to be such an excellent working instrument that this activity was boosted by installing an even more powerful and versatile tool. Then, a new 150cm telescope named after a great scientific mind such as Gian Domenico Cassini, was installed in 1976.
Nowadays, the Loiano observing season is managed by the Bologna Astronomical Observatory and the Department of Astronomy of the Bologna University. Two optical telescopes are currently installed, which are used by astronomers from the Bologna University as well as by outsiders.
TASTES AND FLAVOURS
As for the entire Bologna area, in Loiano it is possible to enjoy the excellent tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese, one of the flagship dishes of the whole Italian cuisine. The perfect appetizer is the crescentona, a huge tigella served with ham or salami, as well as with spring onions, artichokes, and cheeses.
HISTORY
The history of the Loiano municipality is linked to that of Bologna and its location along the Strada della Futa, which made it a relevant commercial hub connecting Bologna and Florence. Following the Italian Unification in 1861, important works for building roads and the Trans-Apennine railway took place. According to historical documents, the citizens of Loiano lived mainly on agriculture and farm products.
THE CHARACTER
Born in Roncastaldo, a hamlet of Loiano, in 1778, Maria Dalle Donne is undoubtedly this village’s most famous character. An Italian physician and gynecologist, she was one of the very first female medical graduates in modern times, and the second woman to be admitted to the Order of Benedictine Academic Retirees.
Raised under the patronage of her uncle, Don Giacomo Dalle Donne, Maria graduated from medical school in 1799 and five months later was granted the license to practice medicine. This was an unusual event for the time, so much so that it was even reported in the Gazzetta di Bologna newspaper.
During the Napoleonic domination in Bologna, in 1804 Maria Dalle Donne was appointed director of the newly established school of obstetrics, which she led until 1829, also endorsed by the Papal States. After about 40 years of teaching, Maria Dalle Donne died in 1842, suddenly struck by syncope in her house in Bologna.
THE BEST MTB ROUTE
The municipality of Loiano is included in the Bologna Montana Bike Area, the area dedicated to two wheels in the Bolognese Apennines. Starting and ending in Loiano is the Trail del Riccio (26 km and 800 meters of elevation gain), a route that unveils marvellous centuries-old chestnut groves, streams, waterfalls and evocative landscapes.
Immediately after the start, the “Ferruginous Spring” trail is the first challenge. Furthermore, the entire route alternates between demanding climbs and spicy descents. There are no extreme difficulties, but decent riding skills and good physical fitness are needed.
THE NOT-TO-MISS EVENT
In mid-July, the Batdura Festival (now in its 27th year) is a must-attend event. The festival is enlivened by various initiatives related to agricultural traditions with themed markets, musical entertainment and shows, food stands and much more. Three days of cultural and food&wine events, local dances, concerts and the atmosphere of the past traditions.
HOW TO GET THERE
BY CAR:
From the A14 highway, take the “Ancona, Castel San Pietro Terme” exit. Follow the signs for Via Emilia towards Bologna and then, past Ozzano dell’Emilia, towards Monterenzio and Loiano.
From the A1 “Milan/Reggio Emilia/Modena” higway, take the exit “Bologna Borgo Panigale”.
From Bologna Marconi Airport: drive on the Bologna ring road in the direction of San Lazzaro di Savena and continue on the Complanare Sud; take the first exit, “Idice”, direction Idice and then direction Monterenzio and Loiano.
From the A13 “Venice-Padua” highway, take “Bologna Arcoveggio exit.
Coming from Bologna Fair: take Bologna ring road in the direction of San Lazzaro di Savena and continue on the Complanare Sud; take the first exit, “Idice”, direction Idice and then direction Monterenzio and Loiano.
From the A1 “Rome/Florence” highway: take the “Rioveggio” exit and follow the signs for Monzuno. Once past Monzuno, continue in the direction of Loiano.
From Bologna city: take the “Strada S.S.65 Della Futa” direction Loiano, or the “Fondovalle Savena” at Rastignano, with direction Loiano, or the “Via Emilia” towards S. Lazzaro di Savena and then follow direction Monterenzio and Loiano.
LOIANO E APPENNINICA MTB STAGE RACE
Appenninica MTB Stage Race 2024
Stage 1: Bologna – Loiano
Stage 2: Loiano – Lizzano in Belvedere