Sasso Marconi: history and nature
History, nature, gastonomy and sports: this is what you can find in Sasso Marconi, a pleasant town (where a century ago the first radio-set was invented) in the valleys of the rivers Reno and Setta, 17 kilometers from Bologna and 90 from Florence.
The town of Sasso Marconi owes his name to the cliff (Sasso, photo above) dominating the valley where the river Setta flows into the river Reno, and the great scientist Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of wireless telegraphy.
Sasso Marconi offers its visitors both history and nature: surrounded by a beautiful hilly countryside you will find historical buildings, many churches and artistic spots. Among them, on the historic side: Villa Griffone, where the scientist Marconi carried out his first wireless experiments, today it is the headquarter of the Marconi Foundation and the residence of an interesting museum; Palazzo de’ Rossi, a castle in the late bolognese gothic style; and finally the small village of Colle Ameno built between the 17th and the 18th century.
On the nature side: the Pliocene Rock overlooking the valley and the many paths, panoramic itineraries and oasis for sport activities such as trekking, free climbing, horse riding, mountain bike, orienteering or simple outdoor relaxing.
Staying in Sasso Marconi can be a great occasion to appreciate the local gastronomy, especially truffles, mushrooms, “crescentine” (little pieces of dough fried and served with salami and local cheese), local olive oil and excellent wine (Sasso Marconi is a City of wine).
The past of Sasso Marconi lives today in the annual events and festivals, most of which take place in spring/summertime in addition to the traditional old Pontecchio Fair “Fira di Sdaz” taking place every year on September 8 since more than 300 years, and the Truffle Festival in November.
Info:
ph. 051 6758409
fax 051 6758408
info@infosasso.it
http://www.comune.sassomarconi.bologna.it/
cityhall web site
Historical excursions:
• Villa Griffone at Sasso Marconi, the residence of Guglielmo Marconi, with its Mausoleum and Museum dedicated to the inventor of the radio
• Palazzo de' Rossi at Sasso Marconi, a fifteenth century palace and village visited by popes and the Italian writer Torquato Tasso
• Colle Ameno was built in the XVIII century by Filippo Ghisilieri. The area of Colle Ameno consisted in the villa, the oratory and the village with houses and craftsman workshops. Different artistic activities took place and it was particularly famous for its maiolica with typical blue decoration, which is produced still today. During World War II, Colle Ameno was the seat of a German military command and of a real detention camp. After a careful renovation, people live in the houses again, there are new workshops for craftsman and also a pub.
• The Etruscan town of Misa at Marzabotto to learn about the economy, religion, culture and social life of the Etruscans and visit remains housed in the Archeological Museum
• Historical park of Monte SoleIt covers almost the whole area of the nazi massacre of 1944. It was built for mantaining the memory alive. The main purpose, besides the environmental protection, is the spreading among the young generation of a culture of peace.
• The Church of St. Maria Assunta at Riola di Vergato, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto
• Rocchetta Mattei at Riola di Vergato, a castle in Arab-Moorish style dating back to the late nineteenth century, built by Count Cesare Mattei
Info about excursions and visits:
http://www.10righe.it/ website of a cultural association of Sasso Marconi, which arranges different activities, both cultural tours and environmental walkings
http://www.volipindarici.it/appunti/bo_trekking/bo_02.htm about the road of Gods
http://www.caibo.it/itinerari/5valli.htm trekking paths
http://www.caibo.it/sentieri/itinerari.htm trekking paths
http://www.federclimb.bo.it/badoloen.html badolo rock for climbing
http://www.sogese.com/swimming pools
Reciprocal links:
http://cencelli.altervista.org/3.html a friend's apartment in Rome |
