Do you love to walk? Or would you just like to start? Here are three Bolognese paths to keep fit and discover new observation points of the city.
Three routes in Bologna for walking - between greenery and the city.
Do you like walking, watching, observing, exploring? You are in Bologna? Then this is the post for you.
I have always loved walking and exploring city centers and surroundings.
And, since I have lived in Bologna, I have discovered a number of beautiful routes, ideal to do on Sundays when it's sunny, but also in the evening instead of or before an aperitif.
Here I will propose to you the three routes in Bologna that I prefer for which only your feet will be enough for you to be inside the walls, the rest will come by itself.
1. Routes in Bologna: Walk of San Luca
Undeniably my favorite, the walk that leads from the center of Bologna to San Luca it is suggestive and pleasant enough.
It starts from the city center and from one of its arteries, via Saragozza, inside the gate, which then continues beyond the ancient gate of the same name, reaching the Meloncello which is right next to the local stadium.
From here, without ever interrupting the portico, a tapered staircase starts which, after a series of hairpin bends and a beautiful view, will take you on top of the hill of San Luca and in front of the Basilica, whose construction dates back to around 1606.
The view of the hills will surprise you, stop on a bench or on the surrounding wall to look at the view and, if it's a nice day, enjoy the sun.
Bologna, you know, it is famous for being the city of arcades e, that of Zaragoza, has the distinction of being the longest in the world with its 3796 meters uninterrupted.
Io I also use this walk as a post office sport, from 18.00 onwards you will always find a lot of runners, in every season.
Then I recommend that you go there at sunset because it is beautiful to see the night fall over Bologna from up there and through the arcades.
It is perfect all year round and in any weather condition, the arcades will protect you.
Journey time: 1 hour climbing calmly from the center (35 minutes if you want to try it on the run).
2. Routes in Bologna: Walk of the Observance
The walk of the Observance is beautiful already for its name, perhaps shorter than that of San Luca, but from much more steep and tiring climb. Your legs will thank you.
To get there from the center of Bologna, you can start from Piazza Maggiore; you have to take, passing through the beautiful via D'Azeglio, another of the Bolognese arteries, via San Mamolo. Once you reach the street of the same name, continue and cross the large avenues. About 150 meters later, on the right, you will see a road that rises bristly, that is via dell'Osservanza.
The path continues for about 1km and a half to the Church of S. Paolo in Monte, much better known as the Church of the Observance. If, just before the church, you turn left into via di Gaibola, you will arrive at beautiful park of Villa Ghigi, perfect for a stopover or a summer picnic.
Perfect for spring and sunny days. Not recommended in the middle of winter due to the slope and the possible presence of a sheet of ice.
Journey time: 45 minutes to the church and 1 hour or so to the park.
3. Routes in Bologna: Path of the Bregoli
To go from Bologna to Casalecchio di Reno there are many ways, including: continue from the aforementioned Meloncello, via the plain and in the middle of the city, up to Parco Talon.
Alternatively, there is a second road - much less used - which leads to its own from the top of San Luca to Parco Talon, also called Parco della Chiusa.
This path is called the Sentiero dei Bregoli and properly connects the Church of San Martino di Casalecchio to the Basilica of San Luca.
On this path you will find a via crucis which starts (if you did the opposite route) from the Church of San Martino - right at the beginning of the Talon Park - and ends near San Luca, on Colle della Guardia.
It is a slightly more demanding walk of the other two, but truly picturesque and full of history. The route climbs up to the hills that flank the park, reaching a beautiful panoramic point on the Rhine Valley.
Perfect route for a warm spring weekend.
Journey time: 45 minutes from San Luca to Parco Talon.
Now you just have to prepare your feet. Good walk!
