What can you see on Bologna’s hills, and how can you reach them?
You just need to join our hiking tour to find it out! You’ll spend three hours walking on the green area that surrounds the city, much loved by the locals, and taking great pictures of Bologna from above.

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Description

The hills are a must-go place in Bologna, especially in spring and summer. These are the seasons when the Bolognese go out strolling in the parks, relax and enjoy the mild temperature. Our tour will take you to the most wonderful and panoramic spots on the foothills south-west of Bologna. You’ll follow a 10-kilometre route on tarmac, gravel and trail with a climb rise of 350 metres, involving steep ups and downs. That’s why we recommend this tour only to the most trained hikers.

Tour programme
You’ll meet your guide at Panificio Sponghi, just outside the city walls. Here yoy’ll get some crescenta (a typical focaccia prepared in Bologna) and raviole con la mostarda (crescent-shaped cookies filled with jam), that will relieve your hunger pangs on your way up to the hills. From the bakery shop you’ll head for the Complex of San Michele in Bosco, an ancient monastery preceded by a terrace from which you’ll enjoy a wonderful view over Bologna.

After visiting the church, you’ll follow your guide to the marvellous Villa Ghigi park, stretching over another hill. This 28-hectare park boasts green lawns, cultivated areas and quiet paths, especially appreciated for their silence and lovely open spaces. By crossing the park you’ll get to the last and highest stage of the tour (270 metres above sea level), and then go downhill towards your starting point.

During the hiking tour you’ll have the chance to catch sight of another important landmark, the Sanctuary of Beata Vergine di San Luca and take a rest in the shadow to taste your snacks too.

Tecnical advice:

• don't forget to wear comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes, and bring a backpack and a bottle of water;
• the route includes trails in the bush and some steps that might get slippery in spring and autumn;
• the tour is not suitable for those who have physical problems.

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Highlights

The sequence and the number of visited highlights may be subject of last -minute changes

• 1
  

  Complesso di San Michele in Bosco

  Religious building

• 2
  

  Villa Ghigi

  Historical building

• 3
  

  Santuario della Madonna di San Luca

  Religious building